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THE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

OF WATTISHAM FLYING STATION

AAC & REME UNITS | MET OFFICE | BLADES NETBALL TEAM | WAKEBOARDING COMPETITION

WINTER 2016

Wattisham Military Wives Choir

enjoyed the privilege of performing at Norwich Cathedral

on 26 November as part of the network-wide Home For

Christmas Tour

Image credit front cover to Brian Sadler.

THE EAGLE | 4

THE EAGLE CONTENTS

Introduction by Colonel CA Bisset MBECommander Attack Helicopter Force andWattisham Flying Station

06 I Foreword

News and updates from 3 Regiment Army Air Corps

12 I 3 Regiment AAC

News and updates from 7 Aviation Support Battalion REME

22 I 7 Aviation Support Battalion REME

Looking into the future of new equipment

32 I RAF Survival Equipment Fitters

Fundraising events, Christmas party, Nativity and much more

31 I Childcare Centre

Looking back and helping people remember the past

31 I Heritage Corner

26 I Wattisham Triathlon

34 I Unit Welfare Offices

28 I Hospital Volunteer

Competitors take part in Triathlon around Wattisham Airfield

An annual community engagement

News and updates from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps

18 I 4 Regiment AAC

Short update from the Services Welfare Officer

30 I Services Welfare (WRVS)

The Membership continues to grow

23 I Blades Netball Team

29 I Essex & Suffolk Hunt Visits Wattisham

News and updates fron various Unit Welafare Offices

30 I Military Wives Choir

Attending the Station Cocktail Party and Beating Retreat

38 I Met Office

News and updates from the HIVE

33 I HIVE

End of year round-up and plans for the new year

29 I Padre's Corner

Track recording at St Botolphs Church

Volunteer dedicates his time to help out at Ipswich Hospital

Volunteering and developing new skills

39 I Orchard Barn News

THE EAGLE | 5

THE EAGLE CONTENTS

From the Editor: Lt Col (Retd) RW SILK MBE Station Staff Officer

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Articles should be sent by email or disc to the Editor at [email protected]

The views expressed by the contributors to The Eagle magazine are not necessarily

those of the Editor; MOD, 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 the kind permission of the Station Commander.

Welcome to the winter (Christmas) Eagle 2016, our 30th

edition, which covers another very busy period for the AH Force - indeed too much has been happening! Apart from the activities described in the various Eagle articles hereinafter, on the community engagement front we have enjoyed the annual visit of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt, together with their foxhounds, whilst Wattisham has helped to support an Ipswich Hospital patient who has a passion for helicopters. In November, 7 Aviation Support Battalion REME and Welfare staffs staged a spectacular annual Station Bonfire Night event, whilst the Triathlon was a great success, earning much needed funds for SSAFA. In addition there have been many other fundraising activities and the Wattisham Military Wives Choir excelled with a recent performance at Norwich Cathedral - they were so good they have made the front page - well done! Finally

I would like to wish all our readers a peaceful Christmas and the very best of fortune in the New Year.

Remember wherever you are serving you can view The Eagle on-line at: www.theeagleonline.co.uk

Other useful websites are the Suffolk Armed Forces Community Covenant, which can be viewed at www.suffolkmilitarycovenant.org.uk and the Wattisham Flying Station ‘Watts On’ website at: http://www.wattsonwattisham.co.uk/home-2/Just a reminder that the editorial deadlines for the 2017 Eagle Magazines are as follows: Spring: Friday 17 February 2017Summer: Friday 19 May 2017Autumn: Friday 21 July 2017Winter: Friday 20 October 2017

Articles for inclusion should be sent to the Station Staff Officer at the email address below.

THE EAGLE | 6

THE EAGLE SWOOPS

Incredibly, by the time you read this, Christmas will be upon us! It seems

like the blink of eye since I arrived in June as the new Force Commander, such has been the tempo of life here in the Attack Helicopter Force, and, in that time, we have seen some momentous, world changing events. First, we have seen the shock of Brexit; whether we wanted it or were steadfastly opposed, very few predicted that it would be a reality. If this was not enough, we then witnessed the US presidential elections, an event that seems to have dominated the headlines for so long. With continued bloodshed in Syria, the fight against ISIL and the volatility of a resurgent and ambitious Russia, it would seem that we have all been

given a salutary reminder that we live in uncertain times – the fundamental reason why we maintain our armed forces. What does this evolving and unpredictable world mean for us? In the last issue I touched briefly on the growing demand for our support that we are facing from across Defence. For the last couple of years we have soaked up this demand by using a system whereby we conduct a year of training for operations followed by a year held at readiness for operations anywhere in the world, alternating between 3 Regt AAC and 4 Regt AAC and supported by 7 Avn Sp Bn REME. The only way to ‘do more’ is to train and be ready at the same time, a so called ‘continuous readiness’ model and this is the course of action we will have to adopt from the New Year. CO 3 Regt AAC describes what this means for his unit in his summary and it is here that the greatest changes will happen as they develop training and readiness alongside 3 Division, who specialise in armoured and mechanised warfare. For both 4 Regt AAC and 7 Avn Sp Bn REME, the changes will perhaps be less stark but will still be significant nonetheless.

Core business aside, I promised we would keep you up to date on infrastructure issues here

at Wattisham. We have seen some progress on improving broadband and mobile phone connectivity on site but it would seem that the effectiveness of the changes to date very much depends on where you live in either the single living accommodation or the married patch, with those inside the wire not yet seeing the fledgling improvements in service seen in a few of the areas outside of the wire (some now on fibre); I continue to engage with local government and industry to try and hasten a better result.

Many of you will have seen in the news the quite significant defence estate rationalisation plans. The list of military bases earmarked for closure over the next 10-20 years is quite eye watering at first sight but did not include mention of the major rotary-wing, aviation bases. This is because the work looking at Wattisham and the other aviation bases is still ongoing and no decisions have been taken yet, despite rumours to the contrary. We were hoping to at least understand better what the future for Wattisham might look like by the end of this year but it now looks like there will not be any announcements until next year. Reassuringly though, this delay is for the

right reasons – the aviation estate is extremely complex and any decisions should be well-founded and based on a study conducted by aviation experts. As soon as we have any answers we will, of course, let you know but I certainly do not expect any change in the immediate future.

Following their album recording session in September, The Wattisham Military Wives Choir then performed at Norwich Cathedral on 26th November as part of the national 'Home for Christmas' tour. The Wattisham choir features on 2 of the album songs, ‘Home for Christmas’ and ‘O Holy Night’, and I would like to pass on my congratulations to all of the ladies and their Music Director, Jennie Francis, for all of their superb work. The choir have told us that their main purpose is still to provide a network of friends who enjoy singing together and new members are very welcome to join.

Finally, all that remains is for me to wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. I hope that you will find some time to relax and catch up with your nearest and dearest over the holiday period – thank you, as ever, for your continued support.

Foreword by Colonel CA Bisset MBECommander Attack Helicopter Force andWattisham Flying Station

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For further information or to arrange a visit please contact the school office.Telephone: 01473 658307 Fax: 01473 658307 Email; [email protected]

Or visit our website www.ringshallschool.co.uk Head teacher: Mr Matthew Shinn

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the National Charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. It makes grants to individuals through their Regiments and Corps, and supports a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army family, both at home and around the world.

