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Wycombe World

Foreword Station Commander’s

Wing Commander Dennis

Editorial Team

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All articles for the Issue 3 2023 Edition to be sent to the Editor no later than early August 2023 to samuel.butler105@mod. gov.uk. Please send all articles as a word document with all photos and images imbedded with in the article.

I’m writing this as summer finally seems to have arrived, and apart from the obvious downside of hosepipe bans, I must admit I’m hoping for a long, hot summer – and that you are all able to take a break with friends and families during this holiday season.

The weather was of course a little different for His Majesty The King’s Coronation in early May, but the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who celebrated along with the rest of the nation. The all-ranks Families Happy Hour held in the WO and Sgts’ Mess was certainly a great success and I am grateful to those who helped organise that event. Sadly, the weather did impact the planned Coronation Flypast, which many within the Headquarters has spent months planning in meticulous detail; however, I was delighted that all of that work did come to fruition when the delayed flypast was offered as a tribute to His Majesty to help celebrate The King’s official birthday in June.

Closer to home, we were blessed with great weather

for Napfest – an opportunity for the RAF High Wycombe community to join with our local civilian community. This included a brilliant musical line-up on the Friday night, a fete on Saturday, and the usual classic car show on the Sunday. A great occasion for us to be part of the community and one which was supported by various RAF High Wycombe personnel who gave their time, and by Station funds.

We also commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the daring Dambusters’ raid of 1943 in a dinner in the WO and Sgts’ Mess. It was an opportunity to remember the great skill and courage of the crews who took part, and the work of scientists and engineers who made it possible. Apart from a memorable Lancaster flypast, the evening was made even more special by our guest of honour, Mrs Jacqueline Assheton, the daughter of Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, who was able to tell us more about the officer who carried so much responsibility as C-in-C Bomber Command but was also a devoted family man.

We have of course seen a change of leadership at the very top of the shop - with Sir Rich Knighton succeeding Sir Mike Wigston to become our new Chief of the Air Staff. We were immensely privileged that ACM Knighton was able to join us for the Annual Formal Reception – another wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community, from Mayors to Headteachers, from the Lord Lieutenant to local business leaders. Most were surprised, in a good way I hope, by the very quick F-35B Lightning flypast and all were entertained by the Band of the RAF Regiment.

So, another busy period for the Station, with success achieved in so many different ways because of the efforts of our people, Whole Force, at every level. Thank you to those who have given so willingly of their time, their energy and their talents. May I finish by wishing all of you, and your families, a thoroughly enjoyable holiday season and I do hope that all are able to enjoy a break, however long or short that may be.

CONTENTS SUMMER 2023

Cpl Sam Butler

I’m unaware of having produced any children (at point of writing), therefore, Wycombe World is increasingly becoming my baby. And let me tell you, dear reader, I could not be prouder of this fat little toddler that is THE SUMMER ISSUE!

Mr. Laurence Parker (The Wycombe World Lead Journalist) has somehow got an interview with THE Fredrick Forsyth who’s a genuinely famous writer from back in the 1970s and 1980s. For those who don’t read incredible fiction (you’re missing out), you may be aware of the late 90s thriller starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere which was a film adaptation of the best Forsyth thriller: Day of the Jackal.

But don’t worry, even if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, we’ve got loads of other stuff on. We’ve made a special effort to get around all the different station clubs and sports teams to ask for little snapshots of what they’re up to, which it turns out, is loads.

We’ve also done well with HWY personnel winning a lot

of awards this quarter, so do have a look at the last few pages in case you can “slab” one of your mates!

As always, should you take part in an action of daring do, please write up your experience and send it to us! We love to hear about all the wonderful things taking place at RAF High Wycombe and the likelihood of anyone recognising you is practically zero. This is the third Wycombe World with my profile picture on the second page and not a single person has confronted me about the spelling mistakes from the Spring Edition. Vox

views expressed by the contributors to the Wycombe World are not necessarily those of the

FREDERICK FORSYTH

His 1971 novel

‘The Day of the Jackal’ stands as a yardstick by which modern thrillers are measured. Researching his books, he has interviewed everyone from mercenaries and Nazi SS officers to military dictators and psychopath drug lords. But did you know that Buckinghamshire resident Frederick Forsyth was also one of the youngest RAF pilots in 1958 to receive his wings at aged eighteen?

As I was ushered into his home, there is no sense of ostentation. Family portraits adorn his office wall, including those from his flying days

as a Pilot Officer in the RAF during his National Service. The neat row of his novels peep from behind a cabinet, the only clue to his fame. He lives by his diary, and at nearly eighty-five he is still very much in demand for interviews and political opinions. I am ushered into the manicured garden, eagerly followed by his two Jack Russell’s who favour running around more than quizzing the new visitor. Peacetime conscription, or National Service began in January 1949 with the last conscripted men entering service in November 1960. Frederick Forsyth was one of the last intakes to serve Queen and country. The body

may be older, the hair a little greyer but the mind is still sharp and the eyes a twinkle as we regress sixty-five years to those exciting RAF days. He welcomed the nostalgia, like meeting an old friend.

The only child of a shopkeeper, he was raised in Ashford, Kent, before going to prep school in 1948. Living in the heart of East Kent, the Battle of Britain had been fought over his young head in 1940. As a war-time welfare officer, his father frequently visited the local fighter base with his six-year-old son in tow. “I was dumped with the pilots and ended up next to a parked Spitfire. One swung me up and dropped me in the cockpit. I was mesmerised and began to sniff the canvas, leather and oil. I also smelt fear because fear has a smell…..As I looked up into the Kentish sky I made a private oath – one day I would fly a spitfire.”

The seed had been sown. Despite tutors at Tonbridge school trying to talk him out of it (“they regarded pilots as little more than mechanics with spanners”) he left school at seventeen. At a time when many were trying to evade National Service, Frederick was desperate to get in. The “most rigorous medical on the planet” awaited him. For those one in a hundred who passed

the night vision, colour blindness, aptitude, fingertip dexterity tests and personality interviews, RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire awaited, followed by a three-month boot camp in Lincolnshire. As one of sixteen in a single dormitory, the grand title of ‘Acting Pilot Officer’ was bestowed – or “the lowest form of human life,” chuckled the novelist.

