· PDF fileRAF Halton Play Park Poject Station Health and ... build the MUGA on a disused car...

Mainpoint Spring 2015 1

Mainpoint

S t a t i o n S n i p p e t S | c o M M U n i t Y a n D c H a R i t Y | S p o R t S

The Official Magazine of RAF Halton Spring 2015

Red Nose Day


One team, training people for Defence

Group Captain A S Burns MSc MA BSc RAF

Publishing TeamPublished

Lance Publishing Limited, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering,

Northants, NN16 8NLtel: 01536 512624

email: [email protected]: www.lancepublishing.co.uk

AdvertisingSophie Thurlby

tel: 01536 526667email: [email protected]

DesignedLance Publishing Ltd

tel: 01536 521126email: [email protected]

PrintedLance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon

Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6TD

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email: [email protected]: www.lanceprint.co.uk

Foreword

EditorFlight Lieutenant James Lambert, OC Crime, Special Investigations

and Intelligence Branch. tel: 95237 6747 email: james.lambert626@

mod.uk

Deputy Editor FS Greg Saunders IMLC DS

Airmen’s Command Squadrontel: 01296 656380

email: [email protected]

DistributionCourtesy of the Central Registry

and Fire Section

Photography SupportKate Rutherford, Michelle Sage

& Luka Waycott.tel: 01296 656117

Editorial Team

Welcome to the Spring edition of Mainpoint.

Disclaimer:This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

Station Commander’s Foreword


Mainpoint

S t a t i o n S n i p p e t S | c o M M U n i t Y a n D c H a R i t Y | S p o R t S

The Official Magazine of RAF Halton Spring 2015

As the excitement of seeing the sun again climbs, I would like to take this

opportunity to once again say thank you. Across the whole of the Stn you continue to deliver and I remain in awe of what RAF Halton people continue to do both in and out of work.

I have also been delighted as I make my way around the Stn by the dialogue and questions I receive. From more formal Town Hall meetings, to being approached during my day to day business, the very fact people are challenging the accepted norms in order to try and improve Stn life is refreshing. It proves to me that people are taking personal ownership of making things better for all of us.

Some results are more tangible than others, such as the recent improvement of the play parks in Tedder Rd and

Haddington Close. This was all undertaken in cooperation with Bucks County Council and the local community as a clear example of the value of the Armed Forces and Community Covenant. This took a while but was undertaken following comments from Stn personnel. Other improvements are more subtle; however, I assure you that any initiative that can potentially improve things for our people will be considered and acted upon if possible.

As regards such incremental improvements, I would offer the following anecdote told to me by Mr Frank Diock (a famous athletics coach in the 1980s). I appreciate that many of you may already have heard this story but for everyone else I would like to replay it here:

Frank told the story of a middle aged individual who

took up cycling, bought the bike and shiny kit, but was not progressing as well as he hoped. He therefore asked advice as to how Team Sky had been able to improve so much, and was advised that they put olive oil on their wheels. When asking if that made a difference he was advised that it hardly made any difference. He rightly challenged ‘why bother then?’ The response was ‘No, you missed the point’, it hardly makes a difference’. The point being that cumulative 0.1% improvements make a huge difference over time.

Each and every one of us, regular, reservist, civilian and contractor has a part to play in this and I challenge everyone to find some small way in which life for you and your people could be made better. RAF Halton is already a great place to live and work and I believe we can continue to make it better. Have a great Spring!


RAF Halton Play Park Poject

Station Health and Wellbeing Day

Pride as Second Son Graduates

Stress Management

Operations and Planning Wing

Halton take charge of a Link Air Training Simulator

Initial Military Fitness (IMF)

Logistics and Supply Training Squadron

No Smoking Day 2015

Saddle Club reopens

Parents’ Emotional First Aid course

Lowland Rescue

Chaplaincy Corner

SSAFA at RAF Halton

Anthony Nolan Awareness Day

NC801 RAF Halton Co-Responders, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS)

St Louis School visit to Trenchard Museum and Air Power Centre

Red Nose Day 2015

Station Gym News

Extreme Challenge Run, Row and Cycle for Nigel

Airmen take the Plunge

Luge

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STATION SNIPPETS COMMuNITy & CHARITy SPORTS

Spring 2015contents


Station snippets

RAF Halton Play Park ProjectO n the 4 February 2015,

the RAF Halton Station Commander, Group Captain

Adrian Burns, officially declared the long awaited Play Park Project open. The requirement for the project was first highlighted by the RAF Halton Youth Club who were comparing facilities in the local area and noticed that the Tedder Road and Haddington Close play parks were in desperate need of a face lift. The whole process has seen these completely refurbished as well as the installation of a brand new multi-use games area (MUGA).

Lightmain was the chosen company to deliver the facilities due to their proven delivery at other military sites and Annington Homes were approached for permission to build the MUGA on a disused car park. Final permissions were granted by the Bucks County Council Planning Authority which gave the project the green light.

The Play Park Project has had the benefit of a number of funding sources from the Station as well as two significant external contributors. The first contribution came from the Armed Forces Community Covenant

Grant scheme, which aims to improve integration between the military and civilian communities, who pledged £200,000 to the project. The play parks are ideally situated close to MOD provided Service Families Accommodation but are easily accessible by the local community as well which made the refurbishment ideal for Covenant funding, as the newly established Princess Mary’s Gate housing development will also reap the benefits of the Haddington Close parks. The other main external contributor was from Section 106 funding, with a contribution of £90,000. This funding is provided through a levy paid by housing developers to local councils to help fund community projects.

Assisting the Station Commander at the opening was the Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council, Councillor Zahir Mohammed. Councillor Mohammed, who is also the Armed Forces Champion for Buckinghamshire, enthused that the new facilities will “be a fantastic resource for the children and young people of both Service and Civilian families”. He went on to say, “they’ll be a great benefit to the communities of Wendover and Halton for many years to come.”

After many months and years of planning the sites at Tedder Road and Haddington Close are now the home of brand-new top quality recreational facilities for kids from RAF Halton and the local community.

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Mainpoint Spring 2015Mainpoint Spring 20158 9

Stress Management

I n this busy and seemingly ever changing world we live in, balancing family and work

commitments has never seemed harder. Money worries, housing, family and career issues can sometimes weigh people down and the pressure can, for some, seem to be overwhelming.

Based in the Old Workshops, RAF Halton there is a small team of personnel working hard to combat the effects of stress within the RAF. The Stress Management and Resilience Training Team (SMARTT) deliver courses and briefs to educate personnel about mental health issues and the signs and symptoms of stress. Our aim is not to solve the problem for the person but to empower them to take control of the issues for themselves whilst giving information on specialist help when necessary.

One of the core aims of the team is to raise the awareness of mental health issues within our wider community whilst reducing the stigma associated with the subject. We deliver

Stress Awareness and Suicide & Deliberate Self Harm briefs to various audiences across the RAF. The briefs are interactive with maximum participation actively encouraged. In addition we also deliver the Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) course, which is a helpful tool in enabling someone who has experienced a potentially traumatic incident to better deal with the aftermath.