In 2015, The Soldiers’ Charity awarded Wattisham AAC a grant of £10,000, which helped make up the grand total of £150,000 that was desperately needed for essential refurbishments to the Wattisham Flying Station Community Centre. The project helped to completely redecorate the building, create additional storage space for various users (including the Youth Club), modernise the kitchen area, add a conservatory, create an AWS Community Development

Worker office and upgrade the outside play area. It is now able to cater for additional activities for the 1,500 Service personnel and their families stationed at Wattisham, as well as the 500 living in married quarters and the wider local community.

The Soldiers’ Charity is proud to have contributed towards such an important project, which has helped to improve the lives of the community at Wattisham AAC. It is just one example of how the Charity is there to support the Army family with everyday living, continuing its mission of being ‘for soldiers, veterans and their families, for life’.

To find out more about how the Charity helps those in need or how to get help, visit soldierscharity.org or call 020 7901 8900.

THE EAGLE | 12

3 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS

EX

EAGLES TALON

Commanding Officer: Lt Col MJD Ackrill AACSecond in Command: Maj NP Barton DFC AACAdjutant: Capt JP Lindley AACRegimental Sergeant Major: WO1 (RSM) S Coghlin

Learning is essential for success, both in our personal lives and in professional

organisations such as 3 Regiment. As we take a well-earned break over Christmas, we might spend some time reflecting on what we have learnt and how we have adapted in the past 12 months. If we want to be as good as we can be, to realise our full potential, learning must be continuous. Looking to 2017, there will be some exciting changes in the Regiment’s business.

Before I give you a hint of the Regiment’s future, let us reflect on what we have collectively achieved in 2016. I have been reminded daily throughout the year what an exceptional bunch you are. Soldiers and spouses, families and friends of 3 Regiment, you have worked hard, played hard and produced a vintage year of which you should all be quietly proud.

You have prepared and delivered three Squadrons, a Workshop and a Regimental Headquarters at Very High Readiness. From the sands of Arizona through the mud of Hullavington and Keevil to the waters of the Mediterranean you have honed your professional skills. You swapped sweat for trophies on football, rugby and hockey pitches, on the ski slopes, rocks faces and mountain bike trails, under sail and on boards, and in the squash, tennis and badminton courts.

In barracks, you looked after your teams and equipment. You have kept the Regiment fit, fed, paid, clothed, quartered and helped those in their hours and days of need. Those at home (mistakenly called ‘dependants’ when it is actually we, the serving soldiers, who depend on you) have supported us and tolerated our absences. You have endured the negatives of Army life and shared with us the many positives that it has too. All of you have done your bit and more, and I thank you.

So, I have learnt this year what this extraordinary Regiment and its amazing people are capable of. I have also myself tried to learn and improve. Although I have been as busy as you all have, I try to complete at least one course or gain one new qualification a year. The ability to learn and the desire to improve is a habit that we can fall out of quickly. It is a muscle that must be regularly exercised. In the following pages you will find shining examples of this exercise, from cultural days out in London to hockey tours in Japan.

Looking to 2017, the Regiment will be on the leading edge of transformation in the AH Force, indeed in Army Aviation. As befits such a professional unit as ours, we have been tasked to lead a change of focus to the significant parts of the Army who have of late seen little of the Apache, indeed of helicopters in general. There will be lots for the Regiment to learn about in how we will support 3rd (UK) Division in 2017 and beyond. I am excited about this, and about the opportunities it will create for us to continue to be a learning and adaptive organisation.

So, with an excitingly new and different 2017 to look forward to, it remains for Sarah and I to wish you all a relaxing and joyous Christmas. You’ve earned it.

PNCO CLM COURSE3 Regiment AAC conducted

EX EAGLES TALON the PNCO CLM course on

behalf of AHF over the period of 18-30 Sept 16 utilising Wattisham Flying Station and Stanford Training Area. This is an annual run course by representatives of AHF.

It’s an overwhelming feeling listening to the sound of rain tapping the top of your poncho knowing full well you haven’t got to go and ‘stag on’ for the next 4 hours. You can almost take in and appreciate your surroundings whilst riding the calm before the inevitable storm. It’s those moments where you take that commanders ‘condor’ moment and get your head down once all your field admin is ‘squared’ and embrace what little sleep you may have left.

This is EX EAGLES TALON PNCO CLM course being run by 3 Regiment AAC on behalf of AHF. The students have been out in the field for 4 days now. The majority of the theory and power point lessons had been conducted in Wattisham Flying Station from the new AHF Training Wing. Having got those pertinent lessons out of the way as directed by the CLM policy, and conducted a thorough kit inspection; it was now down to business and conducting some good BCCS training and testing out in the field.

This phase consisted of everything from basic contact drills up to section level OBUA. The exercise was supported by guest instructors from 1 & 4 Regiment AAC and the AHF FSM. Exercise Control was located at Mist Meadows Cottage on STANTA which was supported by elements from 3 Regt AAC MT, Command Troop and our

very own Medic and armourers'. The students were introduced (some for the first time) to Helmet Mounted Night Vision Systems (HMNVS) and the Lucie and Sofie sight systems. This was going to aid them in not only the exercise but for the remainder of their career. Having soldiers from all backgrounds within the AAC, be it ground crew, signals or the G4 chain, it became apparent pretty quickly that the standard of soldiering was higher than first expected. This meant that the course could be moved onto more difficult tactics and scenarios quicker, making the test phase more challenging and dynamic. This was all based around a conclusive Intelligence (J2) picture which gave a sense that the soldiers weren’t just doing a deliberate attack for the sake of it but because it was J2 led it gave more of a realistic feel and an end state. There was an element of Live Firing Tactical

The CO

THE EAGLE | 13


Training (LFTT) throughout the course which really put what the students had learnt to the test for real. The ACMT, moving target shoots, FMT and the IBSR ensured that the correct transition to Live Firing had been completed and proved somewhat exciting as this was the first time some of the soldiers had conducted such training.

All the teaching had been concluded, basics swept away, cobwebs flushed out, Transition to Live Firing complete and the students were now ready for test phase. That tranquil moment under the poncho was about to be disrupted by a DS led simulated mortar attack. With the use of PE8 explosives and Simulated Projectiles the harbour area was about to turn what was a relatively well-oiled platoon in to a cluster of soldiers making a command decision whether to hold their ground and remain in cover or to pack up their kit and move to the Emergency Rendezvous.

After deciding to pack up and move out sharpish they were now on the ‘hoof’ to a new pre-determined harbour area. This was the start of test phase.

The students now took charge of their own sections and started thinking for themselves. All the training had been delivered and it was now time for the students to become that ‘thinking’ soldier which had been drummed into them by the Directing Staff the previous 7 days. Command appointments were every 6 hours and were delivered from Exercise Control. The students had now moved into Carr Corner FOB which gave them a small ‘pick me up’ from spending days in a shell scrape. The first command appointment was the live firing fire team attack. A 1.2km insert on to Robins Lodge range with Flanking Fire from a Sustain Fire GPMG. That coupled with simulated mortars using the PE8 gave for an exceptional insight and was the building blocks of things to come. Without the students knowing their relevant

heads of departments and visiting CO’, OC’ and RSM’ had made a planned visit and was

watching from afar. There was time after all had been through the attack to speak with their relevant Regimental dignitaries.

