The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Issue 6 ... · The official publication of Royal...

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The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Inside this Issue: News Queens Birthday Flypast Regulars Community Support www.marhammattersonline.co.uk Issue 6 2017 £Free

Transcript of The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Issue 6 ... · The official publication of Royal...

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham

Inside this Issue: News Queens Birthday Flypast Regulars Community Support

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

Issue 6 2017 £Free

‘Phoenix’ is the name of the project to reduce the number of re-offending veterans released from prison.

During 2014, the Government undertook a review of Veterans within the Criminal Justice System published in December 2014.

Veterans form the largest occupational group in prison.

Project Phoenix was designed to specifically respond to the issues raised in the report…

Project Phoenix (Phoenix) has been operational since May 2015.

Mentorship is introduced during the final 18-months of sentencing and continues following release, the latter, for a period of no less than 12-months.

Inclusion criteria are Veterans in the final 18-months of sentencing.

All Care after Combat mentors have undergone formal training, initially validated by the National Offenders and Management Service (NOMS) and upgraded quarterly as part of their ongoing professional development.

The results of the current mentoring intervention are remarkable with an absence of re-offending in the sample group.

We have achieved a 100% success rate.

The key benefit of Project Phoenix is, of course, to the lives of the Veterans and their families, but there are also significant benefits to wider society, not least the financial savings of diverting them away from the criminal justice system.

PhoenixVeterans in the Criminal Justice System

4 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS CONTENTS

EDITOR: Diane WilsonExt: 6739Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAGE:www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

DESIGNER: Helen BushEmail: helen@

lancepublishing.co.uk

SALES MANAGER: Jayne BaileyTel: (01536) 526677Email: jayne@

lancepublishing.co.uk

PRINTER: Lance Print LtdTel: (01733) 390564

COVER IMAGE:Photograph by Cpl Ashley Keates

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2014, unless otherwise stated.

STOCKISTS: The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, All other RAF bases.

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12

COVER STORY

Queen's Birthday Flypast.

............................................................... 9

REGULARS

Station Commander's Foreword

............................................................... 5

The Lightning Basing Team

............................................................... 8

Community Support

............................................................24

Heavens Above From

The Chaplaincy Team

............................................................25

NEWS

Honours and Awards at Marham

............................................................... 8

Achtung! Spitfire in Cyprus

............................................................ 12

Road Safety Week

............................................................ 16

12 (B) Squadron

............................................................ 18

Marham goes Batty

............................................................20

Make a Difference Update

............................................................ 21

Recycling & Workshops

............................................................32

Families & Friends Evening

............................................................33

Raffle & Summer Activities

............................................................34

31 Squadron

............................................................35

My Resettlement Journey

............................................................40

Charity Cricket Match

............................................................44

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 5www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

STATION COMMANDER'S FOREWORD MARHAM MATTERS

Station Commander’s

Foreword

9 From the Editor

Deadline for Next Issue: 18th JulyPlease submit all entries for the next issue by the date stated above.

Hello everyone and welcome to Issue 6. This month marks the last edition from our current Station Commander, Group Captain Rich Davies. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that he will be sorely missed. We all wish him, and his family, the best of luck for the future and thank him for everything he has done for the Station during his tenure.

We are all looking forward to Families and Friends Day. The committee have worked very hard to put on a great day for everyone, I do hope that you are able to come along.

Tickets are available in Wing and Squadron Registries and deployed families can get their tickets from the Hive. Evening Concert tickets are £5 each, with under 5's and deployed families going for free, more information on the acts performing can be found in this edition.

This is also the last edition being designed by Helen. Thank you for putting together all of our stories for the last couple of years, Helen, we wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours.

So here it is, my 24th and last foreword for Marham Matters. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since I arrived through the main gates, how time flies… I was asked recently what I most enjoyed about being the station commander, my reply was simple - 'going to work every day and not knowing what to expect – then being amazed by the excellence that is delivered without exception by the extraordinary people that I work with and for’. I am continually humbled by the professionalism, motivation and dedication shown by you all on a daily basis.

I would also like to say thank you to the families that support us all every day whether we are at home or deployed overseas. This station is more committed on operations than at any time in our recent history, the support of our families remains one of the most important factors in our ability to do our job – so thank you.

This has been without doubt the best tour of my career and I doubt anything will top it in the future. I feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to command this station in such a pivotal period in its history. To have been the CO of a station that operates the Tornado, an aircraft I have spent my whole career flying, in its final years of service has been an honour. When I fly my last trip later this

month, sadly I know for certain it will be for the last time.

There are so many people I need to thank, but there is not enough space to list them all individually here. I would however like to mention 2 very important women who have been a big part of my time here over the last 2 years, one I’m leaving behind and one I’m taking with me! Anne Cullen (Lady Anne to me), thank you for guiding me through the last 2 years, looking after me and making sure I was in the right place, with the right things at the right time…. And obviously my amazing wife Kate who has been simply brilliant, she has constantly reminded me to be honest, be myself and be happy (she would also regularly remind me that I still get things wrong..!) – thank you darling. By the way, in case you were wondering – I’m taking Kate with me!

So finally, I wish every one of you the very best of luck and success in the years to come. I’ve no doubt that the road ahead will have its challenges, however I know it will also have its rewards. I will continue to follow all that you do and all that you achieve as a station in the years ahead.

Thank you again and goodbye.

35

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8 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS LIGHTNING BASING TEAM

News from the Lightning Basing Team

Honours and Awards at Marham

Our newly completed facility is the contractor-only access gate which has been built specifically to cope with the increased volume of contractor traffic as work on 617 Sqn and the airfield start in earnest in the next few months. It provides contractors with direct access to and from the A1122 and is conveniently located for ANVIL building sites and compounds on the south side of the Station; contractors will also continue to use CG5.

'Topping Out' marks the completion of the roof of a new building. Lightning Project Team (LPT) contractors held a Topping Out ceremony last month for the Maintenance & Finish (M&F) facility, the Integrated Training Centre (ITC) and the National Operating Centre (NOC), all of which are being built by the LPT's main ANVIL construction contractor, Balfour Beatty. The event was held at the M&F, during which the Lightning Force Commander, Station Commander and senior representatives from ANVIL contractors BAE and Lockheed Martin were carried aloft to place the last piece of roof.

The next stage of work is to make the facilities weathertight.

At £135M, the latest contract to be awarded is one of ANVIL's biggest in terms of value and working area; Galliford Try Lagan Construction (GTLC) are the latest of DIO's contractors to join the ANVIL community accordingly. The highlights of their contract include building the Lightning Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), refurbishment of approximately 90% of the Station's Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) and the provision of new Vertical Landing (VL) pads with associated new taxiways. Following a period of induction, mobilisation, surveys and detailed planning, the contractor is expected to start airfield works towards the end of the summer. This contract is the 8th out of 9 major construction contracts that together form Project ANVIL. The remaining contract, for a further Lightning facility to be built near the new M&F, will be let later this year.

As always, please see the Marham F-35 Lightning Basing Landing Page for the latest news and pics.

It's been another eventful month for Project ANVIL with the completion of one facility, the 'Topping Out' of 3 other facilities and the award of yet another major contract.

Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As an Officer (OBE)

Wing Commander J A Freeborough

As a Member (MBE)

Warrant Officer A R Butterfill

DCOM Commendation

Flight Lieutenant M J Hodkiss

AOC 1 Group Commendation

Squadron Leader R PodmoreSergeant D J LangleyActing Sergeant D J MortimerCorporal D Freeman

AOC 1 Group Team Commendation

Personnel Services FlightSurvival Evade Resist and Extract Bay

The following personnel were all recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

As part of 'Local Radio Day', Group Captain Rich Davies was invited to the KLFM studios in King's Lynn to read the news live on air.

He carries out many different roles being the Station Commander of RAF Marham, but he can now add newsreader to his vast CV.

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 9www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY FLYPAST MARHAM MATTERS

Queen's Birthday Flypast

After months of planning and a practice run a few days before, which routed over the skies here at RAF Marham, the stage was set for the 29 aircraft from 8 different RAF stations to meet around 70 miles outside of London and proceed to the Mall.

The 2 Tornados from Marham flew alongside the Voyager, just ahead of the Red Arrows at the rear of the display. Cpl Ash Keates and SAC Ed Wright from RAF Marham's photographic section were on board the Voyager and captured the images you see here.