Recently, members of the SMARTT have trained to be Mental Health First Aid instructors (MHFA). This course has been developed in partnership with The Royal British Legion, Combat Stress and Soldiers Sailors and Air Forces Association (SSAFA). MHFA is running in more than 20 countries and is focused on increasing the mental health literacy of the population. We aim to publicise the availability and start delivering the courses shortly.

If you are interested in the work we do or you just want to get in touch, the SMARTT can be contacted on; Tel 95237 x6882 or 01296 65 x6882 DII Email Air-COSPers-Pol SMARTT Mlbx

Station snippets Station snippets

Station Health & Wellbeing Day

T he planning for the Station Health and Wellbeing Day 2015 is underway and

this year will be held during the summer.

The intent is to raise the profile of health and wellbeing issues and emphasise the importance of exercise, fitness and general wellbeing for Service personnel, their dependants and civilian employees at RAF Halton.

Look forward to informative and interactive stalls as well as external guest speakers and fitness classes, sports club representatives, competitions, practical treatments and professional advice.

Flight Sergeant Andy Cairns from the Force Development Flight at RAF Halton attended the Graduation Parade of 539 Thompson Intake to watch his son, Tom, graduate.

T his is the second time he has watched a son graduate from Recruit

Training Squadron as his eldest son, Sam, graduated in December 2013 and his third son Daniel, plans to join up as soon as he is 18.

Andy said: “I am extremely proud that both Sam and Tom have followed in my footsteps

in joining the RAF and to hear that Tom was to receive the RAF Benevolent Trophy reinforced my great pride in him completing the course. As the Reviewing Officer said to the recruits on the Parade Square, ‘this is just the start for them’ and obviously I will be keeping a close eye on their progress, and their younger brother if

he follows them. As they are both Movers, (I am Personnel Support) I’m hoping I’ll get good seats and a late check-in when travelling around the world on RAF Adventure Training in the future!

One of the guests at the Graduation Parade of Thompson Flight was Mrs Sally Wooding and her husband Kevin. Sally’s father was on the same crew as Flight Sergeant George Thompson, the airman that the flight was named after.

Sally explained that both she and Kevin had joined the RAF Club (which her father had been a member for 60 years). At the new members lunch she sat next to Group Captain Townsend who had acted as the Reviewing Officer at a Recruit Training Squadron Graduation Parade and she explained about her connection to the Flight. By the time she got home, the Station Commander emailed to invite her along to the Thompson Flight Graduation Parade.

Sally’s father was Flight Sergeant Ron Goebel who crewed for Thompson. On the 1st January 1945 they were shot down over Holland and all were injured except for Harry Denton. Ron was hit by shrapnel

which also blew a hole in the aircraft which Thompson climbed across to rescue the Rear Gunner, Hayden Price. Thompson won his Victoria Cross for gallantry, saving their lives. The aircraft limped home and was spotted by a Squadron of Canadian Mosquitos who watched and noted where the aircraft had gone down meaning that the crew were rescued 36 hours later. All suffered terrible injuries and Ron spent a lot of time having his fingers rebuilt due to dreadful burns he received after he gave his gloves to Thompson to go and rescue the others.

Sally said: “I got chatting with Group Captain Townsend who asked if we could make it to the parade the next day and immediately on getting home I received an invite from the Station Commander. We had a marvellous lunch meeting with the Group Captain Burns and AVM Niven and his wife. After the parade we met some of the Graduating Trainees who were all so friendly and interested in my story, I explained to them that Thompson was an ordinary man, just like them, he was a grocer’s son who delivered groceries on his bike but he went on to do something that saved two people from certain death.”

Pride as Second Son Graduates

No Smoking Day 2015

T he countdown is on for No Smoking Day 2015. The Regional Medical Centre is encouraging anyone who is considering quitting or cutting down to attend

for a smoking cessation appointment. We have trained smoking cessation advisors on hand to offer you all the advice and support you need as well as finding the right quitting aid for you.

Contact reception on 01296 656317 to book your appointment today.


Station snippets Station snippets

Halton take charge of a Link Air Training SimulatorT he James McCudden Air

Power Centre at RAF Halton has taken charge of a Link

Air Training Simulator.The instrument flight

simulator, or Link Trainer, is a ground based simulator designed as a basic jet engine trainer for teaching all phases of elementary and advanced instrument flying, including radio navigation, radio range and loop orientation, instrument landing systems, voice procedure, flight and instrument familiarisation.

The simulators were originally made in Leighton Buzzard and transferred to America before returning to Aylesbury in 1946 where the firm provided work for 950 local Aylesbury people. In 1967 the firm became a subsidiary of Redifon Ltd, a member of the Rediffusion organisation, and was renamed Redifon Air Trainers Ltd. In 1972 production was transferred to the Redifon Flight Simulator Division, Crawley and after that the Link Trainer

was given to the Air Training Corps Centre in Aylesbury for training before being loaded on to a transporter and brought to RAF Halton.

Tom Costello from the Air Power Centre, who co-ordinated the delivery, said: “It was quite a big job getting the Link Trainer through the doors with there being just a centimetre space either side. Our volunteers will now start working on refurbishing the trainer with a view to get it working again so any help that anyone who worked in the factory can give when it was at Aylesbury will be invaluable.”

Volunteers at the Air Power Centre intend to completely refurbish the Link trainer to go on display and are interested in contacting anyone who worked for the Aylesbury firm and may have knowledge of this type of equipment. Anyone interested should in the first instance, speak to Francis Hanford at the Trenchard Museum on 01296 656841.

Initial Military Fitness (IMF) Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) Physical Training staff have introduced a new form of Physical Training (PT) for phase one trainees.

T he main aim of Initial Military Fitness (IMF) is to assist in achieving

the transformation of a recruit from the civilian world to a disciplined, fit and robust airman.

Initially IMF was used by the Royal Marines. However, there is a similar requirement for the highest levels of physical fitness and the need for a form of PT to instil discipline, strength and conditioning into a group of Airmen in their initial stages of military training. As proven by the Royal Marines this Swedish system fulfils this role admirably, by providing an excellent foundation on which to build physical fitness progressively.

Apart from being physically demanding and achieving all the physical training objectives, mental efficiency is improved as the cadence of PT is increased by the staff delivery and words of command. The recruits’ concentration and therefore discipline, bearing and standard of performance are expected to be maintained during successive lessons despite the accumulation of fatigue. The ability to remain alert and capable of performing skilful, body-weight tasks is a pre-requisite ability for all airmen operating for prolonged periods under stressful and arduous conditions.

The PEd staff has enjoyed creating the new way of

delivery and has forged a strong relationship with the Royal Navy, led by one of the exchange instructors, Petty Officer Stu Brown. By taking some of the Royal Navy’s ideas but tweaking the content to incorporate the RAF Core Values makes the end result undoubtedly fit for RAF purposes.