Test phase was now in full swing and the J2 picture was more and more dynamic ensuring that there was only ever one section in the FOB at any one time. The sections had switched back to blank firing and had conducted Vehicle check point hard stops and carried out captured person’s scenarios. A key learning point within the PNCO CLM Policy. The night of the 28th September was possibly the busiest. They had been on the go for 3 days straight now and were starting to feel the effects of sleep deprivation. Nevertheless, there was a recce put in to place by each section and a quick withdrawal back to the FOB. There they devised their plans to put a deliberate attack on to 3 simultaneous ‘safe’ houses. With a quick command appointment change they were back out the door and were setting up their deliberate attacks. H Hour and the simulated mortars had been called in to ‘soften’ up

the targets followed by the Fire Support Teams engaging the sentry positions to the houses. This made for a good diversion for the ‘Charlie’ call signs to make best speed on to target and go through their house clearing drills. That evening they moved back to the FOB as a platoon and dealt with their patrol reports and situational reports.

In the early hours of the following morning they were tasked as individual sections to act as QRF. An enormous explosion could be heard which was simulation for a downed aircraft scenario. The QRF were quickly tasked to search for the missing pilot and deal with any enemy present. Again, having switched to live firing this then enabled the DS to use Flanking fire GPMG and Overhead Fire GPMG. Having gone through the range pretty quickly the students made their attempt at rescuing the downed pilot (a 75kg drag dummy). They extracted the injured pilot to the pick-up point, covering nearly 1km. Not bad for a final attack.

The course saw 24 students start and 20 students finish. I am hoping that the lessons taught and skills learnt throughout the course will not only make them better soldiers than what they were when they arrived on the course but have a wider knowledge of training and what the army has to offer in regards to training.

Sgt Russ Higgins

THE EAGLE | 14


Command Troops' Visit to London

On the 18th and 19th of October, Command Troop planned a cultural visit to

London. This was to develop team cohesion and to have some well-earned fun. We were kindly granted to stay at Wellington Barracks for the night. To show our gratitude we presented the Coldstream Guards with an Army Air Corps Coins given to Sgt Robinson by the Regimental 2IC.

We left at 0500hrs on the 18th to enable us to get a full day in London so that we could see everything that was planned. Our first stop was to the Drill Square to see the changing of the Guard mount. This started with the Band of the Coldstream Guards playing some very interesting music and watching the inspection of the on-going

Queens Guards. After they had left Wellington Barracks to go to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the Guards, we moved up Birdcage Walk to the Foot Guards museum. The museum was very interesting because it explained the history of the Guards and their role through time. Around the walls of the museum was every medal from every rank that had died during combat for the Guards. This was not only a reality check for the younger lads but also the SNCO’s on the trip. After this we moved to Horse Guards. This was a perfect time to get lots of pictures of the Horse Guards in the mounted and dismounted role.

We then broke for lunch and sat barely 100 metres from the homecoming ceremony for the Olympians and Para-Olympians. Walking past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben we moved on to the Tower of London. During this part of the trip we split up into smaller groups to explore the Tower to enable us to see all of it, from the Crown Jewels to the White Tower Armouries and the Bloody Tower. After this we returned to Wellington Barracks and the night was our own, with most

staying close as not to get lost but some others went further afield to enjoy the night.On the second day we visited the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

We had a tour of the grounds and got to see how big the Hospital actually was and how it had grown from the original designs of 1682. This was an amazing part of the trip because we got to hear the stories of the pensioners and find out their roles during ceremonial duties. We visited the chapel where regular services are held and every prayer pillow has a regimental cap badge sewn on it, even if that regiment no longer exists.

Finally we had a surprise trip to see 10 Downing Street and a photo opportunity to get our picture taken in front of the very well-known door.To say we all had a great time is an understatement. We look forward to meeting members of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards again next year and inviting them to Wattisham to show them what the Apache can do and how it can support the soldier on the ground.

Airtpr Barrett

Ex London Eagles

THE EAGLE | 15


It started with a phone call mid-afternoon on a Thursday. It was a short conversion “Do

you want to go Wakeboarding next week?” I was asked “errm yeah” I replied “Good, go see the Reggie 2IC soon as!”

Major Barton informed me that we needed a team putting together to represent the Regiment at the Air Corps Wakeboarding and Water Skiing Championships, and as I was the first person to put my name forward I was to be the team Captain, even though I had no experience!

As team Captain my first responsibility was to get a team together. After some frantic messaging and calling around we clawed together a team of 3, none of which had any experience but were up for the challenge. We arrived at Box End Waterpark on Sunday evening to be greeted by members of the other Regiments who were enjoying a BBQ. We set up our tents and joined the other teams gathered around the camp fire before we had a brief on the week’s events.

The first day started perfectly, with a bacon butty. We had our safety brief and got kitted out ready to get on the water for the first time. To help us get used to the water and the cable system we started on knee boards to boost our confidence. Once we could handle a few laps of the course we moved up to a proper

wakeboard and had to learn how to master how to get up on the board, something which most of the novices struggled with. Starting with the “fanny drag” some moved up to jump starts, something that would take days for some to get the hang of.

Training was relaxed, everyone was free to spend as much or as little time on the cable system as they wanted but had a 20 minute slot each day being towed by a speed boat that they must take part in. By the end of the first day everyone was exhausted and after a few drinks most got their heads down for an early night.The next few days went by with the same routine, getting as much practice in as possible in between working on our tans. All of the more experienced competitors were happy to pass on their knowledge and tips to ensure everyone was improving regardless of rank or Regiment. Thursday was the first day of the competition, starting with the cable route. 2 competitors would be on the water at the same time, setting off at staggered intervals for a 10 minute round. In that time there was no limit on the number of times you could fall in but if you did you had to run back to the start in order to carry on and gain more points. Points were awarded for doing as many tricks as possible, either on the water or by using the ramps and jumps.

Friday’s competition involved being pulled by the speed boat. The Water Skiers had to complete a slalom only being allowed to miss a buoy or falling in the water a maximum of 3 times. The Wakeboarders had 2 lengths of the lake to demonstrate as many tricks and as much skill as possible with a maximum of 3 falls, before being left behind to swim to the side for the walk of shame whilst the next competitor took their turn.

The scores were combined for the Wakeboarders boat and cable events with the Water Skiers scores being based only on their slalom event. The team managed to bring back a bronze in the Novice Wakeboard category and gold in the Novice Water Ski.

All together it was a great experience which was enjoyed by everyone involved.

Airtpr Bowen

Wakeboarding Competition

THE EAGLE | 16


Exercise SAMURAI SAPPER was a hockey tour to Japan where only 20 players were

selected from a pool of 53 people. A mixture from the ladies, men’s and veterans’ team meant there was a lot of experience, ready to take on the Japanese at their hockey. The aim of the tour was to enhance the fitness and skills of established sportsmen and sportswomen in preparation for the 2016/2017 hockey season.

It was an early start with the team meeting at 0530 at Heathrow, ready for our 18 hour journey via Abu Dhabi to Tokyo. On our arrival in Japan, we then endured the long process of the underground stations, with all our bags and hockey kit, to eventually get to our accommodation 2 hours later. A great start to the tour.

A quick shower and freshen up, then saw us heading out for our first team meal. This would take place at a traditional Japanese restaurant, where we were asked to remove our footwear and sit at a low table, cross legged. We then tucked into an 8 course meal which consisted mainly of raw fish, dumplings and

the occasion noodle. All needing to be eaten with chopsticks (literally no fork in sight). Not a massive favourite for many of the players. However we did leave with full stomachs and headed back to the hostel for a well-deserved sleep ready for our first game in the morning.