Basic training followed at Turn Hill, Shropshire with one hundred and twenty hours flying in the propeller driven Provost aircraft. Known to be docile, obedient and above all safe, the simple and uncomplicated lowwing monoplane was the training aircraft of choice. For those who got through the destination was RAF Worksop in Lincolnshire. “There we walked onto the apron and saw it….we just salivated, we lusted after that De Havilland Vampire.”

“You fly in it, or you die in it!” The Vampire was a British jet fighter. It may have been the prize for eager young pilots, but unlike the Gloster Meteor, which was a bigger aircraft, the Vampire had little room for an ejector seat. (“It meant that if anything went wrong up there – bye!”)

Despite its apparent flaw, the novelist still regards this as his favourite aircraft to fly.

Reality hit home when the dangers of flying became brutally apparent. “We flew in it and two of us died in it,” said Frederick. But the bulldog spirit that is the emblem of Britishness shone through; “We had lost two, but we were not going to stop flying. We were raised in the shadow – being teenagers in the 50s – of the legendary few in the 1940s.”

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He has sold more books worldwide than there are people in the United Kingdom – over 80,000,000 and counting.

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The burying of his two comrades remains a memory forever imprinted on the flyer’s mind.

“In hindsight, the 50s generation were an okay lot. We were up to everything and afraid of nothing.”

So, what was so special about the Vampire? “It was just the first jet. In 1956 I trained on a Provost. It was pedestrian. Ordinary. It didn’t go that high. It didn’t go that fast. It would do basic aerobatics. But the Vampire was a fighter. It was transferred from Fighter Command, Strike Command as it was called then, to Flying Training Command so although then called an Advanced Flying Trainer, it was still then a Vampire fighter. So, I can proudly say I flew fighters at eighteen. I think the only one who ever did.”

Out of the fourteen who passed out on parade back in 1958, Frederick Forsyth is the sole survivor. The memory of these men is being marked by a new TV documentary, ‘The Vampire Boys’ to which the novelist has contributed his recollections.

For the pilot who thrived on the twisting, turning and spinning whilst in the air, what is the fascination with flying? The best-selling author is resolute with no flicker of hesitation; “Exhilaration. To be free of gravity, the bonds of the earth. Flying is twisting and turning, up there, looking down at the landscape or seascape and rolling in the clouds – huge cathedrals of white vaper – diving through them and out the other side.”

However, there have been scary moments too.

“I remember in a Vampire I went out of control and plunged 25,000 feet from a thirty to five out of control. Why it did this I do not know but I was able to stop the twisting and turning, convert the motion of the spinning aircraft into a downward dive with level wings and then

you straight pull out and see the ground rushing up and then sky beyond the nose cone. Then you are out of the dive and back to flight. I don’t know why it went out of control. It just did. I was doing high altitude aerobatics and the wings just lost purchase, so yes, scary!”

calm when things go wrong is no 1, 2 & 3. That may sound easy, but surprisingly it isn’t. Anyone can fly when things go right. In the flying training programme 80-90% was handling emergencies. In other words, if a sky is like this (calm) and you are flying straight and level and you are

for his son than be a shop keeper in a small Kentish town. “He was in a rut, but at least it was a fur lined rut,” reminisced the author. “He said don’t be trapped in this little, tiny one-horse town.”

“Writing novels. That was another fluke. My life is full of flukes.”

To a person who had not been born in those times, those heady days of yesteryear were vividly brought to life by the novelist who considers having his Wings stitched on as being one of the proudest moments in his life, along with the birth of his first-born son, bowing in front of HM The Queen to receive his CBE in 1997 and finally fulfilling his boyhood ambition, at aged seventy-five to fly in a spitfire.

“At Duxford I climbed into the rear seat (specially converted spitfire with a seat behind the pilots) and took off. When the air marshall learned that I got my wings on Vampires, he said ‘you have control.’ So, I took the throttle in the left hand and then rolled her. I thought I am doing what so few people have ever done… .I am flying a spitfire…It was ultra-sensitive to the touch!”

What qualities do you think make a good pilot? “Staying

not climbing or diving and you are not rolling or banking, anyone can do that. It is when something goes wrong. You react and reflect. And you must not panic or lose it.”

Though the memories are fond ones, the world-famous author has no regrets about not signing up for the long haul. He could have upgraded to a direct commission, adding six years to his tally, or even a permanent twentytwo year one, but for the boy who had two ambitions – one was to fly, the options were limited. “The Cranwell boys would get the cream of the squadrons. I don’t think if I had stayed that I would have been airborne again. If I was lucky, I might have made co-pilot on a freighter flying milk and mail to Malta. More likely I would be flying a desk.”

The other ambition? To travel – ably encouraged by his father, who wanted more

Had Frederik Forsyth stayed in the RAF he may never have embarked on a journalistic career that saw him fulfil that second ambition to travel the world. He may never have worked in France that sowed the seeds for a certain thriller being written….. Call it destiny, call it fate, Frederick Forsyth’s life, just like his flying career, has been full of twists and turns.

Fame may have come with his success, but it has not blighted his life. “If you decline to be impressed by yourself you will succeed,” he said wisely.

Our time in the sun drinking tea and recanting his earlier days is coming to an end. There is a wistful smile as he deliberates on my last question - how would he liked to be remembered? - whilst looking into the clear blue sky.

“Of all the adjectives, I think the one that I like is ‘kind.’ I hope I have been kind to other people. That I would regard as a compliment –to be thought of as a kind person. It is short but it takes in a lot. It signifies a lot.”

By Laurence Parker, MCO RAF High Wycombe

HIGH WYCOMBE LIVE MUSIC CLUB

Are you frustrated with being stuck practicing music in your room?

Or are you searching for other musicians to really help showcase your talents?

The RAF High Wycombe Live Music Club provides a suitable space for band practice, individual practice, and live music events for all ranks and abilities.

Annoying the neighbours in the block? The club room is insulated with sound dampening materials so you can crank up the volume to 11!

Feel free to reach out to any of our committee members if you want to have a look around or come along for a jam.