Warrant Officer Tony Martin, said “The feedback from students has been very positive, allowing them to experience something unique and not available to them in the civilian fitness sector. They believe it has met their expectations of

how they thought Military PT would be before they enlisted. Recruits believe it has helped them integrate into Service life, preparing them well for the physical and psychological demands of both drill, and Exercise Blue Warrior (the 4-day field exercise phase of the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).

As students progress through a 10-week PT programme, the lessons develop into pursuits such as boxercise, spinning and sports competitions, whilst ensuring that cardio-vascular fitness and muscular strength improve through training.”

Sqn Ldr Matt Tope, Officer Commanding RTS, is thoroughly impressed with the programme, “As well as being a thorough workout, it points up the recruits’ need to work in unison, and there is nowhere to hide… it reaches across to drill and to the Force Protection phase to help produce fitter, more agile and capable airmen and women”.


Station snippets

Logistics & Supply Training SquadronWhile most new Airmen know Halton as the home of recruit training, its original function trade training – lives on in Logistics & Supply Training Squadron (LSTS).

L STS forms part of Supply and Movements Training Wing (SMTW) based at Halton.

It is an element of the Defence Logistics School responsible for the provision of specialist Logistics training to the Royal Navy, British Army and the Royal Air Force.

The majority of LSTS’s output focuses on Logistics and Supply training to the RAF. Its vision is to be a customer focused, intelligent provider of Logistics training and its role centres on providing RAF Trade Group 18 Logistics (Supply) personnel with basic and advanced trade training for both UK roles and deployed operations. This includes: Supply Chain Management, inventory accounting, warehousing, distribution, transportation of dangerous goods and aviation fuels handling. The Squadron employs 45 military and civilian personnel areas including training design, delivery, and support. It handles 1500 students per year, with courses ranging from 5 days to 18 weeks in length.

LSTS’s flagship course is Logistic (Supply) Basic Training (L(S)BT), which provides the entry standard into the Logistics (Supplier) trade for new recruits

to the RAF. The nature of modern Logistics squadrons means that new Supply LACs – like those of many other trades - need to be able to operate with only minimal supervision as soon as they arrive at their first unit. To achieve this, the course is modular in nature and provides a blend of both theoretical and practical learning. Both theory and practical elements can be fully explored within a Realistic Working Environment (RWE), allowing students to develop and consolidate their skills in a benign and regulated environment whilst being suitably pressurised with realistic timeframes and logistical issues. It also gives the instructor the ability to stretch the more capable students as more scenarios of greater complexity can be administered as well as assisting those less able in a practical, realistic one-on-one environment. By developing trainees within a RWE they are used to the surroundings, information systems, paperwork, pressure and exposure that will become their core business. This develops and prepares individuals in the best possible manner.

The training that is provided on L(S)BT provides the grounding for a Level 2 Diploma in Warehousing and Storage – LSTS takes considerable pride in the fact that all our former trainees go on to achieve this standard, setting them on the way for future professional development.

LSTS also delivers promotion courses for Logistics (Suppliers), as well as much of the trade’s operational and specialist training – aviation fuels, dangerous goods and explosives, and specialist Logistics information systems courses. Although shorter, these courses ensure the trade has currency in the skills it needs on operations. Finally, LSTS also train the Commissioned Officers of the Logistics Branch who will go on to lead the tradesmen of all 4 Logistics trades (Supplier, Mover, Driver, and Caterer). In addition to Phase 2 training for RAF Logistics officers, the Squadron also provides briefing packages on specialist subjects for more senior logisticians and for Engineering officers.

To support this range of courses, LSTS’s instructors have to be as diverse and flexible as their branch and trade; individuals will move from intensely practical areas such as fuels handling or materiel management, though to supply chain theory and database mining in other courses; all motivated by the understanding that while Supply may not be the most glamorous of trades, it remains critical to the RAF’s outputs. As Erwin Rommel put it:

“The battle is fought and decided by the quartermasters (logisticians) before the shooting begins.”

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Station snippets

Saddle Club reopens its stable door after refurbishmentThe Saddle Club has recently undergone a refurbishment and has reopened the doors to old and new members.

T he club had been closed for a period of time due to staff shortages but now

new life has been breathed into it with a new ménage (riding arena) and quad bike which will be used to roll and harrow the ménage, ensuring the longevity of the surface and drainage system.

The Saddle Club has been functioning for over 20 years but has a long history of use from the days of Alfred Rothschild.

When they were originally built in the 1880’s they did in fact stable zebras. It was also used as a housing area for the servants who worked in Halton House which would explain the buildings in the middle having rooms and an old stove. Lionel Walter Rothschild was well known for training zebras to pull coaches and famously drove a carriage and zebras into the grounds of Buckingham Palace!

During WWI the Army were based here and soldiers were

trained in trench warfare at what was then known as Halton Camp. During this time the stables were used as accommodation for soldiers transiting through.

In WWII the stables area was used as an MT yard providing transport for the various officers based here, drivers were able to stay in the stables to allow access to vehicles at all times of day or night.

In recent years it has provided the opportunity for military personnel and their families, civilian families from the local area and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) were long standing users of the facility until October 12, when the Yard Manager left.

The Saddle Club at that stage was in a very poor financial position and the infrastructure was in desperate need of some attention. In January 13 the committee saw several changes with

individuals moving on through work commitments or postings and times were exceptionally challenging for all involved.

Over the last few months some members of the committee have spent many hours of their own time working hard painting, weeding, chopping, sawing, replacing fence rails and generally tidying up the Yard for the arrival of nine horses. An initial bid was submitted to Central Funds during this time, requesting funding for a new Ménage riding arena. The previous ménage was over 30 yrs old, the drainage system did not function correctly, meaning the arena was constantly flooding and one side of the arena was subsiding. In short it was not safe for riding! After a lot of hard work the Club was awarded a grant from Central Funds and work started in November 14.

Officer in charge of the Saddle Club, Flt Lt Claire

Crighton, said: “There is still a lot of work to do in and around the yard and out in the paddocks, however, the committee are extremely excited about the future.

The plan is to have a stable hand or riding instructor at the yard by Spring or early Summer for three to five hours per day (this will be built up slowly as required), to offer lessons and co-ordinate the horses for use in the day to day function of the yard. The committee has lots of plans for the future, however, we appreciate that we must do things slowly and ensure we get the right people and horses onto the yard. Future intentions for the club are lessons and hacks, summer activities, pony club membership, so individuals can gain various badges, pony days, Airplay, Equestrian courses and of course we would like to be the Home for Equestrian Sport.”

Community PolicingClear Car Campaign

I n recent weeks, members of the RAF Police Flight have been strengthening

their working relationship with Thames Valley Police (TVP). Throughout March, there have been 5 thefts from vehicles and 5 burglary offences where homes have been targeted, in and around our neighbourhood. Almost all of these offences have been committed in residential areas, either in the evening or overnight. Many have been targeted because vehicles have been left unlocked and there has been a series of vans targeted, where offenders have smashed windows to get to tools.