The team were greeted on our first match day by a small advance party from Waseda University which consisted of 2 people and 2 dogs (with signs around them saying “Welcome! British Army Hockey Team). We were taken to the astro pitch where the other team were already training and warming up. Once orientated with our surroundings, we kitted up and began our warm up under the lead of head coach Maj Anna Scott. This would be the team’s first game against the Japanese and definitely one to remember. We began with a small ceremony where each team exchanged gifts, and then our male members started off playing against their men’s team, in a game which can only be described as fast. With the average age of Waseda University being between 18-22 years old, they were definitely no match for our 19-

48 year old players. We played with grit and determination however with no signs of a goal going our way. We then mixed it up slightly and both teams brought their female members onto pitch. A game that was now at a better pace where we could compose ourselves and concentrate on what we had done during training. With a further 30 minutes to go, all 20 members of our team started feeling the pressure of keeping on top of our game. Players became more focussed and started playing with character and good spirit. Although Waseda University won the game, we came away with lessons learnt and things to improve on. That evening we were hosted by Waseda University in a traditional Japanese restaurant where we ate more raw fish, sushi and noodles.

The next day was spent visiting the British Embassy. We received a presentation on The Battle of Iwo Jima and in return we presented The Falkland Islands. We were then broken down into syndicates to discuss and present to the remainder of the group, different aspects and questions from both battles. A very enjoyable day, with a very delicious lunch.

EXERCISE SAMURAI SAPPERHockey tour to Japan

THE EAGLE | 17


The next couple of days were spent training and improving our tactics and skills on pitch. Set plays were practiced and we were really starting to bond and play as a team. We visited The Yokohama War Cemetery which is the only military cemetery in Japan administered by the Commonwealth War Graves. The cemetery contains the graves of 1,555 service personnel from the Second World War who died in conflict, as prisoners of war or during the post-war allied occupation of Japan. I was very lucky and privileged to be nominated from

the team, to place down a wreath at the main memorial, while the team conducted the Act of Remembrance. We also visited and played the Japanese Defence Academy (their equivalent to The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst). We had a joint training session with them, a formal ceremony where we exchanged gifts, had an official team photo and the Academy band performed their equivalent to the Haka, before we played a game. We managed a draw in this game which could only be described yet again as a very fast game. 2 more matches followed

against a civilian team called the Tokyo Metro and also Meiji University. Although our team was mixed with men and ladies, we played their men’s teams. By this point we had bonded as a team and knew how each other played. Therefore our best hockey was being played and we finished our tour on a high. Luckily only minor injuries were had, with every player coming home in one piece.

On the last day individuals could visit places of interest to them. Some went to the biggest fish market in the world, followed by

a visit to Sonso-ji Temple, while others visited the Ueno Tokyo Zoo. Sumo wrestling was of interest to some, while a few ventured slightly further to Disneyland. All in all, a good day was had by everyone. We finished off our last evening with a team meal and an awards ceremony.

An absolutely amazing experience that I could only have through the Army. Our time on the hockey pitch out in Japan, will now make us ready for our 2016/2017 hockey season here in the UK.

WO2 Walkinshaw

THE EAGLE | 18


Commanding Officer – Lt Col P Hayhurst AACSecond-in-Command – Maj S Pearce AAC Adjutant – Capt A Robertson-Cowley AACRegimental Sergeant Major – W01 (RSM) B Gale

After such a very busy summer that saw the Regt deploy on an unprecedented three Overseas Exercises in just 3 months, it has been nice to be in the UK for a few weeks to reset and get ready for our next challenge and of course a very well earned Christmas Leave. The Regiment will face its new challenge under the command of Lt Col Richard Ball who takes command of the Regiment on the 4th of January 2017 and I head off on an operational tour in support of Op SHADER in Kuwait.

There have been a number of recent changes to the AHF and wider Army and these have resulted in 4 Regiment being selected to be the Army’s Very High Readiness Attack Helicopter Regiment on a permanent basis and we will return to Extremely and Very High Readiness five months early at the beginning of 2017. We will once again be working alongside the Air Assault Task Force, with 664 Squadron specialising as a Land Air Assault squadron, and the Lead Command Group, with 656 Squadron specialising as a Maritime Operations squadron. The Regiment’s work over the next few weeks will be focussed on preparing thoroughly and ensuring that the Regiment is in the very best place prior to taking on this new and

exciting task after Christmas Leave. I am extremely confident that the Regiment is up for the challenge.

There is no doubt that the Regiment has achieved a great deal over the last twelve months, most notably four overseas exercises to Cyprus, Germany, the Baltic Sea and the US, but along the way we have also had a great deal of fun, played a lot of sport and participated in adventurous training across the world. It has been a real team effort and the Regiment should be extremely proud of our achievements. The Regiment has also coped superbly with the tragic loss of Airtrooper Daniel Pope in September to a rare and aggressive cancer. His parents Lorna and Michael asked me to pass on their thanks for the overwhelming support the Regiment gave not only to Daniel before he died but also to them and their daughter Jessica during the funeral arrangements and since then.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in command of 4 Regiment – it has been an honour and a pleasure. It has been without doubt the busiest and most enjoyable job I have ever had and I am acutely aware this has seen me away from home on more than one occasion and I would like to thank my wife Sally and my children for their unswerving support to me during this time. I would also like to pass on my thanks to everyone who has work so hard to make 4 Regiment the success that it is and made my time in command so rewarding. But despite the odd day on the beach, the odd escape from a NATO ship by landing craft and the odd injury on the rugby pitch, my lasting memory of the Regiment is of a Regiment that is well trained, disciplined, motivated and happy; ready to fight and win.

4 Regt AAC v Corinthians CC

Cricket Fixture Report

After acclimatising to the stifling conditions at the US Marines Air Ground Combat Centre, 29 Palms, California, the 4 Regiment Cricket Team travelled to north Los Angeles, hoping to top off an excellent season with a victory against Corinthians Cricket Club. Faced by an experienced team from around the globe, 4 Regt were invited to bat first.

Lt Brown and Air Tpr Gharti Magar started well, putting on 59 for the first wicket before Lt Brown was bowled for 28. Air Tpr Magar followed shortly for 17 which initiated a 4 Regt mini collapse, not for the first time this season. Mennie, Ellison, Murrell and Tymms all fell cheaply, leaving 4 Regt 71-6. Captain Murrell in particular will feel hard done by, dismissed by a sensational one handed catch at cover by the fielder falling backwards.LCpl Mewis, along with LCpl Schwandt steadied the ship, both batting well for 10 and 17 but were undone by continued tight bowling from Corinthians. Cfn Adams and Air Tpr Spearman did not trouble the scorers but WO2 Good and Capt Parkes ensured the tail wagged, adding 7 and 9 respectively, bringing the 4 Regt total to a respectable 150 all out off 36 overs.

4 Regt knew they would have to bowl and field well to defend their total, whilst LCpl Schwandt and WO2 Good persevered, they couldn’t find the breakthrough needed. After some early looseners, Capt Parkes bought 4 Regt their opening wicket, with a good catch by LCpl Mewis down at fine leg. With Corinthians 57-1, quick wickets were required to have any chance of success, unfortunately they didn’t come. LCpl Mewis bowled an excellent spell and deserved more than his 0-37, though he wasn’t helped by some dubious catching attempts. Captain Parkes claimed another wicket with a catch well taken down the leg side by Captain Murrell but Corinthians eased over the line in the 29th over for a deserved victory.