Club committee members are:

• OIC: Flt Lt Kris Khan (Kristian.Khan108@mod. gov.uk)

• Deputy OIC: Fg Off Jack Simpson (Jack.Simpson174@mod. gov.uk)

• Treasurer: SAC Catherine Ryan (Catherine. Ryan208@mod.gov.uk)

• Media and Ads: SAC(T) Callum Haywood (Callum.Haywood103@ mod.gov.uk)

• Inventory: Flt Lt Ben Green (Benjamin. Green119@mod.gov.uk)

The club routinely meet up Mondays 1900-2130, however please reach out to a committee member to avoid disappointment and/or to

arrange your own rehearsal. Alternatively, if you seek more frequent, enduring access, then strongly consider becoming a member. Please visit the club site through the community portal on the High Wycombe station intranet page and use the 'Sign Up' button.

Membership is only £10 for the year. Club subs are reinvested back into the club to help provide new or updated equipment for all to enjoy.

Further benefits to membership are: Listed as authorised to withdraw the keys, giving you unescorted access to the live music club

• Access to our WhatsApp group, where you can find likeminded musicians, and coordinate sessions

• Provide input to the future of the club, including proposals for new instruments and equipment

• Use of club equipment including guitars, amps. A full PA, drum kit and more.

The club is an active and vibrant community, with club musicians actively playing live music in and around the High Wycombe area via the band ‘Noise Curfew’. However, the club encourages all musicians

(or budding musicians) of all experience and skill level. It is a friendly and inclusive environment where a love of playing or enjoying live music is the unifying factor.

So, break out from that bedroom practice routine and get involved. For those about to rock, we salute you.

STATION LEARNING CENTRE

THE BIGGEST LOSER (WINNER)

Over 250 pounds were lost by the 27 competitors who signed up to the ‘Biggest Loser’ 100 Day Weight Loss Challenge!

There you will find me, Alison Low, the Personal Learning Advisor, and Becky Smyth the Education and Resettlement Co-ordinator. You can pop in anytime to discuss use of SLCs and ELCs and to answer any question you may have on how to use/claim these. We can offer advice and guidance on the wide range of courses available and the best way to fund these through the SLC and ELC scheme. Some of you may not be aware of the Further Education and Higher Education Scheme for Service Leavers, so please ask us if you have any questions regarding this.

Becky and I welcome visitors who may need help through the resettlement process starting with the initial resettlement brief to

booking and claiming all resettlement entitlements.

Post COVID we are now looking at arranging more face-to-face courses, but many are still available online (in case that is your preferred way of learning). If there is anything specific that you would be interested in attending, just let me know and I can investigate the possibility of running a course.

We have a small library to browse and borrow books from, and if there are any books that you specifically require just let us know and we may be able to source them through the Central Services Library.

The station learning centre’s main entrance is on the left-hand side as you enter Site 3, next to The Hive.

Alison Lowe

NEW JUNIOR RANKS FORUM

A Junior Ranks Forum organised by the Station Warrant Officer recently took place at RAF High Wycombe.

The forum is designed to give Junior Ranks an opportunity to discuss challenges and ideas directly with the Station Commander and Station Warrant Officer. Topics discussed included

accommodation, parking, infra challenges and the relocation of the Junior Ranks Social Facility to Café 3.

Further JR Forums are planned. Please check the Notice Board on Teams for details.

Beginning on the 11th of January (straight after Christmas!) and ending on the 20th of April, the charitable weight loss scheme saw Wing Commander Walton win the challenge by shedding an incredible 34lbs (2.5 stone) through a combination of gym workouts and diet changes.

“I feel so much better, more active and energetic...winning was a total surprise as I knew many were doing the challenge. The biggest thing for me was making a bit of money for the charity,” said the jubilant Wing Commander.

Flt Lt White of the Station Charities Committee commented; “We raised £469 for our chosen charity, the Royal Star & Garter…for me, if the challenge changes one person’s life, then it is worth doing.”

Many thanks to Russell Thomas, the manager of our sponsor, Raging Ball in High Wycombe, who supplied medals and an annual membership prize to the winner.

Fg Off Williamson, representing the Station Commander, presented the winner’s medal to Wing Commander Walton, with Russell Thomas in attendance. Well done to all who took part in the challenge!

In case anyone has wondered where the Station Learning Centre has disappeared to, I can confirm that the Education and Resettlement Team has relocated to an office within the IWF, Oakeshott Centre on 3 Site.

Sir Richard Knighton Interview

Catching up with the new CAS - A Knight to remember.

“Call

me Rich,”

was my introduction to the Chief of the Air Staff designate as he warmly shook my hand and offered a friendly smile. I was instantly at ease.

In June Sir Richard Knighton will take on what is arguably one of the toughest jobs in the RAF, and although pushed for time, he is in fine form. This was his second interview of the day, and he knows that going forward his actions will feature regularly in the media spotlight. I was keen to discover more about the man behind the title, who, over the next few years, will be the guiding hand of one of Great Britain’s finest institutions.

Born in Kenya where his teacher-father was working, the young Richard returned to the UK when he was a year old and spent his formative years in Hilton, Derbyshire, a semi-rural village where he attended the local comprehensive school. Sitting in the cockpit of a glider at a village fete, aged seven, may have given an inkling to the world that aviation was in his blood. Certainly, by the age of ten a lifelong fascination began with Space (the 1969 Apollo missions had already occurred) and military aviation had begun. Hopes of being a pilot were dashed due to eyesight deterioration in his early teens, but the new CAS is philosophical and there is no sense of regret. “It is what it is. I would have loved to have played international cricket, but I wasn’t good enough for that either!”

The 1980s TV programme ‘Fighter Pilot’ in his words “captured my imagination” as did thoughts of a career in the Royal Air Force and engineering. But he cannot say definitively when he had the eureka moment that made him want to join the RAF.

Salient characteristics of an engineer (he secured a FirstClass Honours degree in the subject at Cambridge, where he was a University Cadet) twin a curiosity in how things work with logical and critical thinking. Sir Richard agreed that he has some of the typical traits of an engineer adding, “For me there was a curiosity in how things work and why things are, plus a structured, logical approach to dealing with problems. The additional factor I would include in what is necessary, especially as you become more senior, is how you are able to communicate, work with, lead and inspire people. That is probably the most important of all of traits that are needed to lead and run an organisation.”