On Tuesday 31st March, you may have seen the RAF Police with TVP patrolling Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) as part of a Clear Car Campaign. This initiative saw Service and Civilian Police targeting various areas and providing crime prevention advice to civilians,

Service personal and their dependants. During April, we will be looking at increasing our patrols and conducting high visibility foot patrols across the area. We will be checking that SFA is secure with no high value items on display in homes and/or vehicles, as well as randomly checking vehicles to determine if they are unlocked.

Please be mindful of the possible risks when leaving your homes and vehicles. Take time to check that you have secured them. Specifically with vehicles, take ALL valuables out and we also advise that you leave your glove box or any other compartments open so this shows that there is nothing left in your vehicle.

If you have any concerns or wish to have your say on policing priorities in your local area then please do not hesitate to contact the RAF Police Flight on extension 6514 or 01296 656514.

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T his article is intended to explain the role of Ops & Plans Wg in relation to

supporting station activity while also taking the opportunity to report on both wider group activity and, the interests and accomplishments of certain members of our team.

OC of the Wing is Wg Cdr Ray Morley and, as well as acting as the Deputy Station Commander, he enjoys the support of a team of 5 executives, each with responsibility for the following areas of activity:

Operations Squadron (Ops Sqn) under command of Sqn Ldr Gary Coleman hold day-to-day responsibility for Air Safety, supervision and assurance for all Halton airfield flying and ground activity. In addition, along with his team of 5 full/part time Operations staff the Sqn is tasked with the preparation and implementation of local resilience plans that enable RAF Halton to

respond to requests for support to National, Military HQ and Unit contingency plans.

As the Station Safety Health Environment Advisor, Miss Emily Haddock is accountable for the oversight of all aspects of ground safety. This includes representing the Stn Cdr’s concerns by auditing sections at RAF Halton in order to ensure compliance both with UK legislation and MOD policy. In addition, her team are tasked to investigate accidents and to coordinate a range of safety activity including Training, Radiation & Pollution checks and Conservation. The team also provide support to the Total Safety culture by stressing the need for the functions of ‘coordinate, cooperate, communicate and control’ when managing safety.

The Business Management Office is directly responsible to the Stn Cdr

for governance and financial planning. Mr Les Cuthbert and his team provide business advice, disseminate budgetary instructions and act as the fraud focal point for the unit. In addition, they monitor in-year expenditure and provide professional scrutiny on Business Cases and Investment Appraisals. Other activity includes responding to Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests.

Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence Support Sqn (C4I Spt Sqn) rely of the fusion between MOD Civilians, RAF Trade Information Technology Specialists and Contractor personnel. Led by Mr Noel Mitchell it is responsible for all Communications and IT matters at RAF Halton.

Mr Daniel Sage leads the Policy & Plans team and they provide the focal point

for management planning, risk management and policy development. In addition, the team produce contingency plans and conduct assurance activity. They also ensure that training is conducted safely, by maintaining supervisory care of recruits and trainees and by satisfying OFSTED requirements.

Away from the office some of our people enjoy individual pursuits that either contribute to the broader ethos and success of the unit (such as inter-service skiing) or give back to wider society by officiating at major events such as athletics and boxing. In this regard, three individuals deserve special attention, Corporal Gary Smith (C4I) as the Captain of the RAF Ski Team, Wg Cdr Ray Morley in his role as an elite boxing referee and judge, and Mr Les Cuthbert (Business Manager) as an International Athletics Referee.

Cpl Gary Smith was introduced to skiing in 2002 while at serving at RAF Brampton. Since then he has progressed from intermediate RAF Championship success to selection for the RAF Team and Men’s Inter-Services team. In 2011, Cpl Smith was crowned RAF Men’s Individual Champion and was selected as the RAF Men’s Team Captain for the Inter-Services competition, a role he continues to fulfil today. Since then, he has been a regular member of the Combined Services team. At the Inter-Services in 2014, Cpl Smith

reinforced his position as one of the top Combined Services ski racers, by finishing 3rd overall, with podiums in the Giant Slalom and Slalom. Cpl Smith’s greatest achievement however, occurred this year as he led the RAF to their first ever ‘back to back’ Inter-Services title.

As a life-long pugilist, Wg Cdr Ray Morley has been involved in boxing since a young schoolboy. After joining the RAF as an Engineer, he remustered as an Air Loadmaster, from 1981 he spent 5 years as the RAF Boxing middleweight champion and 2 years as the Combined Services (CS) champion. Upon retirement from the ring, he spent a short period coaching before becoming a referee and judge. Thereafter, he has progressed to officiate for the CS before achieving selection as an official at national and

international level such that he is currently on the ‘3 Star’ world panel of boxing referees – currently about 40 Referees/Judges – he is also rated as one of the UK’s top 3 referees. His officiating has taken him to events such as the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the World Championships in Kazakhstan. Building upon his past

experience as a sprinter in the Royal Navey and as a competitor at County level, Les Cuthbert first got involved with sports management when he attended a ‘Level 2 Officials Course’ at RAF Cosford in 2011. Since then he has achieved rapid promotion as a Track & Field Official and the

Away from the office and individual interests, Force Development and team building are equally important to the Wing. In this regard, members of the Wing undertook a Force Development event and visited various locations in London that were bombed by German Zeppelins during 8th September and 13th October in 1915. The day ended with a trip to the Imperial War Museum to broaden knowledge of military history which provided a humbling reminder of the destructive nature of war. It was agreed that the experience reinvigorated individual understanding of ‘why we do what we do?’ at RAF Halton.

highlight of his career to date was officiating at the 2014 International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) European Athletics Championships in Swansea. Also qualified as an Athletics Coach, Les has worked with the RAF Senior Squad and is looking forward to futher advancement in support of UK & Welsh Athletics.

Cpl Gary Smith RaF Ski team captain

Wg Cdr Ray MorleyBoxing Referee

Ops Wg Business Manager Les Cuthbertathletics Judge

operations and planning WingForce Development

...Pervades all that the Station does.


Community and charity


Parents’ Emotional First Aid Courseoverview of the course…Everyone knows you’re a parent… but do you remember who you are!

When we become parents our priorities change, we take on the responsibility of another little person and we tend to get so focused on this we forget we are still a person in our own right.

Parents’ emotional first aid will help you re-discover you!

We sometimes feel that we must be the only person in the world feeling the way we feel. Parents’ emotional first aid will help you recognise that we all share similar thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours to varying degrees.

The course helps to create strategies for our anxieties; identify the stress factors in our everyday lives; gain a better understanding of ourselves and promote a healthier sense of our own wellbeing.

Rediscover your own identity, Rediscover you!

This course commences Thursday 16th April 2015 at the Trinity Community Centre, RAF Halton and will cost £15.00 per person.

Please contact FS Ellie Wileen for further information.Mil: 95237 6122/Civ: 01296 656122 Military Email: HAL-PMS SCSO (FS Ellie Wileen) Civilian email: [email protected]

Lowland Rescue M ost people have heard of Mountain Rescue. Those hill hardened individuals

that go out in all weathers to search for and rescue stricken climbers and lost walkers. But have you ever heard of Lowland Rescue? I never had until I visited the Buckinghamshire Show in 2013 where I began talking to the guys manning the Search Dogs Buckinghamshire Stand.