After the presentations and photo’s both teams retired to the South African themed pub and put both the game and the opening fixture of the NFL season to rights. An excellent social evening was had by all and although it was a disappointing end to 4 Regt’s cricket season, reaching the UK Midlands T20 Final means it can be judged a success with plenty to build on for next year.

Sunday 11th September Mardler Field

Lake Balboa Park

THE EAGLE | 19

4 Regt AAC v Corinthians CC

Cricket Fixture Report


Ex BLACK ALLIGATOR was a joint service overseas exercise with the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Centre in 29 Palms California. The units involved included 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Dutch Marines, 4 Regt Army Air Corps and an 18 Sqn RAF Chinook detachment. It provided internal build up and currency training for ground and aircrew and tested air to ground interoperability, culminating in a fully combined final exercise phase, including live firing.

Ground Support Flight – A/LCpl Martin FieldhouseWe deployed with three arming teams with an additional arming team provided by 656 Squadron. On arrival the first thing we noticed was the change in climate and how austere the conditions were going to be. It was very hot and very dusty in an area which resembled Camp BASTION in Afghanistan. Before we were able to do any work with AH we had to take part in a five day acclimatisation package which consisted of light AFT training and ramped up to include carrying weight.

Once acclimatised, we set up our working area located in the hangar at the far end of the airfield. As 656 Sqn were not taking part in the exercise, they had the priority to conduct their environmental qualification first. OC 664 organised an education visit to USAF Creech to learn about the REAPER UAVs and we had the opportunity to stay in Las Vegas for the evenings. By the time we returned we had a 1 day turn around before syndicates containing members of 664 would be conducting AT in San Diego for 3 days. The AT consisted of hill walking, mountain biking and rock climbing. It was a rotational set up where once one group returned to Camp Wilson another would deploy on AT.

After the AT package we were given another day to turn everything around in order to begin our shift

patterns of general day to day crew, working with the AH. We were well prepared for the day to day tasking, but the challenging climate meant the need to drink 12 litres of water per day. To start with we controlled and set up the dust landing sites for the AH and the set-up of the three arming points on the dispersal in preparation for live firing. Once the dust landings were complete, it was time for the live firing of hellfire missiles and 30MM rounds for the next two week. It was a fantastic opportunity for the Sqn to get a bit of hands on training with drill and practice ammunition. Personally it gave me the opportunity to be an acting L/Cpl and ALPC of my own arming team whilst conducting ammunition uploads of live TP rounds and hellfire missiles, whilst also overall responsibility for the other six guys in my team.During the first two days of the live firing package we managed to load and fire 27 SAL missiles. We then began working more intrinsically with 40 Commando Bde in which the Sqn were deployed to provide live-fire support to ground troops and also conduct escort missions with CH, ensuring the safe movement of troops around the AO. Also during the live firing period we had the chance to conduct FARE training in which one arming team would deploy 50 or so miles out of Camp Wilson via CH. Once a suitable site had been identified we would set up a FARE working alongside the RAF; providing ammunition and fuel to AH. The FARE training was very enjoyable and provided our arming teams with valuable training and experience working with other elements of JHF-1.

One thing as an ALPC I had quickly learned was that no day was the same as the last due to AH serviceability and Msn changes. Therefore we had to remain very flexible at times with regards to shift patterns. By the time the exercise started to come to an end we had fired a total of 27

Hellfire missiles and 20,000 30MM which in my personal opinion was a huge reflection of everyone’s hard work and amazing effort to get aircraft serviceable and ready to fly and fire. Once ENDEX was called the packing of equipment and personal kit was relatively painless and straight forward due to the hard work of QM’s department. By the time everything was complete it was a case of flights back to the UK for some well-earned leave.

I think overall Ex BLACK ALLIGATOR was very successful, hugely enjoyable and a big wake up call to what we can achieve outside of our comfort zones.

Signals- Airtpr Michael DebnamOn this exercise 664 Sqn signals were part of the ops room team providing 24 hour cover so if needed the AH could fly whenever required. On this exercise we did many different training packages and different objectives such as live firing ranges for the troops and the AH, rebros and adventure training. For the live firing ground ranges it was the first time for many of us using live rounds whilst doing single, pairs, fire teams and section attacks. For me this was one of the best parts about the exercise

because it was something totally different and new, never having done any live fire attacks. It was a good experience and everyone who took part in my section enjoyed it and learned a lot from the 3 days we had on the ranges. Although tough and hot we all managed to complete the package.

As part of the signals section for 4 Regt we were required to provide rebros for the AH so they could perform longer missions and achieve the training objectives. I was sent out on one of the last rebros, it was an enjoyable and challenging task as we need to keep comms running at all times for the aircraft so they could support the marines final assault. Once on the mountain the first thing I noticed was the heat, it was inescapable and when the sun went down the cold and wind started. The cold wasn’t too much of a problem but the wind caused us a little trouble because we had to keep checking the mast and all the other sigs kit to make sure it hadn’t been blown away. When day broke we checked all the kit and waited out for more orders. At around 1030 we got a call to come back in to Camp Wilson as endex had been called so we packed down all the kit and made the steep drive back down. Although challenging it was fantastic to actually do our jobs in a different environment instead of us tackling rain and wind we had sun and heat for the day and then the normal cold to deal with in the night.

I was lucky enough to be selected to go out with WO1 Jackson and provide comms for the AH in supporting the Dutch and Royal Marines. This was a great experience for me as I had never seen an AH firing before or seen them doing the manoeuvres and low level flying that they were doing. The amount of training this provided to the Marines was phenomenal and all of them who were on the ground greatly appreciated what 4 AAC provided them during the exercise. It was great watching the Marines assault the built up area and how different two countries can work doing the same task. I really enjoyed

EX BLACK ALLIGATOR

THE EAGLE | 20


this day and for me was one of the best days of the exercise because it was something very different to what I had been doing for the most part, actually being out on the ground seeing how our hard work from all the signalers, ground crew and REME gets put into action and seeing how skilled all the pilots were and the professionalism from everyone involved made 4 Regiment look very good and got us high praise everyone involved on exercise BA.

The adventure training was something that everyone greatly appreciated. It was a welcome break from the exercise and a very deserved one for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy San Diego. Everything about the AT was enjoyable, from the different activities to the location of the hostel. The different activities provided were rock climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and hill walking and each one was very enjoyable. My personal favourite was the sea kayaking because it was something I had never done before and the location was fantastic. We got to try and do a beach landing and after thinking we had mastered it a wave took us all out, we also got to try paddle boarding which was something I didn’t think I would enjoy but once on the boards

and on the water it was one of the better activities, we got up close and personal with some seals and had a fun afternoon watching each other fall or get knocked off our boards.

Aircrew - Capt Rob McCreaThe first phase of the exercise was committed to environmental training and live firing. This was to ensure that the aircrew were fully trained, practised and qualified for any future operations. The first stage of the environmental training was to deploy on a 2 day SERE (survive, evade, resist and extract) exercise. This was designed to simulate the procedures and to acclimatise the aircrew as to what could happen if they were to have to land the aircraft into the desert in hostile conditions. It began with a live firing serial where we had to extract from contact in a small village into the desert. Each team of four was given a series of checkpoints and timings to meet through the day and night, including meeting with an agent. The hot dusty conditions were a good challenge and really showed us the importance of staying hydrated and using the kit and equipment we are issued to best effect. The SERE phase ended with an extraction meet on the final morning with help from the Dutch Marines. I think I speak for us all when I say I think we all took a lot from it.