Sqn Ldr Furness said "It has been a great honour to lead the fly past for Her Majesty's birthday celebrations this year. I couldn't have asked for better weather and the entire team, from the aircrew and organisation to the support staff, have worked very hard to ensure that we could put on a superb show. I feel very fortunate to have taken part in the fly past on three previous occasions, not only in a Tornado GR4, but also as the crew of a BBMF Lancaster and a BBMF Dakota. Flying over the capital and seeing the crowds on the Mall and the Royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace is an amazing sight to see."

On Saturday 17th June Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham took part in the Queen's Birthday Flypast in London. Sqn Ldr Jim Furness of RAF Marham was the lead

of the entire formation.

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On the more joyful side of things, I deliver bespoke and personal ceremonies that reflect your individuality and personal preferences. Whether you are planning a Marriage Ceremony, Renewal of Vows or a Civil Partnership Ceremony, I will work closely with you to achieve exactly the ceremony you dream of.

You can be as creative in designing your ceremony as you wish - both in terms of location and ceremony content, including symbolic and religious elements, which would not be permitted in a civil marriage.

My ceremonies have been held on many forms of transport, from river boats to double decker buses, on beaches and in bluebell woods, as well as in private homes and beautiful gardens. You can hold your ceremony at any time of day that suits you, without any restrictions. I have worked with the BBC on several occasions, writing and conducting ceremonies on the CBBC show ‘Marrying Mum & Dad’.

I also write and conduct civil funeral services, which are such a great honour and privilege.

Funerals are the last and final chance we have to say our goodbyes; to honour the person who has died and to pay tribute to them in the most appropriate manner. It’s one of the hardest things in life that any of us have to do and it’s a crucial part of the grieving process to ensure that the final farewell is exactly right.

Working closely with Funeral Directors, I provide sympathetic and respectful home visits to help you develop a funeral service that reflects the life of the person who lived. I can offer guidance regarding music, poems and readings, to really capture the essence of the person you loved.

Unlike my Humanist colleagues, I am happy to incorporate hymns and other religious content within the service. I often hear people say that they don’t necessarily want a fully religious service for their loved one but would like inclusion of a hymn or the Lord’s Prayer, for example. You have full control over the elements included within the service.

I encourage participation from family and friends and can discuss this with you at the family meeting. My priority is to ensure that the life of your loved one is celebrated in the most fitting manner.

I also offer other ceremonies such as baby-namings, engagement celebrations and pet farewell ceremonies. If it’s a meaningful occasion to you, then I can create a meaningful ceremony.

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Sarah BakerNorfolk Bluebells Celebrant

Sarah BakerNorfolk Bluebells Celebrant

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12 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS ACHTUNG! SPITFIRE IN CYPRUS

“Roger, do you remember ‘It ain’t half hot mum’? It’s basically just like that with me playing a cross between

Don Estelle and Melvin Hayes”.

‘ACHTUNG! SPITFIRE'Bringing Rock to the Masses and the Messes’

You have the opportunity to see for yourself as Achtung! Spitfire will be performing at this year’s Families and Friends Day Evening Concert. Tickets are available now from Wing and Squadron Registries, priced at £5 per person (Deployed families and under 5’s go free). Deployed families need to speak to the Hive to get their tickets.

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 13www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

ACHTUNG! SPITFIRE IN CYPRUS MARHAM MATTERS

That was my attempt to explain to the Director of Logistics Delivery that I and the rest of my band, ACHTUNG! Spitfire, had been asked to support the Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) team that was travelling out to Cyprus to put on two shows for Op TOSCA and OP SHADER at the end of May 2017. The final show would be performed at RAF Akrotiri and would coincide with the finals night of the annual RAF Akrotiri Rugby 10s Competition. We would be the supporting act along with BFBS Cyprus and play an hour long set before the CSE band ‘All For One’ took to the stage and brought the week-long rugby tournament to a fantastic climax.

But to give you a little context…ACHTUNG! Spitfire was born 12 years ago at HQ Strike Command (That’s HQ AIR Command for the younger generation) and was formed by 4 RAF Logistics Officers, namely; Graham Langfield (Langers), Stu Gregory, Simon Brackstone and yours truly. As part of a thriving Live Music Club and local music scene we were soon playing in the Messes and Cpls Club and would help to run the monthly ‘Open Mic Night’ in the All Ranks bar. Spreading our wings a little further we played at RAF Benson, RAF Odiham and RAF Northolt where we played our first Christmas Draw (and set off the fire alarm with our smoke machine…different story)!Through the last 12 years we have had 4 different drummers and have been playing with our current chap Stew Geary on and off for 10 years, and last year we adopted our first British Army member in Jules Parke-

Robinson to give my voice a rest and let’s be honest, improve the ‘stage picture’ somewhat.

So from Mess functions, Balls, Christmas Parties, Weddings, Families’ days and Charity Fund Raisers we have covered most of the south of England. A couple of highlights include playing at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2008 at the aftershow party for all those that had worked the Airshow, and then in 2012 we played in Covent Garden as part of an RAF led opening day to the Poppy Appeal, which was a fantastic event (yes I did say “Good night Covent Garden!” you’ve kinda got to…it’s the rules)

Despite being posted all over the country; I am in Bristol, the others are posted to RAF Marham, Northwood, High Wycombe and Bulford, we manage to find the time and the energy to get together and perform whenever we can. Over the last 12 months we have played at the Defence Academy Shrivenham, RAF Brize Norton, RAF High Wycombe and recently at RAF Marham for their Centenary celebrations.As a previous OIC Rugby at Akrotiri back in 2002, when the call came to offer us the chance to play over in Cyprus and under the auspices of CSE, it was too good a chance to turn down. PJHQ had already approved the CSE show so I just had to convince Roger that he could do without me for 4 days…that didn’t take long…must work harder on my tea making skills!

A week before we flew we got the sad news that Stu Gregory had been taken ill and was in Frimley Park Hospital with a serious infection. Ultimately, despite various contingency

plans, doctor’s orders meant he could not travel and we were going to have to work up a new set and I was going to have to learn some new songs on bass and relearn some old songs we

hadn’t played in years…challenging!

Thankfully all went well at RAF Brize Norton, we left on time and with both bands' precious instruments safely stowed away in the hold of the Voyager we set off on our first ever overseas adventure.

On arrival, we were overjoyed that all the instruments had made the trip in one piece and while the professionals were whisked off to their hotel, we were met by an old friend of mine and taken to our transit accommodation which the rugby club had arranged for us. After a quick freshen up, we were taken down to the ‘Live Music Club’ which had arranged a great rehearsal space for us to use for the next few days, down by the water and away from the Airfield.

The next 2 days was a bit of a blur with rehearsals and trying to fend off a cold which was threatening to leave me with no voice at all, but thanks to handfuls of Lemsip Max and Strepsils, plus the odd bottle of Keo (when in Rome…) we finished on Thursday night happy we had a good solid set for the show the following night.

The day of the show arrived and we were all up early because we had an appointment at the BFBS studio to do an interview and a couple of ‘Live Lounge’ acoustic songs as a trail for that night’s CSE show. All went well…just about, 0815 is not a great time for singing! The other band did their thing and sounded great so the expectation for that evening was mounting. We chatted in the foyer, and they said their gig for the Op TOSCA detachment the night before had gone really well and the same local Cypriot Sound Engineers were going to be on the faders that night so there was nothing to worry about.Sure enough, the sound check went without a snag and we were all amazed at just how good the sound on stage

was, the joy of working with professionals, normally we just twiddle some knobs on our desk till it sounds ok out front, decent onstage monitoring is a luxury. After a quick change we dashed back to see the Rugby Finals and my old team Akrotiri Flamingos lift the Cup for the first time in over 30 years of hosting the competition. Commander British Forces Cyprus, Maj Gen Illingworth, made the presentations and then we headed over to the arena to make final preparation and tune up before taking the stage. The sun had just set when we started and our ambitious a cappella opening of the chorus to Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler into Queen’s ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ just about worked and then we were off. The hour flew by and we were soon closing with the Kings of Leon classic ‘Sex on Fire’, it had taken a while to get everyone down and jumping around but we definitely warmed the crowd up and set the tone for ‘All For One’ to turn it up to eleven!