Search Dogs Buckinghamshire (SDB) is an entirely voluntary team made up of people from across the county. The team comes under the national umbrella of Lowland Rescue who are responsible for over 33 teams across the country. Most counties have a foot search team and some (like Buckinghamshire) have a dedicated dog search unit as well. The role of SDB is to search for vulnerable missing persons (or MISPERs). The team is tasked directly by Thames Valley Police and is on call 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Unfortunately, thousands of people go missing each year but it is those that are deemed to pose a high risk such as children

ChaplaincyCornerthe First Defence cut of 2015 – the easter Bunny no longer required!

Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?Why do “slow down” and “slow up” mean the same thing?Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing?

Why are they called “stands” when they are made for sitting?”Why are a “wise man” and “wise guy” opposites?Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?

if love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

… Ah that got your attention…

Too many questions – I know!!

But life is full of so many questions… so much happens that we struggle to take it all in and are at a loss to explain so much of what takes place. So much of life is shrouded in mystery.

And that sense of mystery… for many is just a step too far when it comes to matters of faith and a belief in a god… never mind the God. There may well be times when we long for somebody or something to simply give us a set of rules and dos and don’ts… to go here and not there… and for somebody to answer all our “whys?”

People are looking for a story that can explain the way their world is.

At the end of the day… that’s exactly why the Easter story is the most amazing story of them all. It’s the story of how God declared and proclaimed His love for the world. The story that shouts from the roof tops that you and I matter... that our lives have value... and that God has the most spectacular plan for our lives. A plan so incredible and so

breathtaking – so expensive that it cannot simply be covered by a five figure sum... but by a five letter person -JESUS.

perhaps, one last question – have you wondered what that plan might be?

or dementia sufferers that the team are tasked to search for. The team get between 40 and 50 call outs per year and not just in Buckinghamshire. We are regularly tasked to assist neighbouring teams in Oxfordshire, Surrey, Berkshire and as far afield as Warwickshire. The team currently has around 45 members with 8 qualified search dogs. Other members have dogs at various stages of training which can take around 18-24 months to complete.

All of the dog training is conducted ‘in house’ by our own K9 training team and, when deemed ready, they are then put forward for a national assessment. The test is notoriously stringent (for good reason) and at the time of writing there are only around 47 qualified search dogs nationally operating for Lowland Rescue. The majority of dogs are ‘air scenting’ which means they are trained to locate generic human scent. This means that when searching an area, if the dog picks up on human scent, it will alert its handler then take them back to the source of the scent

(hopefully the MISPER). The team also have dogs training in other disciplines such as man trailing (where the dog follows a particular scent from a scent article left by the MISPER) and victim recovery dogs.

Training the dog is only half the story. Each human member goes through a comprehensive training package to ensure they have the skills required when out on a search. Skills such as navigation, communications, water safety, fitness and search techniques are all taught before a member is allowed to become ‘operational’. When deployed on a search, we usually operate in a team of two; dog handler and support. The support’s role is to concentrate on navigation, comms and first aid so that the handler can focus on working the dog. If needs be, all team members can operate independently of a dog and be employed as a foot search team.

Unfortunately all this does come at a cost. Because the team is voluntary, we don’t get any official funding from the Government or the Police. Team members’ equipment such as

uniform, radios, maps, search kit etc is all purchased using donations and money raised from charity events. None of the team members are paid and we do not charge Thames Valley Police for our services. Dog equipment also costs a substantial amount with a harness and light collar costing in the region of £80. The team is constantly attending events with our ‘road show’ to help raise awareness and funds. County shows, village fetes and open days provide an invaluable opportunity for the team to get out and meet members of the public. SDB also has the honour of being one of RAF Halton’s chosen charities for 2015.

To help in the funding I will be travelling to the Himalayas in May 2015 to trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp and to climb Island Peak (6300m). I am aiming to raise over £3000 in sponsorship to fund the team’s training. If you would like to be part of this adventure then please join the Facebook page ‘Halton to the Himalayas’ where you will be able to follow my progress as I prepare for the challenge

and find out a little more about the team. Alternatively you can check out the SDB website at http://searchdogsbucks.org.uk/.

If you would like to donate then please visit my online donations page where 100% of the money raised will be going to SDB: Fundraiser profile page - BT MyDonate.


SSAFA is a registered charity that was formed in 1885; we are part of the worldwide network of SSAFA Service Volunteers.

T he RAF Halton committee, formed September 2010, is made up entirely of

volunteers from the RAF Halton

Community and consists of both serving personnel and dependants.

We meet regularly to plan and organize fundraising events



and raise awareness through suitable PR. Our role is to address and support the welfare needs of those individuals and families of Service Personnel and their Families based within the RAF Halton Community. We work closely with Mr Paul Moore the SSAFA Family Support Worker.

We offer a wide range of support and access to practical services to assist our community including:• Help for all RAF, Navy and

Army personnel and their families based within our community.

• Support for Unit welfare initiatives and facilities’ including the community nurseries and schools.

• Befriending and supporting those who feel isolated whether through being new to the station, having a service member of their family away and are just finding it hard or due to their own or their child’s illness or disability.

• Practical, low level support through our team of Community Volunteers. This can include lifts to appointments, low key house help and support with children.

• Supporting the bereaved.• Access to nationwide

SSAFA services and facilities including:

• Children’s Holidays.• Welfare Housing (Norton

Homes at Selly Oak Hospital, Headley Court Stepping Stones and a Housing Service).

• Familial Bereavement Support Groups.

• Adoption Service• Travel Service and our Health

and Social Work Service.• Financial assistance for

individuals and families who need assistance with welfare (ask and we can consider) and agencies whose welfare work supports the Station Community.

Our reputation has been built on the excellent work carried out by our trained volunteers; be it helping out in a small way or being that friendly face to who people can turn to in their time of need can make a real difference to people’s lives.

Recent fundraising events…The Big Brew 2014 saw SSAFA volunteers selling cakes around the station. The Station Commander, Gp Capt Adrian Burns officially opened our ‘pop-up’ tearoom in the Trinity Community Centre. Themed cupcakes made by one of our volunteers stole the day helping to make this one of the most popular and successful SSAFA fundraising events raising an

SSAFA impressive £366. SSAFA would like to say a big thank you for all the help and support given. These funds will go directly to helping RAF Halton Personnel and improving its facilities.

SSaFa supports…Exercise can be key in maintaining physical and mental health. This is why SSAFA proudly supported the setup of the RAF Halton Cycle Club that opened in January. SSAFA were able to donate £300 to help equip the club enabling RAF Halton to get on their bikes!

at RAF Halton

Want to join in and help out?We are looking for both Committee and Community Volunteers. We rely on donations of time (and money!) to support those in need right here at Halton. If you have some time to spare and would like to help please contact Mrs Julie Smith, Service Committee Chair, on ext 6951 (01296 656951) or Sgt Jason Jones, Deputy Service Committee Chair, on ext 6645 (01296 656645).