Much has been made of the fact that, in the RAF’s onehundred-and-five-year history, Sir Richard is the first engineer and non-pilot to hold the top job - a quirk that continues to arouse interest. “People asked me early on if I want to make a thing of being the first nonpilot and I said no. I genuinely try not to think about it. My view is…my job is to lead and run the Air Force. My job is to do the best I can possibly do and in doing that I need to draw on all of my experience, skills, and background. I am sure in those who selected me it was a factor in their consideration, and certainly in the interview almost all of the questions were about leadership and credibility. As an analogy, Christian Horner heads Red Bull Formula One Racing and is not a Formula One driver….and he runs a pretty successful organisation. What I want to be is good at running the Air Force.”

During his illustrious engineering career, he has worked on the Tornado, Harrier Jump Jet and the

Nimrod. He would have loved to have worked on the more modern Typhoon, F35 or the Voyager. If pressed, it is the Harrier (“there is something wonderfully impressive about it”) that he has the most fondness for.

Still fascinated by technological trends, the unassuming Chief-in-waiting is keen to point out that cutting-edge technology is vital for the future of the RAF.

“What really interests me is how we can use technology to sustain our operational edge against any potential enemies. That is a key area of focus for me as Chief and how are we going to take the amazing kit and technology that we have today, like the F35 & the Typhoon as I mentioned, and make it better. It is a key part of my agenda as CAS.”

They say ‘leaders are born and not made’ but with Sir Richard there is the feeling that his leadership style is a mixture of both. “We are products of our character, our personality, our experiences, skills, capabilities. I think asking people directly for 360-degree feedback is a great way to learn and understand how your behaviour is impacting others. I aspire to be consultative, compassionate, decisive, fundamentally decent and kind.”

Commentators have described the new Air Chief Marshal designate as having ‘a razor-sharp mind’ and ‘a big intellect.’ When talking to Sir Richard you can understand why. There is the feeling that seeking solutions to problems is his raison d être and his greatest stimulation. He describes one of his toughest

jobs as being DACOS Plans in Air Command in 2007. He arrived as a newly promoted Group Captain to find that his boss had combined three Group Captain posts into one, and then given them all to him. “This was probably one of the hardest jobs in terms of volume. It was an influential job, both stimulating and challenging, and I felt like I could really make a difference for the long term. I also learned a lot about how Air Command works. I worked with great people and loved it!”

Recognising and nurturing talent is a passion for the new Chief. In his view ensuring people achieve their potential is all important to the success of the Royal Air Force.

“Work hard and do the best you can. That’s always been my personal approach. If you enjoy your role and work hard, you will do well at it. You will get noticed and that will likely bring career progression. As people grow in seniority and experience one of the key characteristics that people need to have is a degree of self-reflection, to be able to critically assess their approach and their impact on other people. And the humility to recognise that what they are doing might not be the best way to get the most out of people. A willingness to learn seems to me to be a key component to success.”

Undoubtedly the new Chief has a full in-tray including the war in Ukraine and the Sudanese conflict. Tough decisions will need to be made, but there is a keen sense that he is well placed to tackle these head-on. Insiders have said that Sir Richard ‘is the type of colleague you want round the table when there is a crisis to manage.’ His secret? “The thing is not to jump to conclusions. Not to panic or knee jerk. In certain circumstances - in real nearterm operational danger - you must act quickly, but usually, you’ve got time to think, to consider the situation and

try to really understand what the facts are. Working out what problem are you trying to solve and what are the root causes can be extremely helpful. It allows you to focus on the real problem.”

If he were given three wishes for the RAF, the new Chief is resolute; “Modern, high quality, fit for purpose infrastructure. A valued, happy workforce.” And the third? “To have an unlimited number of wishes!” he said, with a humorous twinkle.

In my brief time with the new CAS the phrase ‘what you see is what you get’ instantly comes to mind. Affable, likeable and determined, he is very down-to-earth, made more apparent with his guilty pleasure - a Friday night pizza watching reality TV show ‘Gogglebox’ and a glass of wine!

Sometimes you meet people in your life who have a knack of making you feel good about yourself, and Sir Richard is one of these people. Based on the best piece of advice he has been given, he really does practice what he preaches; “Probably that people’s opinion of you is fundamentally based on how you make them feel. If you make them feel positive, engaged, and confident, then that is likely to mean you are going to have a better relationship.”

His parting words to me were

CHARITY AUCTION

RAF Digital hosted the annual summer Charity Auction on 14 June 23 at the Pink & Lily public house, Princes Risborough in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Aylesbury.

Enjoy your journey, Sir Rich, and good luck.

By Laurence Parker – MCO RAF High Wycombe

This year the auction raised a staggering £1,605, with prizes including a Fortnum & Mason hamper, a limited-edition Clash of Aces print signed by WWII pilots and a signed Red Arrows protocol sheet.

The event also saw RAF Digital bid farewell to two longstanding members of the organisation: Air Cdre Mike Wilson (ACOS RAF

The RAF Digital Charities Committee would like to thank all the people that donated, supported, and attended the event. Without their support, it would not be possible to hold these events and raise funds for the deserving charities. A special thank you to all those companies that donated and to all the individuals that bid.

Digital) and Gp Capt Brian Watson (DACOS Capability).

“It is reassuring to know charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Hospice are behind service personnel when they are risking their lives on operations around the world,” said Air Cdre Wilson. “It is extremely important we continue to support these events as we never know when we might need them”.

“Enjoy the journey, enjoy the moment.

Fundamentally there is something to enjoy about everything.”

The benefits of mediation when resolving family disputes

Family mediation is a process in which an independent and professionally trained mediator helps separating couples resolve any challenges and disputes faced when parting ways. The mediator will help you to work out arrangements for things such as housing, children, assets and finances.

Mediation involves an initial assessment meeting where the mediator will see you on your own to discuss the process and find out what you are hoping to achieve. There will then be a series of face-to-face discussions between you and your partner, which are facilitated by a mediator. The mediator will help you and your partner make decisions in a constructive and confidential setting, making sure all disputes are resolved with as little conflict as possible.

If you do not feel comfortable with faceto-face mediation, the mediator will offer video mediation or shuttle mediation, where you will each be in a separate room and the mediator will shuttle between you.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to the mediation process, some of which are set out below:

Cost effective: Mediation tends to be more cost-effective than involving solicitors. Even if you do not come up with a complete agreement in mediation, the mediator should help you narrow the issues that are being disputed.