We then moved onto the airborne serials which included dust landings and live firing. The dust landings are designed to train pilots how to deal with landing in a visually degraded environment, and to ensure that they can land safely in the desert if they need to. The conditions at 29 Palms were far more challenging than anything we have experienced in training so far. The live firing serials included 30mm and RF Hellfire shoots, both day and night. The ranges were ideal for what we needed because they not only allowed us to train in an environment we aren’t use to, but also gave us the real estate to fire Hellfire, something that we cannot do in the UK.

Throughout the entire exercise we ensured that we conducted multiservice and in some cases multinational planning. This was to enhance our cooperation and to widen our knowledge from other services experience. This was invaluable to us as a force because we don’t often get the opportunity to work with such a wide variety of sources. It also allowed our HQ element to broaden their planning cycle and practise combat estimates with compressed timelines.

The final exercise culminated in an assault on a large urban area that involved all of the exercising troops. Apache was used to cover the Chinook infil during the build-up phase that

saw the Royal Marines assault a large portion of the town. The town was occupied by a live, dynamic enemy that was difficult for the ground troops to identify. The Apache helped identify the enemy with JTACs. They also assisted the JTACs training by engaging the enemy to enable the Royal Marines Advance through the town. Due to the air defence weapons held by the enemy, the operation was initially conducted at low level until the air threat had been destroyed and then high level operations were safe to conduct, drastically increasing the view of the village. The operation started before sunrise and the Apache crews took it in turn to re-fuel at the nearby base to provide continuous support to the ground troops.

There was also ample opportunity to conduct physical training and sport, including volleyball, basketball and baseball, which was particularly tiring due to the heat. We also managed to get away on a number of educational and cultural visits, most notably a visit to Creech Airforce Base to get an insight into the UKs use of the Reaper drone, followed by a night out in Las Vegas for some well-earned down time.

Ex BLACK ALLIGATOR was not only a fantastic opportunity to conduct dynamic and challenging training both on the ground and in the air, but also a great opportunity to get out of the UK and experience another environment and culture.

THE EAGLE | 21

THE EAGLE | 22

7 AVIATION SUPPORT BATTALION REME

72 Avn Coy Deploy to the Ascension Islands in support of

WatchkeeperCommanding Officer: Lt Col S Nasse REMESecond in Command: Maj R Henstock REMEAdjutant: Captain C Booth REMERegimental Sergeant Major: WO1 (RSM) GD Riseborough

Blink and suddenly it’s Christmas…All of a sudden I find

myself over 6 months into my command, and I would like to take this opportunity to look back at not only my time in the Battalion, but the whole of 2016. We have been busier than ever, and again I am conscious that this has a direct effect on the families. What we have tried to achieve, however, is a bit more foresight as to who is going to be away and when, in order to enable you, the wider battalion family to actually plan your lives. We have had people across the world, in new countries and familiar locations, and afloat with the Royal Navy on HMS Ocean. Work aside, I have seen expeditions deploy to Cyprus, Germany, Austria, Italy and Portugal to name but a few, and at the time of reading this we will have given a lot of soldiers the chance to go skiing, some for the first time ever. We destroyed the Royal Navy at their own game by winning the Field Gun competition – again – and will look to retain that trophy next year. We have embraced our brand “VII” and capitalised on the opportunities available through social media - even leading the charge across the Army with our own “Mannequin Challenge”!I am painfully aware that many

of the “perks” of the job are seen to be eroding. What remains, however, is a job that is still rewarded comparably to industry, but with so much more than just the pay you get at the end of the month. The obvious trips away and sporting opportunities aside, the training our soldiers receive is world renowned, and in completing it at every stage, they are head and shoulders above their contemporaries out of uniform. We reward this with far more responsibility than they would ever get elsewhere, and more importantly the chance to exercise that responsibility. This makes them incredibly marketable both in and out of the Army. Sir Richard Branson said: “Train your people so they could leave, treat them so they don’t want to” – or words to that effect. This is where I come in, and if there is anything that we are not doing well on your behalf, soldiers and families alike, please come and have a chat, or speak to anyone in the Welfare team or chain of command. Finally, when we are not deployed, it is a matter of personal interest that the battalion does not impact on your weekends unless absolutely necessary, nor should anyone not have the opportunity to take their full entitlement to leave.

So that brings me to leave. Thank you for your efforts over 2016 – all of you. I am immensely proud of the Battalion in all that they do, with their families in support. I hope you all get some well-deserved rest over the Christmas period, catch up with some sleep or just each other, and look forward to another excellent year of VII. On behalf of my wife Alex and I, and the rest of the Nassé tribe, may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

On the 18th September 2016, 72 Company of 7 Aviation Support

Battalion deployed in support of 47 REME Workshop RA to the Ascension Islands to help with the maintenance and servicing of the Watchkeeper UAV platform.On a lovely Sunday afternoon SSgt Bowker, Sgt Berry, LCpl Doble and myself made our way to RAF Brize Norton to catch a flight to Ascension. After a long days travel and flight we arrived safely at Ascension Monday morning and were welcomed at the terminal by a few guys from the workshop. We then made our way to the accommodation where we dropped off our bags and got ready to head into work after lunch.

After a few days working in day and evening crews, we settled in and began working on getting our FSCCs for the different kit and equipment required to keep the Watchkeeper flying. Once the first week was over, we managed to get a two day weekend in, as there was no flying due to runway maintenance being carried out, so therefore half of the workshop went to the beach

and the other half went fishing to enjoy the amazing weather despite it being the cold season, apparently. During our time out there, we managed to get plenty of work done to help with our competences; as well as seeing the island. This included everyone getting free fishing lessons off SSgt Bowker - the pro spear fisherman / guy who got bit by a moray eel and wouldn’t get back in the sea for a week. Despite that, there was plenty of fish and possibly a few sharks that were caught throughout our time there.By the time we had to leave to come back to the UK we had got to know the 47 workshop guys along with the UTACs contractors as well as a few of the RA people out there. Over all it was a great experience for the guys and the company to support another asset from the Battalion and look forward to working with them again.

THE EAGLE | 23

BLADES NETBALL TEAM

BLADES NETBALL CLUB As we head into the winter

break all 3 teams have had a brilliant start to the season

and membership continues to grow. Blades 3 begin their first season together in Division 6 and have had a promising start with the ladies thoroughly enjoying being back on the court playing competitive netball. They currently sit 14th in league and are improving game by game. Keep up the great work ladies!

Blades 2 have had a brilliant start to Division 5, beating teams who they lost to last season, which shows great team improvement and how important it is to play regularly together as a team. They are currently positioned 6th which is a great position heading into the festive period having unexpectedly gone into Division 5 at the start of the season and they stand a good chance of promotion at the end of this year.

Of course, Blades 1 has entered Division 3 with the same fighting spirit and determination as the past three seasons and still remains undefeated! The introduction of new player Kim Debenham has also strengthened the team after losing a couple of key players at the end of last season. They go into the

Christmas break 3 points clear at the top of Division 3.With all three teams constantly looking to improve it means they need to train even harder and being able to extend training on a Thursday night is great news for the club. We have to say a special thank you to the Basketball Team for giving up their training night for us - thanks guys, and we wish you luck for the rest of the season!