RAF Halton SSAFA,

Raising monies by Halton for Halton




Anthony Nolan Awareness Day at RAF HaltonSergeant Chris King from the

Airmen’s Command Squadron (ACS) at RAF Halton has been

raising awareness of the Anthony Nolan Trust by arranging a visit from the team who assess the suitability of a person to donate bone marrow. The test, which involves a mouth swab took place in the coffee bar in Kermode Hall with personnel joining the queue to be tested.

Chris said: “I helped out at Anthony Nolan events at my previous unit, RAF Marham, in order to support personnel who needed help from the Anthony Nolan charity. One of my colleagues was on the register and was a match for a person who required a bone marrow donation, so I have seen how it works and how people can help out by doing the smallest thing.

My main goal is to raise awareness of their work around RAF Halton and the wider Air Force, but also to get individuals to sign up to the bone marrow register, so that they may one day be in a position to help someone else. I invited Sara Roulstone, the Anthony Nolan co-ordinator for this area, to come along and hold

a clinic. Just a simple saliva test is all that it takes.”

In 1974, and with her three-year-old son Anthony in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant, Shirley Nolan set up the world’s first register to match donors with people in desperate need. Today many thousands of people need help and the criteria to join the register is between the age of 16 to 30 but you can be added to the national register through the National Blood Service up to the age of 49 and the Delete Blood Cancer Charity up until 55 years of age.

There are two ways to donate; one being by blood and the other by bone marrow. The blood donation is quick and painless and used in 90% of donations. It entails the donor being given an injection for four days beforehand to stimulate cells. The bone marrow donation is done under anesthetic after a two day stay in hospital.

If anyone would like to be tested and join the register they can call the Donor Support Team on 03033030303 or watch their animation about donating at www.anthonynolan.org/donating

NC801 RAF Halton Co-Responders, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS)

The Team has had a turbulent yet busy 2014. The posting season meant

that the Team’s numbers were dropped significantly. However the guys rallied and the car was out more often than not. A First Person on Scene (intermediate) (FPOS) course was run by SCAS in October and we increased our numbers with more expressing a desire to join the Team. The new Responders have now finished their period of mentorship and are growing in confidence and experience daily and have already been exposed to the full range of medical emergencies we attend.

A mentoring programme has now been implemented meaning newly qualified members are brought into the

fold and up to a good standard in a relatively short time; the use of reflective practice has benefitted the new members and the patient. The mentoring programme also helps newly qualified drivers and hones their skills and experience at pace. This means that the standard of medical care we can provide has improved and everyone on the team takes responsibility and ownership of the Team’s reputation within the community and the Trust.

The Team has attended the whole spectrum of possible medical emergencies, this year, from helping the elderly off the floor and ensuring they have a brew before we go to RTCs, suicides and everything in

St Louis School visit to Trenchard Museum & Air Power Centre

Pupils from the St Louis Catholic Primary School in Aylesbury visited the

Trenchard Museum and James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre this week in what has become a regular event for this school.

New for them this year though was the availability of our flight simulator, wind tunnel and a “hands on” introduction to hand tools. Although not all were able to experience these activities, those who did were most enthusiastic about their experiences.

Francis Hanford, Museum Curator, said: “All the would-be pilots received their stick on

“wings” for landing the Chipmunk simulator while those not in the cockpit explored the mysteries of flight with wind tunnel models. At the workbench, suitably briefed and goggled; set squares, saws, hammers and screwdrivers were wielded with care and precision. Meanwhile, the rest of the class were exploring the museum, experiencing the feel of the cockpit of a jet aircraft and learning about the technical side of Royal Air Force history. The event was rounded off with a brief talk on what one might experience in an RAF career and, when asked, more than half the class said that they wanted to join up.”

between. The team has received many plaudits from SCAS crews on the road and management regarding what we do and how we go about it.

Our Performance Jan-Dec 14

Responded to 999 calls 439 Shifts 128Hours 692Miles run 5600

We covered several events during the year, RAF Halton Families Day, Halton House Open Day, Waddesdon Emergency Services Day, Wendover Christmas Light Switch On and several sporting events. We are a charity organisation and by doing these events we are able to raise funds to buy uniforms and equipment. To kit out a new Responder with uniform costs in the region of £100. We managed to raise £1000 this year, with Jim Underhill going to business and asking for donations and a Team member running a half marathon with a 75lb bergan, to help us kit out the

new BMW X3 4x4 which is in the region of £3000.

We are due to take charge of the 4x4 BMW X3 in the closing weeks of December which should be operational and on the road for January 15. This will enable us to reach some of the more rural areas in Bucks during bad weather.

Two more teams have been stood up by SCAS and the Army are now operating in the Southern Sector of the SCAS AO and being watched over by SF801 (RAF Odiham) until they are signed off by SCAS; this brings the number of teams to 9 with a total of 13 vehicles and over 100 personnel. This is the biggest scheme of its type in the UK.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic, versatile and adaptable team, with patient care at its core, or would like to raise funds for the Team, then please get in touch with FS Steve Whitlock (Team Leader). The Team has a MOSS page which can be found on the Station MOSS site.


Red Nose Day2015

Red Nose Day 2015


Extreme Challenge Run, row & cycle for Nigel

Service and Civilian Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) have undertaken a

sponsored charity event to raise money for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham. Each participant covered 36 miles each of running, rowing and cycling, covering a total of 108 miles in a 24 hour period at the Burnett Gym at RAF Halton.

The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice has a personal meaning to event organiser, Flight Sergeant Iain Laidlaw, a PTI himself, as his friend and golf partner was treated there. Iain explained: “On the 21st July this year, I lost a close friend through cancer. Although Nigel was never in the military his house is full of military memorabilia and books and his youngest son is serving with 45 Commando, Royal Marines. During his last few months, weeks and days, Nigel and his family spent time in the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham where they ensured both Nigel and his family were

looked after. For their support to both Nigel and his family and to raise awareness of this horrible disease and this caring charity I decided to complete a 24 hour sponsored event.”

The participants, Iain and four others, started the challenge by competing a 1.5 mile run, 1.5 mile row and a 1.5 mile cycle event.

Iain and the team, Cpl John (JD) Dowling and three contractors, Theresa Doherty, Claire Pearce and Mal Goodes all completed their individual challenge goals on time with the usual humour carrying them through the night. Both Iain and JD completed the full 108 miles.

Iain said: “The support of the team and their hard work has been humbling, we set ourselves the challenge and rose to it with the support of Station personnel calling in to give us motivation and encouragement. I can’t thank them enough apart from saying that the final total raised was £550 and still rising!”