Confidential: Disputes resolved through mediation and not in court are completely confidential for both parties involved.

Faster outcome: Mediation generally takes less time to complete, allowing for an earlier solution than through the legal or court route.

More control: Mediation increases the control both parties have over the resolution. Both parties are involved in negotiating their own agreement and no

settlement can be imposed upon you. It improves communication: The mediation process helps both parties to focus on communicating effectively and relieves the pressure and stress that court disputes may bring.

Flexible: The process is informal and there are no formal rules and evidence required although the mediator at Blaser Mills Law will explain the advantages of full financial disclosure.

How Blaser Mills Law can help?

By focusing on clear and open communication, family mediation has the potential to get you and your partner on the same page. We will support you every step of the way.

Lucinda Holliday

With over 10 years of experience in mediation, Lucinda Holliday, qualified as a mediator in 2011. In 2018 Lucinda went on to get her accreditation in child inclusive mediation which means she can facilitate your children being heard in the mediation process when relevant.

She is an expert in her field with expertise in dissolution, divorce, and separation and the associated financial issues and children matters that might occur as a result of the breakdown of a relationship.

To speak to Lucinda call 01494 478 603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

For more information, visit: blasermills.co.uk

CROWN-ING GLORY FOR THE KING!

Glitter pens, paints and crayons were the order of the day for the Station run King’s Coronation Crown and Portrait competition in May.

Children from RAFA Kidz Nurseries at Walters Ash & High Wycombe and the AirPlay Youth Club created some amazing entries. Judging panel member and Station Commander, Wing Commander Dennis was impressed by the

standard of the artwork, commenting, “All those who entered are winners, it was very difficult to choose!” Prizes included teddy bears for the under fives and gift vouchers and art materials for the over eights category. Well done to all who entered!

FOR THOSE WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND

It can be harrowing, often brutal and memories can be positive or scarring in equal measure. In the same way, it can be just as fraught for the families left behind, especially the children.

April is the Month of the Military Child. Its roots began in the USA in 1986 and is rapidly finding its own identity in the UK. Its aims are simple; to highlight the daily challenges that befall children of military parents and to give support, comfort and hope in their often-tumultuous lives.

The warmth of a hug, the grazed knee kissed better by mum, that game of football with dad in the park are commonplace for many children but are often only dreamt of by the military child whose contact during long deployments may be little more than a snatched skype call. I caught up with eight youngsters from Danesfield School in Marlow, many of whose parents are stationed at RAF High Wycombe to ask the question, how do you cope when your parents go away?

The life-affirming responses will surprise you.

Seven-year-olds Baxter and Elsie have all moved frequently in their brief lives. Baxter has been as far away as Cornwall and back and Elsie is soon moving to Brussels. “It is hard to leave, when friends have to stay,” said the confident Baxter, adding, wisely “it makes me sad, but I know why I have to do it.” Behind his youth is an adult outlook, and there is a real sense that moves are part of the life his parents have chosen, and he accepts that this will happen.

If any military child is feeling sad and in need of a friendly shoulder, there are many at Danesfield School including Service Children’s Coordinator, Susan Monks, who understands that a little extra help and a place to call their own - a refuge from problems – can work wonders. Enter the Poppy Club - a lunchtime/ friendship club that takes place in the Yurt (a portable, wooden tent-like structure) where they can bring lunch, play games and practice art & crafts.

“It's very much their club. They can bring friends, make friends, attend weekly or whenever they feel like it,” said the dedicated teacher. Baxter is an avid attendee at Poppy Club, commenting “I can talk to my teacher or go to the Yurt/Poppy Club when I need help. It is so much fun.”

In addition, Danesfield makes each military child whose parent is going away for more than four months feel that bit more special by a simple but effective little badge. “This is so that the staff and children can recognise that they have a parent away and need to be kept an eye on,” said Susan. “Children also don't always know how to express how they're feeling so this is a helpful prompt to staff to open up the conversation.  Likewise, children recognise the badge and will often open up about their own feelings when their parents have been away.”

‘Band of brothers’ encapsulates the bond that many military personnel enjoy with their comrades – especially in dangerous situations. The deeper I probed the more it became apparent that the same invisible bond can also bind service children. “When starting a new school, the first kids who came up to me were military children. They had heard my name a hundred times…You get a different experience mixing with nonmilitary kids. When I am sad because my parents go away, they do not really know what to do. They are like…what shall we do? But with military kids, they always know what to do,” said ten-year old Archie.

Archie offered some good advice to help a fellow service

child to settle in at a new school, of which he has seen five in his short life. “I play a lot of sport. I am always asking can I join this or that sport and do it before school starts. You make lots of mates this way,” said the youngster, who moves again to Belgium at the end of the year. An articulate boy, Archie’s words showed maturity and deep thinking; “It is easy to make friends. If you treat other people nicely then they will treat you the way you treat them. It has always worked for me.”

Beth, also ten, found it hard to move and settle in and was frequently sad and lonely. And how did she cope? “I talk to my mum, and she tries to make me feel better and normally it works. Mum tells me about the good things about moving, like getting a bigger room!!” Similarly with Baxter’s sister, Fearne (ten) coping is often difficult, especially if you are the older sibling. With dad returning from the Falklands, and mum deploying to Qatar, stability is a delicate balance. For those with siblings, bickering is part of everyday life and is often exacerbated with only one parent around; “When one of them is away, the remaining parent does get angrier with me as I am the older one and told I should know better…… there is a lot of pressure being the older one. Often, they ask you to step up and be more grown-up in your outlook”. This can have its advantages, as a self-assured & confident Fearne found out; “You grow up quicker for sure, when my

Deployments, warzones and peacekeeping missions are all part and parcel of the life chosen by those who serve in the military.

mum went away and came back, I was a different person. I was small, quite shy and hid behind her. Now I am quite different and more open. If she went away now, I do not have her to hide behind.”

For other children, being a member of the military children’s club is not always so appealing. Grace, ten, summed it up succinctly with “My dad went away, and he missed my birthday and no one else’s.” It may seem small, but to a child it can mean everything.