It was a brilliant event and a privilege to support BFBS and the CSE and all the great work they do bringing live entertainment to our deployed troops, wherever they may be. It also was a chance to show that you don’t always need Ed Sheeran or Peter Andre to lift morale…apparently a bunch of chubby, aging, have-a-go rockers will sometimes do just fine…ACHTUNG!

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MARHAM MATTERS ROAD SAFETY WEEK

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’16 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017

CHERRY TREE ACADEMY ROAD SAFETY WEEK

It was with this in mind that the children of Cherry Tree Academy Marham spent a week having an in depth look at road safety. With the Academy being spread over two sites both the Infant and Junior academies carried out lessons aimed at their specific age groups throughout the week. However, what better way to start than to actually go and catch people speeding!! With the assistance of Mr. Paisley, who volunteers with the Community Speed Watch Team, children from both sites were introduced to the role that the team play in monitoring the roads around Upper Marham and Marham village. In small groups the children took it in turns to use the speed equipment to measure the speed of passing vehicles. Amazingly they actually caught numerous people breaking the 30 mph speed limit over the space of a very short period. Luckily for these people the children cannot issue speeding fines and if you were a driver of one of the offending vehicles count yourself lucky as you managed to dodge a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. Maybe next time you will not be as lucky.

Infant School

Monday at the Infant school saw the children utilizing the educational aspects of 'The Honest Truth' charity website where they were introduced to 'The Zoo Song'. The song aims to highlight the importance of road safety by introducing different characters with different road safety bad habits. The Cheetah who drives too fast, the Parrott who drives whilst talking on the mobile phone, the Chimps who distract the drive by messing about, the Rhino who never wears a seatbelt and the Peacock who likes to show off to his

As we all know when it comes to road safety we all have a part to play. Whether this be wearing a seat belt, keeping to the speed limit or just having an awareness of the dangers associated with roads in general.

friends. So if your child has been calling you an animal from this list maybe its something to pay attention to.

Tuesday was aimed at another big aspect of road safety which is how to be safe when riding a bicycle. The children of the Infant school had the opportunity to have their bikes checked for serviceability followed by a safe cycling lesson on the playground provided by their teachers Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Inder.

Wednesday saw the children being introduced to Bethany and Benjamin bears by Mrs. Catherine Leigh from the Norfolk County Council Road Safety Team. The teddy bears are used to teach the children the importance of road safety by engaging in role play activities which encourages verbal and physical interaction. For example the bears talk about holding hands with an

adult when near a road and the importance of wearing a seat belt when in a vehicle. Thursday allowed the children to utilize what they had learnt throughout the week to produce a poster displaying their individual take on road safety. All classes across the Infant school produced excellent posters and I had the unenviable task of picking the best three posters from across the school. Not to mention then having to pick the overall winner with the presentations being held on the Friday assembly with the winning poster being displayed at the main gate to the station.

All three winners received a goodie bag graciously provided by the Station HIVE. The top three winners for the infant school were

1st Dylan Littlefield 2nd Faith Greenhalgh

3rd Amelia ReedJunior Academy

Monday at the Junior Academy was poster day. The children had already been asked to produce a poster regarding road safety for submission to the Brake charity and it was from these that I again had the unenviable task of selecting the top three posters followed by the overall winner. Who would have thought that the children could produce such high quality art work!! There were posters created using computers as well as hand drawn art work. The future looks bright for any aspiring graphic designers. The winners from the Junior school are listed below and again the winning poster will be on display at the main gate to camp.

Tuesday saw Mrs. Catherine Leigh introduce a seat belt safety session where she used crash test dummies and videos

to show the importance of seat belts. The children also used eggs to learn the importance of wearing a crash helmet when out on a bicycle. Some eggs were lucky enough to be donned with very small crash helmets and successfully survived the impacts. The ones without crash helmets ….well, you get the picture.

Wednesday was a day full of drama with Year 6 taking on a very convincing acting role. Two scenarios were set up on the playground using two of the staffs own vehicles. Thanks to Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Hornsby. In the first scenario there was a dramatized incident between a vehicle and children who were cycling whilst wearing crash helmets. In the second the incident was portrayed as much worse as the children were not wearing helmets. I hasten to add that the vehicles were stationary throughout!! The children involved took to their roles with an acting ability that would rival any acting cast. There were victims, police and paramedics not to mention the shocked drivers. Mrs. Hornsby's scream was reported as being heard across the entire of Marham village. After a few practice sessions the other age groups were encouraged to watch the scenarios and take notes so that they could discuss what they had witnessed and discuss the differences between the two scenarios.

Thursday saw a visit from Tarmac Ltd who brought along one of their very large, very pink lorries for the children to look around. The aim of this visit was to give the children an understanding that with some vehicles the driver can not always see all areas and that there will be blind spots. Children were encouraged to stand around the vehicle, again whilst stationary, whilst other tried to spot them from the driver’s position. There was also an impromptu visit from the RAF Police who kindly allowed the children to look around the police car. For Year 6 the afternoon saw a visit from the charity Headway. Headway is a charity that looks to assist people who have unfortunately suffered from a brain injury. Whilst at times hard hitting, the children in Year 6 showed excellent maturity and asked many relevant questions regarding the videos they watched. One video told the story of a man named Jamie who was involved in an accident when he was a young man. A self proclaimed boy racer he unfortunately lost control of his

car and suffered a brain injury that has affected him ever since. The second video was about Mr. James Cracknell OBE who was hit by a lorry whilst completing the race across America on his bicycle. Fortunately he was wearing a helmet that saved his life.

Friday saw the presentation of the goodie bags for the winning posters at the school assembly where I was fortunate to be treated as the guest of honour. After presenting the prizes I was lucky enough to see what the different year groups had completed regarding road safety and it was obvious that all of the children had taken the week very seriously as there were many story boards produced and even a road safety song. The afternoon saw the Year 6 group taking on their cycling proficiency test with the majority successfully passing. The Junior school poster winners were as follows

1st Jorja Banwell2nd Faith Barber3rd Ellie-May Goddard

A successful week across the entire academy saw the children become more aware of the requirement for road safety and hopefully improved their awareness of the dangers associated with the road. Special thanks should be given to Mrs. Inder who tirelessly organized the week and ensured that it was resounding success.

Chf Tech Steve Bowdery

ROAD SAFETY WEEK MARHAM MATTERS

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 17

18 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS 12(B) SQUADRON

Maybe wilderness is a slight exaggeration, but there were certainly areas we flew over that felt untouched. After a great effort from the engineers 7 GR4s leapt gracefully into the air to make their way up the west coast of Norway. The crews were looking forward to taking in the spectacular views on the way, but unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans. Instead they enjoyed two hours admiring the inside of a cloud – all good for those instrument hours though!! One of our engineers was lucky enough to enjoy the ride, and was treated to experiencing the 4-ship go via the tanker on the way north. After some problems with the A400 transport arrangements, the rest of the pack arrived safe and sound in Bodø later that weekend, ready for the rigours of a busy exercise.

ACE 2017 complete - the artic foxes return! While you good readers, our friends and family basked in the delights of an unseasonably warm

May in the UK, the foxes embarked on another adventure; this time venturing north into the wilderness of the arctic circle.

12(B) SQUADRON

The exercise would prove to be the perfect place for young and experienced alike to sharpen their teeth, and demonstrate to our NATO colleagues the calibre of the premier Tornado Sqn. It would be remiss of me at this point not mention our 9 Sqn stow away – Flt Lt Phil ‘Chalkers’ ‘Chalkbag’ Chalkley – who also managed to get some valuable work done towards his pairs lead work up.

The engineers had a frustrating first week, chasing multiple gremlins that were running around the HAS site causing all kinds of mischief. After lulling our NATO allies into a false sense of security that they would not have to do battle the fearsome Tornado, our engineers pulled it out of the bag and from the Thursday onwards the COMAO wave was dominated by the

Fox’s Four. The aircrew would like to thank the engineers for their hard work, and of course special thanks to JEngO Dan and his keen eye for taxy distances.