On Sunday 4th December we are hosting our very own netball tournament based here at Wattisham. There will be other festive activities going on inside and outside the gym, with refreshments available and our team calendar also on sale. All money raised will go to supporting club fees such as umpires, courts and coaches. We will be sure to include lots of photos in the next Edition.

Congratulations to Chloe Anderson who is now a Level 2 coach and is currently coaching our satellite Junior team made up of girls from Chantry Academy. The girls are doing well, facing very tough competition each week but progressing nicely. One girl has been talent identified and has been invited along to a County Satellite

training session so that is great news! We are excited to work closely with Chantry Academy but always looking for new local schools to associate with, including Primary Schools, so please get in touch if this is of interest to you.

Also, well done to Chloe Staite who qualified as a Level 1 coach earlier in the month and helps coach the minis and adults on a Thursday night and Katie Carter and Jen Pullen who both attended the C Umpiring course and both regularly officiate league matches as well as being a key player for Blades 2 and 3. Recently Nic Burns also went on a Safeguarding course so is now our Safeguarding Officer. Next year we are looking at getting several members of the club first aid qualified as well as offering coaching and umpiring courses for any members wanting to challenge themselves and be involved in netball other than just playing.

At the start of the season we launched our ‘Mini’s’ training sessions on a Thursday evening at the station gym which has been a great success and gradually we are seeing the numbers grow. The sessions are for children from Year 4 upwards and although we do

focus on netball skills our main priority is to get the children active and enjoying the sport in a safe and fun environment. If your child would like to join, please get in touch using the details below and why not get them to bring a friend along as well!

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If you think you would like to join us, please come along and meet us, we welcome all abilities, ages, sizes, levels of fitness and we are a lovely bunch of ladies. See you on the court! Contact: [email protected], or Chloe: 07876 768043or find us on twitter and Facebook.

Blades 1, 2 and 3 on a rare occasion we are all together

The lovely Blades 3 ladies

Blades 2 posing professionals

Victorious Blades 1

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WATTISHAM TRIATHLON

WATTISHAM TRIATHLON 2016From TRYathlete to Triathlete

What do you think of when someone mentions a triathlon?

If you are like me you probably have images of the supreme elite athletes pushing their bodies to the limits along with numerous other supreme elite athletes. But that does not mean that you have to be a Brownlee to take part in one. If you can swim. If you can ride a bike. If you can run. And if you are ready to get off the sofa. Then you too can be a triathlete and the Wattisham Sprint Triathlon is the perfect event to start.

This year it was held on an overcast October weekend and would see over 250 Lycra clad people doing a 300 m pool swim, 20 km bike ride and a 5 km run around Wattisham Airfield. This was the 10 year anniversary of the event which helps support the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

As the new Chairman for the Wattisham SSAFA Service Committee it was only right that I should be involved in some way in supporting this wonderful event. So I took the plunge and entered

myself for the challenge. A couple of months on exercise in America eating burgers and burritos was not exactly the perfect preparation for a triathlon. However, Lycra is exceptionally forgiving and even after 7 years I was able to don my old tri-suit without the zip breaking and having to constantly hold my breath.

On the morning of the triathlon, we arrived early to join the myriad of volunteers setting up the signing in areas, filling goody bags and preparing for the crowds later that morning. Having put my bike and equipment in the transition area ahead of the crowds (an advantage of helping set up), I was set to work by Sharon Walker the SSAFA Secretary, folding t-shirts, arranging freebies and doing the odd coffee run for the volunteers. There were a few comments as Dan Everest, SSAFA Accountant, and myself folded the t-shirts in typical basic training military fashion. You never lose those type of skills. Even my wife and 2 sons were roped in to help by taking over one of the signing in tables. It is amazing how competitive young boys can be when sorting out safety pins.

Signing in consisted of being given your race numbers, timing chip and goody bag (incl expertly folded t-shirt). There was a bit of a scare when the timing chips failed to arrive on time because without these the event would not have been able to run as there would have been no way to calculate individual timings. Luckily Lee Bark, the Gym Facilities Manager and main event organiser, was able to track down the chip company and they arrived just in time for the first competitors to sign in. Once sign in was complete, it was then the safety brief where Lee reminded all the competitors of what the event entailed. This included cycling and running routes, warnings on the course and the behaviour expected by all participants.

After the safety brief, all that was left to do was to wait until your time to start. This was based on the individuals swim time entered on the original applications. The one with the longest expected time would go first and those that swim like Michael Phelps would go last. Each person would start 30 seconds after the person in front. It was

a while before I was due to start, so it was time to help pack up the registration tables, sort out the left over goody bags and then check on Jemma Chisolm-Brown, our volunteer co-ordinator, who was running the SSAFA stand near the finish line.

As my deadline got closer it was time to prepare. So with tri-suit donned, banana eaten and nervous bladder emptied, it was time to join the queue at the side of the pool. Again, several volunteers helped to sort the line, chasing up missing numbers whilst the PTIs started the clock for each individual. With 30 seconds before start, it was into the pool, goggles on and wait for the countdown from the PTI. 5-4-3-2-1 and off I went trying to make sure I didn’t embarrass my family watching from the viewing balcony.

The swim felt good and I even caught the person who had gone 30 seconds before (always a good feeling). It was then time to climb out of the pool and run outside to the transition area. If you have seen triathlons on the TV you will see the transition as a phase which is slick and professional, seeing a

THE EAGLE | 26

WATTISHAM TRIATHLON

swimmer become a cyclist. I can honestly say that my transition was neither. After drying my feet, putting on socks and cycling shoes, dropping my helmet and getting tangled in by own number belt, I was ready for the next phase. Well almost. Getting onto a bike quickly has never been a skill I possess. This may be due to being over six feet or having a fear of jumping on and landing straight on the cross bar. Either way, I managed to set off in a rather ungainly manner. However; once I was settled and around the corner it was time to put the hammer down.

The 20 km cycle included the main attraction of the Wattisham Triathlon and one of the reasons many people attend the event. For 364 days of the year, the airstrip is the sole reserve of Apache Helicopters and the man driving the bird scarer van. Today though saw cyclists speeding up and down the tarmac. With the Wattisham wind always a threat, there was a chance that, in the words of Lee Bark, we would go down the airstrip like Lance Armstrong and come back up like Louis Armstrong. Luckily the Gods favoured the brave and with light gusts and little rain I was able to set a good pace overtaking several riders (I was overtaken myself by a man who looked about 60 but I don’t like to mention it).

After completing 2 circuits of the airfield it was time to prepare for the next phase. This was a 5 km run and, after another undignified transition with wobbly legs, I made my way around the sports pitches. The RAF Cadets had kindly volunteered to hand out water during the run for those who needed refreshment en route. One of the most amusing things to see is a grown man trying to drink from a plastic cup whilst running, splashing water on himself with none going in his mouth. After being overtaken by someone I had passed on the bike, running fast also appears to be a talent I lack.