With the support of the school and friends, none of my young interviewees lacked positivity or that youthful wonder that radiates from being a child. For Beth, being a service child does have its compensations. “Soon I am going to boarding school…I am really happy about it. I think it will be fun and good experience. You get to sleep in the same place… like having lessons at home and sleeping at school!” This is echoed by Fearne, “As you move around quite a lot you make a lot of new friends. That is a good thing. If you move around the world, you get different experiences.”

Whereas many typical children may have uncomplicated, stable lives, the military child often walks a path laced with deployments, frequent moves to new places, possible parent’s injuries or, God

forbid maybe even having to deal with their death. I let the question linger, how does a young mind come to terms with being a military child?

Choked with emotion, Archie gave a heartfelt response. All of us were silent, as we absorbed his comment.

“I think it is knowing that your mum or dad are the good guys, not the bad guys. I have a sense that they are protecting people and that helps me get through things.”

The expression ‘out of the mouths of babes’ immediately sprang to mind. Archie had said it all in two lines. The sacrifices endured, the loneliness, the sadness and the pain of separation was all worth it because his parents were doing something for a greater cause.

The emblem of the military child is the dandelion. It embeds its roots almost anywhere that the wind cares to carry its seeds and will survive in the harshest of climates. Like a military child it can settle in quickly and fly off at a moment’s notice. Wherever it goes, it leaves its mark. Thank you, Sebastian, Holly, Baxter, Elsie, Archie, Beth, Fearne & Grace for your courage, candour and insight into your world. I am sure as your lives progress you will leave your own indelible marks.

RAF SAFETY DAY

A fantastic time was had by all at the annual Safety Day on 1 Site.

The SSHEA team did an amazing job in giving station personnel everything from fire extinguisher displays, bicycle safety checks, yoga classes and defib demonstrations. The well attended event saw people trying their hand

sitting in a glider, keeping cyber safe, protecting our environment and Dave’s famous ‘Bomber’ Harris visits. Many thanks to Sodexo for supplying some delicious food and the BFBS ice cream van was a clear winner judging by the queues!

Laurence Parker, MCO RAF High Wycombe.

WG CDR MANJEET GHATAORA OBE

O thers B efore E verything

The official looking letter on the mat is the first step. You have been awarded a medal in the annual New Year or Birthday Honours List. But for those who do not receive that hallowed letter, have you ever wondered what happens next? One of our very own at RAF High Wycombe did get the notification and we can lift the lid to reveal all!

The OBE may stand for Order of the British Empire, but in the case of recent recipient Wing Commander Manjeet Ghataora, it could easily mean Others Before Everything. Over fifteen years the selfless Wing Commander has devoted his working and private life to helping others, from his engagement efforts to bring communities together, to being Chair of the Defence Sikh Network and helping young engineers with STEM to name but a few. He has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of those around him. “I was always taught to be humble. If doing something, don’t do it for a reason, do it because it is the right thing to do. I just get on and do my job,” said the Wing Commander. From his first tour after joining up at RAF Boulmer in 1999

to today, it has been a long and thrilling road for the adventure seeking Officer.

Whereas with military honours a superior officer is tasked with informing the recipient of an award, it is still a momentous surprise for many. On hearing the news, a tearful Manjeet was overcome with emotion and “genuinely gobsmacked.” However, the emotion was not for himself, but for his father, a former RAF Flight Sergeant, who had died three years earlier. “My dad knew how much a state award means,” said the clearly moved Wing Commander.

After formal acceptance of the award there is no correspondence for many months. An elaborate embossed scroll detailing the award is then received and for Manjeet, it suddenly became real. It was also hand signed by the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. This was a poignant moment for the Officer, who treasures the citation.

A month before the event itself forms are received detailing requests for whom you wish to accompany you. During this time Manjeet was showered with many congratulatory messages from officer’s past and present.

“It was mind blowing and extremely humbling,” cried the Wing Commander who had

over 700 ‘likes’ on his Twitter post and 46,000 views after the ceremony! It was also a real family occasion with three generations in attendancehis mother, sister and niece.

In a mark of remembrance for his father, the likeable Officer carried a picture of him in the jacket pocket of his No 1s. His sister also drove them to Windsor Castle in their father’s car. “I wanted Dad to be a part of the celebration,” said a clearly proud Manjeet.

On a misty February afternoon, the Ghataora family drove through the gates of Windsor Castle and on entering the building all the honours recipients are split into groups of about

twenty and directed to a waiting room where you reside for about an hour.

Soon after recipients are ushered into another room, where family are also present. Just prior to this you are informed who will be presenting the award. Yes, you are kept guessing until the very last moment! For Manjeet, it was none other than his Commander-in-Chief, HRH King Charles III, whom he had never met before. In his career he had the opportunity to meet both the late Queen and once sat next to the late Prince Philip at a Golden Jubilee celebration event in 2002. Your name is called, and you move up to face the presenter.

After bowing, nodding and moving forward, Manjeet, who exuded pride with a tinge of nerves, enjoyed a brief conversation; “The King has always been supportive of military Sikhs…and was genuinely interested in recruitment to the Service.”

You know when it is time to leave when, after the conversation, the presenter shakes your hand. Further conversation may follow. As soon as hands are released, the recipient then knows it is your time to leave. You then move back, nod, walk away. “I had forgotten the basics of

KEN IVORY -

SIR JAMES GILDEA AWARD

SSAFA

life….forgetting to move my arms and I looked like a robot!” joked the smiling Officer.

The 1990s British rock band founder, Skin from Skunk Anansie was also receiving an honour on the same day, along with fashion designer Stella McCartney.

After taking selfies with his family outside the Castle, the Wing Commander, who considered the event

Many congratulations to Sgt Ken Ivory – our amazing marathon runner who has recently been honoured by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Assoc (SSAFA).

The Sir James Gildea Award recognises volunteers and employees for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.

Despite service deployments across Europe and around the world, Sgt Ivory has steadfastly held the volunteer role of Branch Treasurer continuously

over 33 years. National Chairman Sir Gary Coward wrote “It is a great reassurance to know that the finances of the Branch are in such safe hands and that any problems will be dealt with promptly and compassionately.”

The unassuming Sergeant commented “Receiving this award for doing something that I love is really humbling. It is a great honour, and I cannot think of a more worthy charity to devote my time.”

For such a well-deserved accolade, well done Sgt Ivory!