During the middle weekend, there was chance for a spot of down time, with some exciting and cultural FD events being organised by our stunt GLO: Major Rob Hemmens. While the engineers sent a team to test their nerve caving in the local mountains, a team of aircrew went to visit an old trading outpost north of Bodø. Our new SEngO demonstrated his mastery at motor boating, guiding a group to see the famous maelstrom to the south of the city. There was also a chance to socialise with our other NATO colleagues, chewing the fat and learning how we each operate. All in all, Arctic Challenge 17 was

a huge success, with multiple 4s lead qualifications being gained and re-ratified, with invaluable COMAO experience for all involved. It proved to be a welcome break from our other standing commitments, and our thanks go to Sqn Ldr Holt, Flt Lt Glowczyk, Flt Lt Jenkins, and the rest of their team for the months of hard work that led up to ACE 2017. Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to our Norwegian allies who showed us exceptional hospitality throughout our stay.

Until next time – Sssssssssseya

Basil out.

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 19www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

BBQ FOR HEROES MARHAM MATTERS

12(B) SQUADRON

MARHAM MATTERS MARHAM GOES BATTY

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’20 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017

Seeing bats in our gardens on a warm summer evening is a magical experience and creating a haven for bats in your garden is not difficult it’s just about planting the right plants and in return they will help to reduce the number of flies and bugs in your garden.Flying uses a lot of energy, so bats have huge appetites! For example, a tiny common pipistrelle can eat around 3,000 midges, mosquitoes and other small flies in a single night. Moths, beetles and craneflies (daddylong-legs) are popular with other species, but flies are the main food for most British bats.

Protecting bats during construction requires forethought and planning. Here at Marham we are currently aware of at least 2 types of UK bat species (long eared brown & pipistrelle). We have worked hard with ecologists and Natural England during the Project Anvil works to ensure we have protected these highly endangered little mammals. Prior to removal all trees were inspected for bat roosts. Bat boxes were placed at 2 sites on Station and a licence from Natural England was issued before No 3 hangar was handed over to contractors, this ensured that no bats were present when the hangar was demolished. An ecologist was also present when lead flashings, soffits etc. were

These small and fascinating creatures often live close to us, using our gardens and work places as a source of food, water and shelter.

removed prior to demolition. All building work and refurbishment is preceded by an ecology survey to make sure we are not endangering any wildlife and wildlife management plans are in place to protect anything found during building. We currently have 2 ongoing bat surveys.

Common pipistrelle

Pipistrelles are the most common of British bats, weighing around 5 grams (same as a 20p piece). They vary in colour from pale brown to almost black, but usually they have red-brown fur. They have small dog-like faces with a broad flat head and short, broad ears. They have fairly narrow wings and a short tail. Their ears and muzzles are darker than their fur. The bats emerge from roosting around 20 minutes after sunset, generally earlier on warmer nights. Their fast jerky flight as they pursue, catch and eat insects in mid-air, distinguishes pipistrelle bats from birds. Usually these bats fly 5-10m (17-34ft) above ground level; alternatively they may be seen flying low over water. Bats can live for over 20 years. While others can glide, bats are the only mammals capable of continued flight.

Brown long-eared bats

Brown long-eared bats are medium-sized. The ears are nearly as long as the body but not always obvious: when at rest they curl their ears back like rams’ horns, or tuck them away completely under their wings leaving only the pointed inner lobe of the ear (the tragus) visible. Their preferred diet is moths, beetles, flies, earwigs and spiders. A brown long-eared can live for up to 30 years.

Bat protection

Habitats and Conservation of species Regulations 2010 All bats are listed as ‘European protected species of animals’ and it is an offence to:

• Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses

for shelter or protection. • Intentionally kill, injure or take a bat. Under the Habitats Regulations it is an offence to deliberately capture or kill a bat.• It is an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any bat. This is an absolute offence – in other words, intent or recklessness does not have to be proved• In the UK, bats face threats ranging from predation to crime and loss of habitat. UK bats and their roosts are protected by law. 

We are lucky enough to have 18 species of bat in the UK, 17 of which are known to be breeding here - that's almost a quarter of our mammal species.Sadly, bat populations have suffered severe declines during the past century, but the Bat Conservation Trust are working hard to help our bats hang on.

MARHAM GOES BATTY

MAKE A DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN UPDATE MARHAM MATTERS

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 21www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

Litter around the married quarters has been raised a number of times, with some having been cleared by a single person on a recent bank holiday. LSS have also undertaken a day of litter picking, making the patch less of an eyesore in those neglected areas.

It has been highlighted that there are no BBQ areas by some of the super blocks. Potential solutions are being investigated and we hope to be able to support this suggestion in the near future. In parallel, the ‘Spare Seat Sunday’ project has been launched to encourage personnel to leave their blocks/rooms and interact with others! Get in touch if you are interested in hosting a few people for a BBQ or similar or would like to be hosted by someone on the married patch. Keep an eye out for the posters that are being put up around the Station!

Many areas are now following previous examples of sprucing

With the start of the summer season, we have started to see a trend in the suggestions submitted and some have produced results extremely quickly.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE UPDATE

up work areas to freshen up offices and workshops. Some are improving the workplace with fresh coats of paint whilst others are reorganising their areas to improve efficiency. Removing redundant desks has enabled the flight planning room to have a more efficient layout, resulting in better communication between personnel and improved display of flight safety information.

The Photographic Section has made savings by relocating some of its equipment. They found that last summer the Regional Printing Centre exceeded safe levels for the printers and damaged the extremely expensive print heads. The new location is a cooler environment which will not only save the print heads but also improve the equipment’s efficiency. In addition, various sections have taken to re-painting car park markings to improve safety.

The Bluebirds Military Wives Choir based at Marham also

recently performed at St Martin Primary School in Shouldham, lifting spirits and allowing time for a question and answer session with the pupils. This opportunity to forge community spirit through song was given a great reception and will potentially encourage more wives, girlfriends and servicewomen to join this respected choir.

All the projects are listed on MOSS along with the latest updates. If you would like to get involved in any of the projects, please contact the respective ProjO. The more suggestions we receive, the better we can make RAF Marham so please continue to submit ideas through MOSS or by emailing the HIVE on [email protected]

WAKEBOARD AND WATER-SKI CLUB MARHAM MATTERS

We are regularly getting new members and always support complete beginners right the way to seasoned veterans. So don’t be shy and get involved and you won’t regret it.

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of GEF then either contact the station gymnasium or SAC Aran McGuckin on extension 6337/6338. The Wakeboard Cable Championships will be taking place 14-16th August and places are available for all abilities. Please contact SAC McGuckin if you would like to take part.

Now is the perfect time for you to join in and get involved with a thriving and energetic club.

Earlier this year personnel from Ground Engineering Flight (GEF) joined us at Box End Park for a fantastic afternoon of wakeboarding in the sun. Having never tried wakeboarding before, all members began riding on kneeboards to get used to the pull and corners of the cable park, but everyone quickly moved on to wakeboards having completed their 1st lap. There were some very promising members who performed brilliantly on the day, completing lap after lap and even attempting some of the obstacles in the water. Overall the day was fantastic with plenty of sun, fun and plenty of smiles.

We are always looking to take new Sections out for the day. We run weekly fixtures for our members and on Section days and we supply all the kit, all you need is a towel and some energy drinks for that moment you crash from an exhilarating day out on the water.

RAF MARHAM WAKEBOARD & WATER-SKI CLUB

This year the Wakeboard and Water-ski Club has some new equipment and lots of fresh ideas.