Sports Sports

Station Gym

Burnett GymZak and Lucie are new PTIs to the Burnett gym. They are currently taking the lunchtime sessions which are held at 12.00-13.00 every weekday varying from circuits, boxing and body pump.

nutrition workshops in your sectionThey will also be commencing workshops covering a range of popular topics. The first workshop will be on nutrition which will cover information such as weight loss, weight gain, fad diets, sporting performance and will be able to answer any questions you may have. These workshops will be available from 9th March to all sections. We will come to you at a convenient time and date, so contact the Burnett Gym now to book your slot.

personal trainingZak and Lucie are also offering 1-2-1 sessions to help you achieve any goal you may have whether it be specific or just to maintain fitness levels. This is a good way to introduce new training techniques into your routine and to improve your personal training.

introducing RaF Halton’s new ptis

Lucie ahvee

Qualifications Level 3 personal trainer Sports Science National BETEC DiplomaLevel 2 ice skating instructor Certificates in;Sports nutrition, coaching disabled performers, fundamentals of movement, Suspension training, circuit training, spinning, gym based boxing, kettlebell training, body pump.

personal achievements I have a love of sport and fitness and I have competed nationally in athletics and internationally in figure skating. I started skating at the age of 3 and competed nationally and internationally in both junior and senior level. I earned my professional status at the age of 16 and went on to perform in ice shows.

I have worked as a personal trainer for around 5 years. I have worked with people of various ages and set goals, from first time gym goers to sport specific training and fitness competitors.

Zak Bowman

I have always been a fitness enthusiast and 6 years ago decided to leave my job working in bank management to pursue my ambition to become a fitness professional.

Since then I have achieved many recognised qualifications as well as graduating from St Marys University with a degree in Strength & Conditioning Science.

Since becoming a personal trainer I have trained hundreds of people all reaching specific goals, as well as working with professional athletes at Watford FC as part of the Strength & Conditioning department. I was also given the chance to work closely with the physiotherapists and help develop rehabilitation programmes for injured athletes.

I have always been an active individual with my key interests being football and boxing.

Right now I am currently working towards fighting for a title shot in Kickboxing.

the Maitland GymThe Maitland gym is currently undergoing a revamp. We are expecting new aerobic equipment and televisions to be in place by the end of March. We are also looking into ways to improve the layout of the fitness suite for optimum use.

NewsBurnett Gym Summer Timetable

Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday

0700-0800

HITT Blast7.15-7.45(30 mins)

0800-0900

Circuits/ Conditioning

0900-1000

Practice RAFFT RAFFT RAFFT

1000-1100

Directed Reconditioning Training Programme

Directed Reconditioning Training Programme

1100-1200

1200-1300 Circuits Spinning Boxercise Circuits Weights/

Pump FX session

Inductions

1300-1400

Stretch & AbsSession (30 mins)

1430-1530

Heat Acclimatisation Training

1500-1600

1600-1700 RMC PT Inductions

Starting Mon 30th March 2015

Extra Classes availableOne to One sessions available at your convenience Section PT and sport sessionsNutrition advice


Sports Sports

Airmen take the PlungeRAF Halton Sub Aqua Club,

also known as Trenchard Divers, is a Special Branch of

the British Sub Aqua Club and our aims are to promote the sport of Scuba Diving in the Royal Air Force through excellent training opportunities and participation with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment. So far this year the club has been involved in providing Force Development try dives for airman on SATT and SMTW. The Club has run four of these sessions on Wed afternoons with each session drawing in around 12-14 personnel.

The students generally complete the try-dives in pairs starting with a mandatory try dive medical questionnaire and basic swimming assessment before trying on a mask and fins for correct sizing. Next there is a 15 minute lesson on the orientation of the equipment and how it works followed by standard hand signals used by all divers. The next stage happens in slow time with the students breathing from a regulator at the surface in the shallow end of the pool. As their confidence increases we increase the depth until they

are eventually fully underwater, an experience that some find quite unusual. With the students feeling comfortable breathing from a regulator underwater, the equipment is then fitted and the signal to go down is given from the instructor. The next 20 minutes or so is spent underwater in the safe environment of the pool practicing buoyancy control and correct finning techniques with students aiming to maintain a position in mid water.

A hot debrief from the instructors follows before the next pair are ready to go.

The club is open to serving members of HM Forces and we meet every Wed at 1830 at our clubhouse on Reid Road (adjacent to the Pride contractors’ building). We maintain an extensive array of diving equipment for personnel new to the sport so there is no requirement for newcomers or novice diver to purchase

equipment. Our BSAC qualified instructors ensure members are encouraged to achieve the first diver grade involving theory lessons, a short exam and practical in water skills, some of which are conducted in the Station pool. Further qualifications may be achieved within the club, but members are expected to take the initiative.

For more information about the club you can contact the OIC FS Jim Callow on TAC ext 6819 or Mr Si Porter SMTW ext 6250.

LugeThis year’s ice camp had been affected by the weather! Right up until the weekend the team left for Italy the track to be used was still trying to be finalised.

This year tracks were struggling for ice and Flt Lt Dunlop managed to

source a track slightly further away but also higher up into the hills than previous tracks, which meant they had managed to maintain and open the track to participants.

The journey down as always was a long affair with the road move taking the team through Europe with a stop off at SHAPE before heading direct to Latsch in Italy. Once in Southern Europe it was clear why there had been a struggle to get a track for the entire period as there was just a sprinkling of snow on some of the higher peaks.

We all arrived at the Hotel Sachsalber and met up with the personnel that had flown in, as usual it was straight into the kit preparation so we would not lose any time on the ice over the next few days.

Day one, and for five of the group it would be the first time they had stepped on the ice of a Natural Luge track and you could feel that there was excitement, yet a lot of nerves in the group. The more experienced sliders helped by providing guidance and support in the setup stages

and prior to actually getting on the ice a series of safety instructions were given out. The track at Latsch was very different to the one the previous year at Lusen, so it was going to be a test for the intermediates as well. The training period was spent refreshing the skills that had been learnt at previous ice camps or street events and for a couple who had never attended any events before, a steep learning curve.

SAC Grant Worsley and Sgt Trevor Davies who had no experience at all found that the sport was not a simple one to learn but were thoroughly enjoying the experience. SAC Worsley said ‘I wasn’t expecting it to be as difficult as it was, but I really enjoyed the week, both the sliding and the people. Overall a really well organised RAF Championships and looking forward to Street Luge to meet up with everyone again’

The days progressed very well with the intermediate group finding their feet and receiving valuable coaching briefs from Flt Lt Dunlop, whilst the novice group was divided between a number of coaches which almost gave one to one tuition. Sgt Paula Spencer who had experienced the Street Luge at RAF Halton was enjoying the experience and said, “Learning the basic techniques was a great stepping stone to tackling Natural Luge on the ice. The ice makes everything quicker but the same principles apply.”

Unfortunately the weather issue did rear its head again and the track started to become too warm which heavily disrupted Day 3 of the training package. The intermediates were restricted to training on a part of the track with 2 turns and the novices just the one. Although not ideal it still gave

personnel time on the ice which was the most important thing. Due to the poor conditions and an unusable track at Latsch the team spent the morning of Day 4 visiting one of the World Cup races to see SAC Dex Unwin and SAC Sam Budd compete for Great Britain. As well as provide support for the pair of them it was a chance for all participants to see world class competitors and also receive excellent training points from the observations.