Also

“a once in a lifetime experience…. humbling and surreal” is now back at work continuing to do what he does best, helping others to reach their full potential. “Just to be recognised is amazing. I hope it has made a difference, and I am pleased to be a role model for Sikhs in the RAF.”

Laurence Parker – MCO, High Wycombe.

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE GOLF EVENT 14TH JUNE –OAKLAND PARK GOLF CLUB

Oakland Park Golf Club hosted RAF High Wycombe golf association’s June event - a fantastic 18 Hole Par 67 course that was in great condition considering the hot weather we’ve been experiencing lately.

The course had fast greens, freshly cut fairways and plenty of Par 3’s.

hazards and out of bounds areas the course was a true test for even the best of our players. With seven Par 3’s not one of the 14 golfers managed to capitalise on this, no one scored a 2! So, the 2’s prize pot rolled over to the main competitions winnings.

The competition was, yet again, a close one, with all station golfers playing their best golf of the season. The format for the event was Stableford scoring with longest drive on the 13th and closest to the pin on the 6th. The winner of the event was Flt Lt Paul Dowers with a staggering 40 points! With Second place going to AS1 Matt Patterson and Third to Sqn Ldr Antony Wingate.

The day at Oakland Park was a hot one, the scorching June weather only added to the variety of challenges the course had in store. With an abundance of bunkers, water

A mention must go out to all the Staff at Oakland Park for all their help and providing a course in such excellent condition. A big thank you to AS1 Thomas Rivers (Events Co-Ord) who organised this event and the upcoming events in the golfing calendar for 2023.Thanks also to Sqn Ldr Sharpe (OiC Golf), Cpl

Michael Gray (Secretary) and PED Flt who have assisted with the background administration that is required to run these types of events.

The RAF HWY Golf Association plans to hold these events regularly and will also be competing in the Chiltern League. Please spread the word, all abilities are welcome to play in society days and if you looking to become a member of the RAF golf association,

please contact the Society Secretary Cpl Michael Gray.

In July, a team from of RAF High Wycombe Golf Association will be raising money for charity - Prostate Cancer UK. They will be completing a gruelling 72 holes of golf in a day. They will each walk the equivalent of a marathon during the day in hopes of fundraising as much as possible to this incredibly important cause.

AS1 Tom Doyle

ONLINE AUCTION’S IN PIDDINGTON, HIGH WYCOMBE.

We took a good look at our lives during Covid-19, evaluating our passions, strengths and expertise. With the support of our families and friends we gathered together financial and practical resources to establish “Badgers Auctions Ltd”, online auction’s every weekend, with a friendly & welcoming atmosphere! We are promoting a strong environmental ethos for re-use and up-cycling and discovering the value in good quality lot items!

Services we provide:

DROP OFF

MONDAY and TUESDAY: 9am to 5pm

WEDNESDAY: 9am - 12noon

Use these days to drop off your entries for the following Sunday’s auction.

AUCTION OPENING

SATURDAY VIEWING: 10am - 4pm CLOSED

THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SUNDAY: Closed to the public

Unit 12, North’s Estate, Old Oxford Rd, Piddington, High Wycombe HP14 3BE

Or call us for more info: 01494 880495 or 07904339160

With Register here: theiet.org/easy-resettlement Heather Brophy, MOD Development Manager heatherbrophy@theiet.org More information can be found by ask g your Trade or Branch Sponsor about the Engineering Professional Registration Award (EPRA). The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY United Kingdom.

and for the Be recognised for your professionalism Professional registration provides recognition of your military skills and experience and may mean you are eligible for up to £3,000 once achieved*. Become professionally registered with the IET. We are licensed by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng, EngTech and ICTTech With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply. Find out more by registering for our latest webinar What you will learn – An overview of the IET – Membership benefits – Professional Registration Categories – Overview of the UK SPEC – The benefits of Professional Registration – The Professional Registration Application process – The guidance and support we offer SSD4002 Armed Forces Full Page Ad-v4.indd 2 24/03/2021 12:36

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE ANGLING CLUB Sport

RAF High Wycombe now has an angling club that represents the Station in the RAF’s Southern Angling League (SAL) and 2023 is the first year of a trial joint team with RAF Halton. The league comprises of all RAF Stations in the South region (from Northholt through to Brize Norton), where competitors compete as a team of three, with the best results of two anglers counting for the overall points on the day. There are 12 matches spread across the year, held on a mix of venues including lakes, rivers and canals.

The May fixture saw an HWY/ HAL team comprising of Sgt Stu Thornton and FS Mike Dalziel travelling to Billhook and Bowsaw lakes, situated 1.5 miles from RAF Odiham. This resulted in an early wakeup call in order to get on the road before 0630. On arrival the team took a walk around the lake to see what they would be up against.

It was a beautiful venue with islands and lots of lily beds - ideal hiding spots for the fish on a bright, sunny day. This meant the team would have to balance their tackle just right to give them the best chance of landing a fish without the fish snapping them in the lilies.

Stu conducted the team draw (which places anglers on specific pegs for the day) putting himself on B-4 Permanent Peg 16 and Mike on A-2 Permanent Peg 2. This wasn’t a bad draw and, if the fish were keen to munch on the day, the team stood half a chance of getting some good points. Most of the matches in the SAL allow approx. 1.5hrs to set up the gear before the ‘ALL-IN’ is called at 1000hrs. Mike opted to set up a poleonly match, looking to target the fish up in the water on shallow rigs. Stu, on the other hand, had open water in front of him so opted for a pole and feeder approach. What little information was gathered about the venue indicated that it wasn’t a big weight, meaning a total target catch of 50-70lb.

At the ‘ALL IN’ Stu started on his pole line and instantly hooked into a 10lb carp, which he landed without any problems. This gave him a great start and meant he could sit back and relax a little more. After a few more small fish on the pole line, he opted to chuck the feeder to the far bank in the shade of a jetty coming out into the water. This turned out to be pretty fruitful, putting another 20-30lb into the net.

The match then toughened up a little bit the fish started backing away from his peg. He spent the last hour of the match down the edge close to the bank looking for a couple of bigger carp.