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 23www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’24 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 5 2017

MARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Visit: www.carillionamey.co.ukTel: 0800 707 6000 or

01517 281630Facebook: www.carillionamey/

facebook

Repairs Maintenance RequestsOption 1 (24/7, 365 days a year)

Allocations, Move Appointments, Furniture, Retention and Other Help with SFAOption 3 - Option 3 (Central region - Marham), Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 3pm

RAF Marham CA Local Customer Service CentreMel Reed, 3 Woodview Road, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NP (Monday 9am till 3pm & Tuesday to Friday 9am till 12 noon)

WELFARE ADMIN SUPPORT &APPOINTMENTSTeresa SmythTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578

WELFARE WORKERSCarol BullasTel: 01760 337261 Ext 6900Adele BerrymanTel: 01760 446348Tracyanne WheelerTel: 01760 446051

SSAFA VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR Tel: 07984 908622

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM, WATLINGTON Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101

WO PMS WO Ian Ashman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231

RAFP COMMUNITY OFFICER Cpl Seb Daubney Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7227

PCSO Claire LawsDownham MarketTel: 101

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SUPPORT - OCFlt Lt Gary WalkerTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7491

or 95951 7491Mob: 07740 799593Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVISORMaydie SmithTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7425Email: maydie.smith594 mod.gov.uk

HIVE INFORMATION OFFICERSarah ReidTel: 01760 337261 Ext 6136Or 95951 6136Email: [email protected]

MARHAM LODGES / CONTACT HOUSESZara MurfittTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7136or 95951 6136 Email: [email protected]

STATION YOUTH WORKERIan SavageThe HIVE Office, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NPMobile: 07850 973228Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICERJocelyne Newman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6082Email: [email protected]

HOUSING SCSO Flt Sgt Terry Norman Tel: 01760 446052, on

base 95951 6052 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: scsomarham

CARILLIONAMEY SFAContact Details

Sealife Centre TripWednesday 2nd August

Deployed Families go Free and take priority

Depart Sandringham Centre 10am and Return 4pm

Additional Spaces may be made available to other families at

£5 per person

MARHAM YOUTH CLUB NEEDS YOU

Volunteers and Bank Staff Needed to Cover Youth Club Leave & Sickness

You must enjoy working with young people aged 5-18yrs, with interests in Sports, Cooking, Music and Drama etc.

Sessions between the hours of 3:30pm-9:00pm term time, week days

Occasional holiday sessions in the daytimeGood rate of pay above the minimum wage

For more information please contact:

Jocelyne Newman CDO on (01760) 337261 Ext 6082

www.marhamhub.co.uk

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 25www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERS

HeavensAboveCarillionAmeyContact Us…We Deliver, We Take Ownership, We Improve, We Achieve Together

HOUSING REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE• 0800 707 6000 (Option 1)

Open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Alternatively you can email the team at: [email protected]

ALL OTHER HOUSING ENQUIRIES• 0800 707 6000 (Option 3)

Open 0830 - 1500hrs Monday to Friday. Followed by: Option 1 for South West, Option 2 for South East, Option 3 for the rest of the UK. Alternatively you can email the team at: [email protected] or fax them on 0151 728 1001.

LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRESYou can find your nearest Local Customer Service Centre at the following link: www.carillionamey.co.uk/service-family-accommodation/contact-us/local-customer-service-centres

FEEDBACKTo raise a compliment or complaint call: 0800 707 6000 (Option 5) or email us at: [email protected]

CONTACTING US FROM OVERSEASIf you are contacting us from overseas please call: (0044) 0151 728 1630

OTHER WAYS TO CONTACT US• www.facebook.com/

carillionamey• www.carillionamey.co.uk• www.twitter.com/

carillionamey• CarillionAmey,

Swales Pavilion, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2EA

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OK, so I am still feeling new in Norfolk and something I am noticing are the fields around and about Marham. There were the yellow rape seed fields which are now green again and toppling over. The neatly ploughed furrows which seemed to stay as just dirt for such a long time and are now green with white splatters across them. The purple strips (what are those flowers?) in fields of green and the once green fields now turning the golden yellow with the ripened ears of wheat. I find the novelty of all these different crops, colours and seasons beautiful as we drive around and I am looking forward to what happens next in the process of harvesting and the various contraptions being used to efficiently and quickly glean the products of months of work and waiting. But for now, it is the time of waiting.

This waiting has caused me to think about how the seeds were sown and the care has been taken to nurture the crops to get the best out of them. How am I doing this in my life? What ‘seeds’ are we proactively sowing in our lives to produce

a crop worth giving effort to maintaining and nurturing as well as reaping a good harvest once it is ripe.

For example what hobbies am I investing in which energise me and cause me to be challenged and to grow? How am I working on my marriage to make sure we are being the best we can as a couple as well as supporting my husband to enable him to be the best he can? Which areas of my role am I investing time and effort into to improve and to be able to improve and flourish as a Padre?

In our lives we have the opportunity and the potential to plant seeds of things, people or activities which will then need nurturing and attention so that we can live life to the full. I know that for me I need to ensure that what I have sown is getting the appropriate attention so that areas of my life don’t get ‘taken’ over by some or that they become neglected to a state where the seedlings will not produce any fruit worthwhile. What I’m getting at is that as we move into summer now is a good time to take stock

and purposefully think about where we are investing our time and effort and whether the fruit of our effort is the product which we had been aiming for when we started out.

St Margaret’s Church, RAF MarhamSunday Church Services

2nd July - Family Service

9th July - Holy Communion

16th July - Service of the Word

23rd July - Holy Communion

30th July - Service of the Word

6th August - Family Service

13th August - Holy Communion

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected]

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster, fridge freezer and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD ,CD player and WiFi are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.algarveestatemanagement.co.ukapt meia PRICES:

Jan - March £225April £300May £325June £375July/August £475Sept £375Oct £325Nov/Dec £250

MARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’28 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017

There have recently been a number of instances of littering and fly tipping both around the patch, Community hub, inside the Camp and within the local area.

Although very few prosecutions now occur for minor littering, this and fly tipping is, nevertheless still illegal and anybody caught dropping litter or fly tipping should be aware that, if identified, they could be liable to prosecution by the civil authorities, in addition to any disciplinary action taken through the chain of command.

LITTER AND FLY TIPPING

AT RAF MARHAMAll ranks are therefore reminded to act responsibly and to ensure all litter and waste is disposed of in one of the numerous bins provided across the station or in their own household waste bins.

Furthermore, parents are asked to ensure their children are also aware of the need to dispose of litter properly and not to leave it cluttering the play areas and MUGA.

Please help us protect our environment here at Marham by putting an end to this unsightly and antisocial behaviour

Occupants of RAF Marham SFA should take note that representation has been received from local Landowners warning of the dangers of children and dog walkers straying on to the farmland adjacent to the married patch.

In particular they are concerned that individuals are walking dogs off the designated footpaths and in some cases on cultivated land which has been newly cropped and sprayed. Whilst the spraying is unlikely to cause larger animals any long term harm it could make them ill for a few daysIn addition, these areas have numerous vermin traps scattered about them which dogs could get caught in.

Children have also been seen going through the fences on to the farm land adjacent to the married patch while spraying

has been taking place and whilst the spray would not cause any long term harm it could cause irritation or trigger asthma. There is also the danger of being apprehended buy the civilian police if reported as trespassing on farmers land without their permission.

The message therefore is, when out walking, to avoid straying off the recognised tracks and footpaths that criss-cross the areas around the Station the three main points being:

• Should not be on the farmers land in the first place.• Could cause problems for their animals (traps or chemicals)• Will most likely result in them being apprehended by the RAFP or civpol.

Always adhere to the Country Code!

Beware Walking on Farmland Adjacent to the SFA

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 29www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERS

Tel: 01553 691081 Page Stair Lane, King’s Lynn

Open 10am - Midnight - 7 days a week

• 4 English Pool Tables• 15 Snooker Tables• 5 American Pool Tables• ½ price tables Sunday

& Wednesday• Big Screen TV All

Sky Sports• 20% discount to Service

personnel on all tables

• Families Welcome• Licensed Bar• Food available all day

Now the weather is improving, do you feel inspired to achieve some of the goals you set for yourself at New Year?

Perhaps you would like to get fitter, get out and meet new people or even begin a new career but need that special someone to give you a hand? According to a poll for Bupa last year, 26% of Britons plan to make a New Year resolution but the vast majority (88%) don’t actually do it. If you had big plans for the year and are a dog lover, then perhaps you have a very surprising but effective life-coach right on hand to get you started.

Barking Mad (North West Norfolk) a local service provider of 5* rated dog care loves the quote by J.W Stephens:

“Be the person your dog thinks you are!”

If you feel that you lack confidence and that you will never achieve your dreams, look towards your canine best friend. Dogs see us as pack leaders worthy of worship and live in the moment, without worrying about the past. To your dog, you are their whole world and they have total belief in your abilities.

By involving your dog in your plans, Barking Mad believes that you will have far more chance of success than just by setting goals.

Dogs are now being widely recognised as motivational. Initiatives like The Kennel Club’s Bark and Read, where children practise their reading to dogs!