Day 5 saw the team head over to Lusen to see the new track conditions, although there was a big difference from the previous year you could see the track team had spent a lot of time in maintaining the track. You could see the excitement in faces that there was a full track to slide on and that throughout the day there was the scope to progress through the track. Initially the group started together on the same part of the track before once again splitting into two groups. You could see the progression in the groups straight away having had the first couple of days on the more difficult track. With excellent photography from Kate Rutherford from RAF Halton photography section, coaches were able to provide great visual feedback to the participants.

The morning of race day was upon us and you could feel a mixture of nerves and excitement amongst the group. Add the word ‘Race’ and you

know people are going to push themselves to get that bit faster and get one over on their mates. Everyone had their favourites for the race but in Natural Luge it all comes down to the performance on the day and the day did not disappoint. Amongst the novice group there was to be a close battle for the gold medal as training sessions had shown that anybody on their day could win it.

Track officials Sqn Ldr Adamson, Flt Lt Dunlop, Flt Lt Lloyd, Cpl Holmes and Cpl Jude made their way to their respective positions and carried out the essential radio and safety checks. It turned out to be a fantastic Championship event, with outstanding performances from all individuals which saw the places split by only a couple of seconds. In the novice Championships 1st place went to Sgt Paula Spencer (29.11secs), closely followed in 2nd by SAC Phil Harrison (29.22secs) and 3rd was claimed by Sgt Trevor Davies (33.06secs). The Senior Championships was extremely close with 2nd -5th place being split by 0.81secs. The overall winner was SAC Dave Clayton (36.70secs), 2nd was Cpl Matt Jackson (39.70secs) and 3rd place was taken by SAC Lizzie Driver (39.83secs). For the first time the championships held a doubles competition with the winners of the racing class being Team Dunlop (28.91secs), 2nd place was SAC Clayton/Cpl Jude (30.21) and 3rd SAC Driver/Cpl Holmes (33.00sec).

There were a large number of competitors who came back from last year and you could see the improvements that had been made. It is exciting to see the 3 RAF personnel on the World Circuit and it is inspiring others to try and reach that point.

For any personnel interested in the sport of Natural Luge then please take a look at the British Luge Facebook page.

Based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a heart-wrenching tale of an unlikely friendship between two innocent boys.

Set during World War II, the story is seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel takes him from innocence to revelation, revealing the poetic irony that through a child’s eye everyone can appear the same.

Brought to you by The Children’s Touring Partnership this world premiere of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas on stage, promises to be a deeply moving and thought provoking production.

Age guidance 11+

A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR JOE MURPHY MAKING THE PRODUCTION AGE-APPROPRIATE

“One of the challenges of this production is to make it appropriate for children of age 11 and upwards. While as adults we realise that ‘Out-With’ is the death camp Auschwitz -Birkenau, and that Bruno’s father is a senior Nazi responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, this is not stated explicitly in the book or the play.

We wanted to preserve the sense in the book that the story is all told through 8-year-old Bruno’s eyes; we only see what he sees and understand what he understands. This affects the way that the world of the play is presented; there are no graphic or overt references to Nazi imagery, for example.

We have decided to move away from naturalism and to present the play in a very simple, pared-down, minimalistic style. This means that the more extreme and disturbing parts of the story are kept implicit and allows audience members with different levels of understanding to engage with the story in their own way.” Visit wycombeswan.co.uk for more information or book your tickets today.

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMASWycombe Swan, High Wycombe

Tue 21 – Sat 25 April

At the Marlow Garage, now in bigger workshops in High Wycombe, we welcome all cars, especially Audi, VW, Seat and Skodas.

We carry out approved manufacturer warranty work (at matched or lower cost), MOT, interim and full servicing to major overhaul repairs. All backed by full electronic diagnostic facilities in our up to the minute workshops. And we supply and fit tyres, batteries and exhausts at competitive prices as well as working with a fine body shop.

So come to the Marlow Garage in Cressex for a better service for your car.

P. KERNANTREE SURGERY

All aspects of tree work undertaken

Hedges maintainedFully qualified, fully insured

Local authority approved: Free estimates, Firewood for sale

Tel: 01296 330501Direct 07763 073663

94 Tring Road, Wendover, HP22 6NXwww.pkernantreesurgeons.com

Aylesbury MoT Centre8a Bessemer Crescent

Rabans Ind. EstateAylesbury

Bucks HP19 8TFTel:01296 710927

Fax: 01296 392290For all your MoT’s, Servicing and repairs, friendly efficient service,now including Air Conditioning.

All makes and models catered for.

For all your travel arrangements.local & long distance, UK & Continental

2015 Day Trip Brochure AvailablePlease contact us for your FREE copy

16 - 57 Seat high quality vehicles

01296 661604email: [email protected]

www.masonscoachhire.co.uk

Tel: 01296 393932 Fax: 01296 [email protected]

17 Albert Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1LY

Force One Air Conditioning is a Buckinghamshire based company with over 30 years experience in providing a complete solution for commercial & domestic air conditioning applications using the latest technology and Experienced Qualified Engineers.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE• 5% VAT on Domestic Installations

• Competitive Pricing• Energy Saving Systems

• Qualified Experienced Engineers

www.forceoneaircon.co.uk

ROZELLE SCHOOL of DANCE & DRAMA

Ballet ~ Tap ~ Stage ~ Gymnastic Dance

Classes for children from 3 yearsTap Classes for adultsWendover Memorial HallWharf RoadFor informationTel: 01296 622001

Unit 3a Akeman Business Park81-82 Akeman Street, Tring, HP23 [email protected]

Pauline SadlerProfessional Dog Groomer

01442 891029

POSH PAWSPampered Poocheswww.poshpawsgrooming.net

SEATONSCATERING

Catering forall occasions

Sandwich deliveryavailable

[email protected]

01296 630279or 07812 818375

Shoe Repairs,Key Cutting,

Sports Trophies& Engraving

Also dry cleaning& watch batteries

27 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE

Tel: 01844 274651Email: [email protected]

RISBOROUGHRE-UPHOLSTERY

Specialists in all types of upholstery:• Soft Furnishings• Fabric• DIY Materials

FOR A FREEESTIMATE

Tel: 01844 347642Thame Road, Longwick,Princes Risborough,Bucks HP27 9SGwww.risborough-upholstery.co.uk

To advertise in the next issue of this publication,

please contactSophie

Tel: 01536 526667

Email: [email protected]

productionLance publishing Ltd1st Floor, tailby House, Bath rd, Kettering, nn16 8nL

Contract PublishingBranding Solutions

Sales and MarketingDigital Design

tel: 01536 [email protected]

· PDF fileRAF Halton Play Park Poject Station Health and ... build the MUGA on a disused car...

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Transcript of · PDF fileRAF Halton Play Park Poject Station Health and ... build the MUGA on a disused car...