The ‘ALL OUT’ was called at 1600 and the match organisers came around with the scales, discovering Stu had put 68lb 6oz in the net, placing him 2nd in his section, and 2nd on the lake. FS Mike Dalziel’s combined catch weighed 42lb, winning his section and coming 3rd overall. This was a great result for the HWY/HAL team, especially as this put them as overall winners on the day, so great points for the league!

The league is open to all abilities, and everyone is welcome to come along and give it a go. Angling is a fantastic sport that allows those competing to represent station but also de-stress from the office environment. Contact Sgt Stu Thornton for further details.

Attached photos are a mix of the match on the 24th and some old catch shots from Sgt Thornton from other venues.

Sgt Stu Thornton

TENNIS CLUB

After I realised that; RAF High Wycombe Tennis Club was dormant/without an OiC AND that hitting a tennis ball hard can be very therapeutic, COMBINED with the idea that chasing after said tennis ball provides great phys without realising that you are actually working hard, TOGETHER with the accepted fact that tennis is a very sociable and pleasant way to get a suntan capture Vitamin D, I bravely volunteered to re-start the club in April 23!

We began with a fun “taster” session at the beginning of May using the courts at Lacey Green Tennis Club. This established that there was sufficient interest to make it a regular event, hence we are currently running practice sessions on alternate Weds afternoons.

We have the privilege of our very own club coach (LTA accredited Level 3)

who provides SME tips on everything from court positioning (“hit it as the ball bounces and then starts to drop”) to serving technique (“just like throwing overarm”) - sorry for any bad paraphrasing, Chris!

We’ve got a wide spread of ability from previous Service players to complete beginners, so whether you are about to step into Rafa Nadal’s vacant slot at the French Open, or you don’t know your “baseline” from your “volley”, you are most welcome to join us!

Free racquets and balls are provided!

Please either visit our Sharepoint page (RAF High Wycombe Community > HWY Station Community > Tennis Club) or just email me to register your interest.

See you on court!

Andy Armstrong OiC Tennis Club

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE NETBALL COCK-A-HOOP WITH THEIR WIN!

Congratulations to the RAF High Wycombe Netball Team (Flt Lt Hemmings, Flt Lt Dawes, Fg Off Bird, AS1 Watson, AS1 Grieves & Ms Bonney, supported by two Brize Norton players) who made a clean sweep of all seven matches played to scoop the Spring Tournament trophy!

Jubilant winner and team member AS1 Watson commented “It was an absolute pleasure to represent RAF High Wycombe for the RAFNA Spring Tournament – and to win was the cherry on top of the cake! It was good to see a range of players and teams there which made the day challenging but enjoyable!”

Six teams competed including; Waddington (a small camp close to the Spar at Cranwell), Brize Norton (has the Subway two hundred meters from the main gate), Lossiemouth (currently hosting the Night King), Benson (never heard of it) and a team of individual players.

TABLE TENNIS CHAMP

Table tennis champ WO, Tony Stead almost swept the board during April’s RAF Champs held at RAF Halton.

In all, 49 players from UK and overseas stations took part in a tournament involving group stages followed by the knockouts.

This being his 34th RAF Champs, WO Stead won two out of the four finals. For the 11th time in 12 years, he secured the Vets title. For the Mixed Doubles he retained the trophy for the 2nd successive year with fellow medic, FS Gwen Robb from Lossiemouth. Despite winning the Open Doubles six times previously, he came second on this occasion. Sadly, he missed out the only other award he qualified for, losing the Open Singles the final! No doubt 13th time is the charm.

RAF VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION

The Crown Services Tournament is the Royal Air Force Volleyball Association’s (RAFVA) most prestigious tournament of the year, a very competitive competition between 6 of His Majesties Crown Services, including the RAF, Royal Navy, Army, Police, Fire and Prison Services. These teams battle in a roundrobin style, and the RAF have a history of dominating the competition.

ready to repeat history. A bright start for the RAF but unfortunately none of the teams made the final (due to deployments, injuries and other commitments, we were missing a few of our more experienced players!) All 3 finals saw the Army take on the Police with the military team winning the men’s and women’s matches but losing the mixed final.

A clearly jubilant Tony was upbeat about his successes said; “For me, personally, at my age to still be highly competitive with the younger players just shows that as a sport, table tennis is not a sport exclusively for the younger generation.”

The tournament is split into 3 categories: Men's, Women’s and Mixed. The RAF also entered a 2nd Men’s team into the competition this year due to the high volume of numbers in the association.

With the Tournament being hosted by the Army, this year’s matches were played at the Surrey Sports Park (9-11 Jun), with a pre-event training camp at RAF Halton 4-8 Jun.

The RAF had 4 teams entered into the competition this year, the Harriers (Men’s), Vulcans (Men’s 2nd) which were entered in the Mixed category, Hawks (Women’s) and Typhoons (Development).

With a very strong training camp and competitive friendlies all the teams were in high spirits and

Flt Lt Matthew Fardy commented “It was a fantastic experience to play in my first crowns, with the competitiveness and comradery amongst competing teams fostering an excellent atmosphere. Playing for the Vulcans, a team established only days prior to the tournament, their progression and team spirit was incredible, only losing games to the subsequent finalists, Police and Army. If that wasn’t enough to encourage people back, getting to celebrate the culmination of 9 months of hard work and training camps at the function on the final day was a perfect way to see out the season.”

Mark Ryan

WO Tony Stead

BURPEES FOR 24 HOURS

In late March I took on a challenge of doing 250 burpees every 90mins for 24hrs (a significant number as every 90mins it is estimated that someone takes their own life in the UK).

The challenge raised money and awareness for the Samaritans - a charity which aims to help people who are struggling to cope and prevent suicide.

I was a little worried that I had been too ambitious with my challenge. But as someone who enjoys a good physical test, I thought I would need to do something really hard to ask people to donate!

I started sets of burpees enthusiastically in the gym at 0900 and continued throughout the night. Plenty of people supported me (albeit only in daylight hours!)

– cheering on from the side, getting involved with a set of their own burpees, and helping me count when I got tired. It’s thanks to these people that I was able to keep on pushing through the tough sets. I am incredibly grateful to all those who supported, donated, and provided snacks to get me through.

After all the 4000 burpees were completed, we raised £700 for Samaritans. And more importantly spread awareness that people are there to help 24/7 through tough times – call 116 123.

Cpl Lucy Gunson