University of Stirling’s ‘Paws for Progress’s initiative teaches young offenders to improve rescue dogs’ behaviour and in so doing provide ‘positive and rewarding interactions’.

If you want to improve your health and fitness levels, exercise can be far more enjoyable if you involve a dog! How about extending the length of dog walks or taking up a new activity, such as dog agility? Or if you feel like you would like to meet new people, how about brushing up your dog’s skills by joining a training class, or varying your dog walking route and chatting to other dog walkers?

If you don’t have a dog of your own, Barking Mad offers the opportunity to become a ‘host’, looking after dogs while their owners are away. This arrangement is fully insured, easy to take part in and comes with full 24 hour support. If you would like to get involved and host some of our beautiful dogs in your home please get in touch with Tania Stowe on 01485 205715 or [email protected]. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Is Your Dog the Answer to a More Active You?Pawfect Inspiration to Improve Your Life!

32 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS RECYCLING & WORKSHOPS

This level of recycling falls well below the County average, primarily due to non-recyclable items such as nappies and electrical items being placed in recycling bins and contaminating what would otherwise have been good recyclable waste.

Waste that is found to be contaminated is segregated in bulk and costs the local authority considerably more to process, with the majority then having to go for incineration.

The campaign currently being undertaken is sponsored by the Borough Council under the West Norfolk Rewards banner and involves getting householders to sign up to a points scheme, whereby the greater the level of recycling

in a community, the greater level of rewards paid to those who sign up for the scheme.

In addition, when the level of recycling reaches a certain target amounts are paid to selected charities, in our case military charities.

A team working on behalf of the Borough Council is currently calling around the quarters explaining the scheme and getting householders to sign up. The better the uptake and the more care taken in recycling, will lead to better rewards under the scheme so all are encouraged to participate, not only to improve recycling levels here at Marham but also to get the best from the rewards scheme.

Improving Recycling

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PHOTOGRAM WORKSHOP

A photogram is a photograph produced without a camera.

Ten children met at the station library and were briefed on the day’s activities by Cpl Ash Keates. The group then headed off to Ladywood to look for objects to use in their photograms, flowers, leaves and feathers proving to be the most popular items. On arrival at the darkroom the children were split into smaller groups, some of the children then went into the darkroom and helped mix the developer solution for the processing of the prints, while the other group worked on their designs.

The groups then took it in turns to use the darkroom to expose the light sensitive paper and process their images with some stunning

results produced. The children all managed to produce a number of images during the day and were amazed by the process. Seeing the images first appear in the developer solution made a huge impression, not just on the children but also on the parents who had a try themselves, but are now very much used to taking digital images on a phone.

The event was hugely popular and there will be more in the future, the next event is on the 16th Aug when we will be holding a pinhole camera workshop where the children will have the chance to make their own camera, take some pictures and then process them in the darkroom. Details will be available soon with a sign-up sheet in the Hive in July.

A campaign is currently being conducted at RAF Marham to improve the level of recycling

On the 6th June the RAF Marham Community

Darkroom held a Photogram workshop for children.

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 33www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS EVENING CONCERT MARHAM MATTERS

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS DAY EVENING CONCERT

Stooshe broke onto the UK music scene in 2012 achieving rapid success with 2nd single release 'Blackheart' selling 800,000 singles, spending 6 weeks in the UK Chart top 5, over 16 weeks in the top 40 and received a nomination for "Best British single" at the 2013 Brit Awards, up against some of the biggest names in the industry. In a relatively small amount of time Stooshe's achievements spoke for themselves, touring with

pop history's biggest names, Nikki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez, closing the Mobo's, getting nominated for a Brit and having had 4 top 20's, 2 top 10's and a top 10 selling album.

The forces community will have also heard Stooshe on BFBS Radio recently when they appeared on the Big Friday Show with Hal Stewart and Jay James, and in a music special with Dan Judson.STOOSHE

Stevi Ritchie found fame on the X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother, since then he's been on numerous TV shows and presented on This Morning. More recently he's appeared on Celebrity Fat Fighters and done a run of Panto (Sleeping

STEVI RITCHIE

Marz V Murz is billed as not only the UK's No.1 Bruno Mars tribute BUT also the UK's No.1 Olly Murs tribute and we can definitely vouch for his talents! This is a brilliant double-header act is full of big hitters from both artistes.

MARZ V MURZ

Beauty) at the Princes Theatre in Clacton. Stevi recently featured on BFBS Radio's Big Friday Show with Hal Stewart and Jay James in '60 Second Stevi' talking about what was going on in the recent Celebrity Big Brother.

DUKE are a beatbox band like no other. Three voices, one guitar, no backing tracks, looping or sampling to produce amazing covers (also seen on the X Factor). Born out of Cheltenham they quickly made their name through open-mic nights impressing and entertaining

with their extraordinary talent and unique style. They never fail to get the crowd jumping. This phenomenal 3-piece have amazed crowds wherever we have taken them. www.cseevents.co.uk/male-dancer-and-duke-hit-afghanistan<http://www.cseevents.co.uk/male-dancer-and-duke-hit-afghanistan> - watch from 0045 to see Duke get troops in Afghanistan on their feet!

DUKE

34 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS RAFFLE & SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Meet and Greet RaffleYou could win a golden ticket to Meet and Greet the acts at the Friends and Families Day Evening Concert (see page 33)

Raffle ticket sellers are circulating around station,

you can contact them via extension 6367, or

alternatively you can pick

up tickets at the Hive.

Tickets cost 50p each.

Closing date for entries

is Friday 14th July.

We have an action packed programme of activities for all young people connected to RAF Marham this summer.  Every Tuesday and Thursday Youth Club will run trips and centre based activities including;  High Lodge, Dog Section, Hunstanton, Sporting Boot Camp, Pleasure wood Hills, Bowling/Lazer Tag and the 'End of Summer' Disco.    

No sessions 7-11th August as we are on the RBL Poppy Adventure Break.  

Football sessions: Airplay are partnering up with Shouldham Junior Football Club to offer several days of football coaching and

tournaments, we are also running a girls only session alongside the boys.

Booking form/programme details can be collected from Youth Club – Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5-8.30 pm and the Hive, please return bookings by Tuesday 25th July, (places have to be booked and paid for minimum of 2 weeks before trip.)    For an end of holiday break the Chaplaincy Holiday Club: 30th August – 1st Sept.  Age 7-11

Station Youth Worker – Ian Savage 07850 973 [email protected]

Airplay Youth Club Summer

ActivitiesAge 8-18 year olds

Mon 4-9.30pm (inc Bank Holidays)Tues-Sat 11.30am-9.30pmSunday closed

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 35www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

31 SQUADRON MARHAM MATTERS

31 Squadron Goldstars recently attended Exercise Frisian Flag 2017 at Leeuwarden Air Base in The Netherlands. Accommodated in a family orientated Centre Parcs style holiday village on the Dutch coast approximately 45 minutes away from the base. The exercise was hard work interspersed with opportunities for leisure activities hosted by our very gracious Dutch counterparts. The exercise involved flying 2 combined air operation waves with a very complicated air and ground threat scenario and some complex targeting challenges involving upwards of 60 aircraft all operating over the North Sea and in the airspace of The Netherlands, Germany and

Denmark. It provided a perfect situation for the air forces of Europe to practice operating together. Flt Lt Bry McCormack is one of the junior aircrew on 31 Squadron and this was his first taste of international large force exercises. Below is his unique take on the experience.

Ex Frisian Flag - Junta PerspectiveHaving already completed a previous Operational tour, I've had experience working in an International Coalition, but in effect we have very little interaction with other nations. We operate from different bases and with minimal

combined planning. "Team Individuality" in one sense.

Therefore, the first time I walked into a combined planning room with 7 other nations trying to mesh together a plan was an eye opening experience. Even what appeared to be the most simple plan would soon have several late injects causing a last minute rush, proving no mission is a foregone conclusion.

Luckily, with the amount of experience on the GR4 force, there was always a senior aircrew mate available to take us by the hand and guide us through the complicated plans. (Metaphorically speaking!)

With the constant focus on ops it's very easy as a Tornado pilot to concentrate solely on providing Close Air Support, without working with the most modern fighters and tactics. Nothing ever changes, by staying the same. Quite literally.

So Ex Frisian Flag 2017 was extremely beneficial in enabling us to train in an environment that isn't possible with standard UK training.

Finally, a big thank you to our Dutch hosts, who were refreshingly laid back for a Sqn with such responsibility accommodating so many units. I hope the GR4 force gets the opportunity to attend again next year.

31 Squadron Goldstars

Working closely alongside our NATO allies: a USAF F15 escorts the Goldstars to the target.

Contrails: 'Blue Air' fighters clearing the airspace ahead of 31 Sqn.

A 31 Sqn GR4 turns towards target whilst the air battle continues overhead.

'Home' after another successful sortie.

Chalkie’s interiors, gifts and antiques shop now open from 10 am to 5 pm Thursday through to Sunday. Browse our stock of unusual greetings cards, local watercolours,

jewellery, collectables, antiques, pre-used furniture, second hand books and lots more!

Between 11 and 4 pm, Thursday through to Sunday we serve a range of coffees, teas, bottled ales and ciders, wine etc. as well as hot and cold snacks and light meals. On Sunday we do a traditional

roast lunch between 12 and 2 (booking recommended).

Special events and parties catered for.

7 quality bed and breakfast en suite rooms available.

For further details please call Andrew on 01366 348039. We look forward to seeing you soon!

1 Eastgate Street, Shouldham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE33 0DD

Tel: 01366 [email protected]

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 37www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

MAKE A DIFFERENCE BBQ MARHAM MATTERS

Allez Chic is a beautiful independent ladies fashion boutique in the idyllic village of Castle Rising.

We strive to please a varied age and size range with garments suitable for different aspects of life.

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Allez Chic offers a lovely environment in which to browse and try on. Our staff are attentive but never intrusive. We carry a range of costume jewellery and accessories to complement your outfits or make great gift ideas.

Make a trip out and take in the tea rooms nearby for tempting refreshments or even get an appointment at Contours beauticians.

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Orders now being taken for Christmas

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Barking Mad (North West Norfolk) a local service provider of 5* rated dog care loves the quote by J.W Stephens:

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Dogs are now being widely recognised as motivational. Initiatives like The Kennel Club’s Bark and Read, where children practise their reading to dogs!

University of Stirling’s ‘Paws for Progress’s initiative teaches young offenders to improve rescue dogs’ behaviour and in so doing provide ‘positive and rewarding interactions’.

If you want to improve your health and fitness levels, exercise can be far more enjoyable if you involve a dog! How about extending the length of dog walks or taking up a new activity, such as dog agility? Or if you feel like you would like to meet new people, how about brushing up your dog’s skills by joining a training class, or varying your dog walking route and chatting to other dog walkers?

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40 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS TITLEMY RESETTLEMENT JOURNEY MARHAM MATTERS

In the following paragraphs he describes his resettlement journey; the motivation behind his decisions, what he has become involved in outside of the military and his aspirations for the future.

Throughout my career I had seen people get to the 2-year point before discharge and, as if it was some sort of surprise, reluctantly enter into resettlement activities. It was as if they were in denial that their time in the RAF was coming to an end and they would then stumble on through the resettlement process. Eventually some would attend a training course because they felt they should or they would just use their resettlement leave to increase their paid time off at the end of their service. I was determined not to fall into the same category.

As I passed the 30 year point I engaged with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) team, registered for resettlement and attended the initial briefing to begin the process. With 8 years’ service remaining I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or become when I re-entered civilian life for the first time from the age of 16. Rather than waste my Career Transition Workshop (CTW), I elected to wait until nearer my discharge date. I failed to take the opportunity to use my annual SLTs for resettlement purposes and in hindsight I was not focussed enough on the future at that time; this was a mistake and one which I would advise anyone else not to make.

I eventually decided on a 5-year plan. Even though I still didn’t know what I truly wanted to do I knew that my CV would not be good enough, who in civvy street would understand what a front line RAF Squadron Warrant Officer did? Having been in rank for over 2 years I was

WO Dean Wood served in the RAF for over 38 years, spending the majority of his time on the front line. He was a member of IX(B) Squadron for many years

and is well known around RAF Marham.

MY RESETTLEMENT JOURNEY

aware of the opportunity to register with the University of Portsmouth to study for a Masters degree in Leadership & Management and used the first of my Enhance Learning Credits (ELCs). It was my first step in making my experience relevant to the civilian arena and I followed it up by joining some professional institutes and in posting a LinkedIn profile.

I elected to join the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute for Leadership and Management (ILM), believing that my future lay in the management field. I began attending networking events with the institutes and met many interesting individuals from all walks of life. The one thing they all had in common was their praise for the Armed Forces and the transferrable skills that we all have. I was encouraged by their optimism for my future and decided to work at becoming professionally registered as an engineer to further enhance my portfolio. Obtaining registration as an Incorporated Engineer (I Eng) and Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (I Mech E) was a long but fulfilling process. Documenting my experience and growth of knowledge throughout my career and then demonstrating my professional competence during an interview was extremely rewarding. During the same period, I decided to apply to be a Chartered Manager through the CMI. Once again this required a detailed written submission and an interview that lasted well over an hour, conducted over skype from Afghanistan, another gratifying experience when I was informed that I had been successful.

By 2014 I was a Chartered Member of the CMI, registered with the UK Engineering Council as I Eng and Member of the I Mech E, Member of the

ILM, held a MSc in Leadership & Management and was, through rank and experience a Member of the City & Guilds Institute although I still did not know what I wanted to be after I left the RAF. I did know however these qualifications and memberships were not just letters after my name, they were a recognition of career achievements translated into a language that potential employers could understand.

I then considered the work that I had been involved in that was in addition to the ‘day job’. The projects that I had been required to lead or take part in, the change that had happened for good or bad continuously since Options for Change in 1991, much of which I had managed and latterly led. I was also the Squadron Quality Assurance lead and a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) auditor; qualifications in these fields could do nothing but enhance my CV and potential employment opportunities for the future. I still had 2 ELCs left

so researched the project management qualifications available, electing to take on a course bundle from Quanta Training, successfully completing the Prince2 and APMP qualifications.

It was now 2015 and I was in my last 2 years, I had 1 ELC left at my disposal and had made a few decisions on my future career. It wasn’t so much about what I wanted to do, more what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to work in one location, didn’t want one job and didn’t want to have to be a slave to the clock. Essentially I wanted to work for myself. I thought long and hard about what I enjoyed at work and consulted my last 4 appraisals to remind myself about what my superiors deemed me good at. It was from that point that I decided to start my own business as a management consultant.

Once again engaging with the CTP team, I researched the resettlement course programme starting off with the CTW at Kendrew Barracks. This was a superb

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 41www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

TITLE MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS MY RESETTLEMENT JOURNEY

workshop and I left feeling confident about my own plan. I selected the ‘Introduction to Management Consultancy’ course to reinforce my decision and then the ‘Insight to Commercial Financing’ course, both of which were held at the Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth. I felt the latter would fill a gap in my knowledge and at least enable me to understand some business financial language, hopefully to not fall foul at interview or when pitching my business. I also attended the 1-day financial briefing which imparted some excellent knowledge about pensions and investments. After going along to a job fair at the Lincolnshire Showground, talking to prospective employers and handing out CVs, I was invited for an interview by an engineering consultancy. I was somewhat surprised at the time and did consider turning down the offer, especially as it was for a job based away from my home location and not readily commutable. However, I decided to accept for the experience. Needless to say I did not get invited for the second round but the experience was invaluable, understanding the process, type of questions asked and the need to thoroughly prepare. Although I was rejected I did not look on it as a failure, all I took were the positives.

It was during this period of resettlement training that I researched and started my own limited company, embarking on a series of pro-

bono initiatives, supporting business areas from the NHS to local start up companies with consultancy services. This was an excellent way to gain some experience and feedback without feeling any pressure to earn money. I was able to utilise the testimonials that I received when building my website, another area I handled myself using one of the online providers; a pretty straightforward task if using the templates on offer.

I was also interested in trying something completely different so when one of the start up companies I had been working with offered me the chance to become a partner, I jumped at it. I was now a director of two limited companies and part owner of a mobile bar business!

The last part of my plan was to obtain change management qualifications and to utilise my final ELC. I selected another course bundle – ‘Lean Practitioner and Six Sigma Black Belt’ provided by the Lean Six Sigma Company. The course was held at the University of Bedfordshire and was once again an excellent choice; after 2 weeks I graduated with both qualifications.

As I entered my final period of leave, remaining resettlement leave and terminal leave, the networking paid off and I was offered an opportunity contracting in a project role for one of the UKs main defence contractors.

Alongside the new day job Nelly’s, the mobile bar

business, has become a passion and the venture continues to grow. The bar is based within a lovingly refurbished vintage horse trailer, specialising in real ale from an award winning brewery, high end spirits and a range of specially selected cocktails, all with fun horse themed names such as ‘Fifty Shades of Neigh’. Whilst predominantly covering the East Midlands and East Anglia region we are open to attend events countrywide. Weddings, country shows, private garden parties and vintage carnivals have all been catered for and the business is about to branch out, being easily converted to become a high-end coffee and cake shop as an alternative option for event organisers.

Looking to the future, I want to concentrate on cementing my reputation in the management consultancy field whilst supporting the growth of Nelly’s. I know there is some hard work ahead but ultimately I would like to be in a position to enjoy family life; watching and supporting my grandchildren as they grow up having missed out on much of my own children’s lives due to the many overseas deployments.

If anyone would like to know more about Nelly’s please visit www.stacked-ltd.co.uk and if it’s questions about my resettlement journey I can be contacted via my business website www.magnacartaconsulting.com

jswcarsales.co.ukjswcarsales.co.uk

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At Leziate Drove Garage Ltd, we pride ourselves on being probably the largest independent garage in the area, situated on a three-acre site just outside King’s Lynn. We are a member of Approved Garages, Motor Codes and GROUPAUTO.

We are 5 miles from the hospital with ample free and easy out of town parking, with disabled facilities.

We carry out maintenance and repairs to nearly all makes of motor vehicle. Specializing in Volkswagen and Audi Group cars including light vans, trucks & small and large six wheel Motorhomes.

We specialise in MOT testing and run two MOT lanes. One lane is fully automated and caters for light commercial vehicles (class 7) and larger 6 wheel motorhomes.

We also supply, fit and balance most types of tyre. We have a good stock of common type batteries that can be fitted while you wait. Exhausts are supplied and fitted, including specialist sports exhausts. We offer air-con leak tests and regassing all year round.

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Authorised fitting centre for Ferrodo Brakes and Valeo: the clutch specialist. We are also Air-con specialists.

ANN-MARIE NOBLECHARITY CRICKET MATCH 2017

MARHAM MATTERS CHARITY CRICKET MATCH

On the 14 June 2017, the annual RAF Marham Charity Cricket Match took place, at Swaffham Cricket Club. Following on from previous years, the match was held to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, who assisted Flt Lt Ann-Marie Noble (former OIC Cricket RAF Marham) after she had been diagnosed with cancer. Ann-Marie sadly passed away in December 2013 and since then, the RAF Marham Cricket team have held a Charity match to celebrate her life and raise funds for Macmillan.

We were fortunate enough to have some of Ann-Marie’s family attend again this year; Ann-Marie’s sister Philippa, nephew Alfie and father Chris. Prior to the match, Philippa, Chris and Alfie visited 31 Sqn for a look around a Tornado (much to the delight of Alfie). Many thanks to Sgt Stu Youds for hosting and everyone on 31 Sqn.

Preparations were in full swing for a great afternoon of

cricket. After a very difficult selection process, the decision was made to have a 12 vs 13 a side match (13 on the Station Commander’s XI of course). It was then time for the coin toss to take place between Captains SAC Ryan Tripp and the Station Commander. Ryan won the toss and elected to bat first.

The opening batsmen, SAC Nicky ‘Pickles’ Townsend and Cpl Dave Barker, set about amassing a defendable total. However, this was short lived for Pickles as he lofted a shot on his third ball, only to be caught easily. This brought SAC Jack Goodwin to the crease. After a few deliveries which had beaten Jack, from paceman Sgt Chris Marchant, he and Cpl Barker successfully defended their wickets from the two opening bowlers. Cpl Barker was the next batsman to fall, at the hands of Sqn Ldr Andy Chase. SAC Matt ‘Stalwart’ Robinson was in at number 4, being known for his love of a defensive shot. However, this wasn’t to be the

case today. With Jack and Matt cashing in on some ‘interesting’ bowling from Cpl Booth, Sqn Ldr Myles Thorne and Flt Lt Claire Strickland, the Station team were 71/2 at the halfway stage. The turning point came in the 11th over.

With SAC Jack Goodwin making 25 runs, he then retired to bring in skipper SAC Ryan Tripp. After smashing the only 6 of the innings, Matt found himself caught from Sqn Ldr Thorne’s bowling. Thorne also claimed the wickets of Flt Lt Mike Trewhella and SAC Scott Ellis in the same over. After an excellent 2nd over from Claire Strickland, in which only 2 runs came from it, it was time for Gp Capt Davies to bowl. High hopes were on the Station Commander’s shoulders to take some wickets. Gp Capt Davies took up the mantle and claimed the prized wicket of skipper Ryan Tripp following a good catch by Sqn Ldr Tim Casey, OIC Cricket. This was the last wicket to fall, with SAC Lloyd Marshall retiring

with 25 runs and Sgt Matt Elwood scoring a solid 19. The Station team finished their 20 overs having scored 145 runs for 6 wickets.

The Station Commander’s XI openers, Sgt Chris Marchant and Sqn Ldr Andy Chase, began their run chase. The Station Commander’s team made a flying start, with 15 runs coming from the first over bowled by Flt Lt ‘Fonz’ De Fonseka. Even though Flt Lt Mike Trewhella and SAC Matt Robinson steadied the ship somewhat, it didn’t stop Chris Marchant getting to 25 in very quick time. The first wicket fell when Cpl Chris Grimwood removed PTI, FS Matt Allen, for 2 runs. Cpl Dave Barker followed suit with the wicket of Sqn Ldr Chase, which bought the Station Commander to the crease. Barker then upped his game, taking another 2 wickets in his 2nd over. One being a confident LBW shout against Wg Cdr Stew Geary, given immediately by umpire SAC Nick Payne, and the other being the

44 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 6 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

CHARITY CRICKET MATCH MARHAM MATTERS

ISSUE 6 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 45www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

prized scalp of OIC Cricket, Sqn Ldr Tim Casey (who walked back to the pavilion without scoring a run).

An onslaught of runs from the Station Commander (with 2 massive sixes, which almost destroyed the trophy which was on the scoring table just outside the pavilion) got them into a fighting position, with 34 runs coming from just 4 overs. It took skipper, Ryan Tripp, to break the partnership, claiming 2 wickets in his 2 overs, for just 1 run. After a solitary over from SAC Lloyd Marshall, which cost 14 runs, the Station Commander retired with 27 runs to his name. With overs now very limited, the Station Commander’s XI tried to get the total required, but even the returning Chris Marchant and Station Commander, could not overcome the required run rate. The Station Commander’s XI finished 14 runs short on 132.

In the same manner as previous years, the two Captains were asked to nominate their ‘Player of the Match’ for their respective teams. These awards went to SAC Jack Goodwin, from the Station team, for his 25 runs scored and also to Sqn Ldr Myles Thorne, for his magnificent 3 wickets in one over. The ‘Champagne moment’ went to the Station Commander for his ability to target the scoring table and trophy so precisely with one of his sixes.

The Ann-Marie Noble Cup was presented to the Station team by Alfie, Ann-Marie’s nephew, for them to retain for another year. The Station Commander received a miniature bat as a memento, signed by all the players, as this was his last Charity game at RAF Marham and also presented the family with flowers, a Marham tankard and a junior’s cricket set to commemorate the event.

I would like to thank everyone that assisted with the planning and organisation of the day. The absolute mountain of cakes on offer, made by the members of PSF and BSW, were a delight and thanks to the members of PSF who helped bring them to the ground and clear away. Also a special thanks goes to Swaffham Cricket Club for accommodating us again this year. The number of volunteers who came forward wanting to play was excellent, long may it continue for next year. Finally, we raised £321.15 on the day for Macmillan Cancer support. Many thanks to everyone who donated.

Cpl L FrenchStation Team Vice Capt/

Fixtures Sec

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