So then came the final sprint to the line. This was the end of the triathlon and the part where you use your last reserves to finish well. It’s also the part where I suck in my gut and try to look like an athlete rather than a sweaty and tired MAMIL (Middle Aged Man In Lycra). Crossing the line has a range of emotions. You hear your name across the BFBS speakers, see the crowds welcoming you in and feel a sense of achievement that is difficult to explain as it is individual to each person. For myself, I was glad it was over but with the adrenaline still pumping I felt I could have done better. That’s the thing about triathlons. Your main competitor is yourself. A race against the clock trying to beat your PB or setting a time to improve

on in the future. This year saw me finish in 1:08. So after a few minutes to recover, it was time to grab a well-deserved slice of cake and watch the remaining participants cross the line. Afterwards the awards ceremony took place with Lt Col Winthrop presenting trophies to those who gained the best times in several categories. From individual age group winners to team winners, military and civilian alike. There was even a couple of special awards presented by Lee Bark. One was to a competitor that had participated at every Wattisham triathlon for the past 10 years and Sharon received a bouquet of flowers for all the help she has given Lee over the years and the all-important link with SSAFA. This year the Wattisham Triathlon made around £3500 for SSAFA.

But this event is not just about those taking part. It needs a variety of supporters and volunteers who give up their time and money to continue to help make

the Wattisham Triathlon such a success. These include Lee Bark, Capt Leon Hayward, Sharon Walker, SSAFA volunteers, Liz Mullen (BFBS), the RAF Cadets, Hadleigh Hares, the PTI staff, all those soldiers within the work parties, all those family and friends roped into helping and kind donations from NATS, ATIL, Aramark, SBC, Cobham, Aquila, Hadleigh Buildbase. Without these people the day would never have happened. On behalf of all the triathletes, I would like to thank each of them for creating a wonderful all-inclusive event. Where else can you see such a range of Lycra clad proactive people, from triathletes to TRYathletes. Carbon fibre bikes to bikes with shopping baskets, tri-suits and quick transitions to swimming trunks and beach like towel covering underwear changes. For 10 years the Wattisham Triathlon has allowed so many people just to simply say ‘I am a triathlete and I did that’.

WO2 Scriven

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Ipswich Hospital Volunteer

Takes Care To New Heights

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER

A Chaplaincy volunteer who dedicates his time to helping out at Ipswich

Hospital has teamed up with Wattisham Flying Station, home of the Attack Helicopter Force, to brighten one patient’s stay by presenting her with special photographs of the base’s Apache helicopters.

John Daborn, who has volunteered at Ipswich for the past year, found out about the patient’s passion for helicopters after chatting to her when visiting the Woodbridge Ward. Keen to make her stay easier, he used his contacts at Wattisham to get hold of some fantastic photos of the base’s

Apaches, which he gave to the grateful patient earlier this week.

Revd Tony Brookes, lead Chaplain at the hospital, said: “John has been an absolute star since he started working with our team a year ago, and patients and their families really enjoy chatting to him. “This little act of kindness made a real difference to this patient, and we are really grateful to John for arranging it and for Wattisham for donating the photographs.”John, a retired policeman who lives next to the base, is a pivotal member of the Apache Archery Team, a Club that holds regular meetings at Wattisham.

Inspiring all to a lifelong love of learning!

St Mary’s CEVA Primary SchoolTelephone: 01473 823268 Fax: 01473 822777

Email: [email protected]: www.stmaryshad.co.uk Headteacher: Mr A. Frolish

We invite you to visit our friendly, welcoming school to see how we develop children into successful learners and caring members of the community.

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a vibrant, Christian school, in which all children achieve well and are inspired to a lifelong love of learning!

‘Rated GOOD by Ofsted November 2015!’

• “…strong culture of good teaching, learning and behaviour across the school.”

• “Pupils are keen to come to school and have good attitudes to learning.”

• “The school’s caring atmosphere promotes all aspects of pupils’ welfare effectively.”

• “Children enjoy learning and enthusiastically engage in their activities…”

Image Courtesy of Ipswich Hospital

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PADRE'S CORNER

Padre's Corner

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of love in the world at the moment.

As a nation we’ve had a pretty divisive year politically speaking - the Brexit vote for one has generated a lot of heated debated, but maybe not particularly informative. On the world stage as we’ve observed the election of Donald Trump in one of the most vitriolic election campaigns that the USA (and the world) has ever seen. At Christmas we celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus, who came to bring light not only to the world, but to us as individuals and families. What does that mean for us practically? Maybe it means us loving one another and this Christmas is a good opportunity to reconnect with those nearest and dearest to us and to reflect on our personal circumstances and see what we can do to bring some peace and love to the world. To close a quote from Bob Hope - “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: Loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”

The New Year also brings opportunities for a new

start, not least in our own personal health goals! This January I’m really pleased to be working with Amy Peake to run a course aimed at spouses called “Wattisham Wellness” over the four weeks we'll be looking at how we build the resilience and confidence to tackle and stick to these goals. Our overall wellness isn’t just about physical fitness, but also our emotional and spiritual strength, and each session we’ll be looking at different aspects of wellness. Look out on social media and flyers with more details on the course.

Finally, this Christmas I would encourage you to look around at Churches local to you, where there will be an abundance of Christmas Activities for the whole family. At Wattisham we’ll be having a Christmas Day Service at the Station Church starting at 1015 am. In the New Year we will be continuing with our new pattern of services. On the first Sunday of the month will be a Communion Service led by Padre Craig and then on the third Sunday a more informal and discussion based service looking at issues we see in the media from a Christian perspective.

On Saturday 12 November 2016, the Essex and Suffolk

Hunt with foxhounds visited Wattisham and gathered outside the Officers’ Mess. This annual community engagement event provided

the opportunity for our families to view the splendour of the Hunt and also for the Hunt Master, James Buckle during Remembrance weekend to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, observing a minutes silence at 1100 hrs.

Essex and Suffolk Hunt Visits Wattisham

VISIT TO WATTISHAM

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WATTISHAM MILITARY WIVES CHOIR

Services Welfare (WRVS)

My name is Julie Wood; I’ve been here since July and am gradually finding my way around. It’s been good to

meet many members of the various regiments based here at Wattisham. The Herrick Club provided evening entertainment for two groups of cadets, one from a school in Greenwich and the other the Norfolk and Suffolk cadets. They enjoyed their visit to the station and found the biscuit tin particularly inviting!

The Choir has had a very busy few months preparing for the recording of our

upcoming album and coinciding Cathedral Tour.

On the 17th September our ladies descended on St Botolph’s Church in Colchester to record two tracks for the upcoming album. We were all very excited as most of us had not recorded on the previous album so this was a first for many. We met with other Choirs from Marham, Wimbish and Wyton & Brampton to record our part for the title track “Home for Christmas” and our very own track “Oh Holy Night”. We were briefed on the procedure and issued with a set of headphones (lots of silly photos were taken) and

asked to stand in our singing groups. Our

conductor was Hilary Daban Wetton

a versatile and distinguished conductor and much to our surprise a man – we were expecting a lady!! He was very patient but also very strict as you can imagine with a church full of women there was a lot of laughter and chatter. The recording only took about 2 and a half hours and afterwards we were allowed to listen to a rough cut of

If you are thinking about joining the Choir then please do not hesitate; we are a friendly bunch! We meet every Tuesday from

6.30-8.30 in the Church at Wattisham. A Crèche is available to look after the little ones. If you have

any questions just pop us an email to Wattisham@

militarywiveschoirs.org.Following our album recording session in Colchester back in September, Wattisham Military Wives Choir enjoyed the privilege of performing at Norwich Cathedral on 26th November as part of the network-wide 'Home For Christmas' tour. Also appearing at the event were Honington and Marham Military Wives Choirs. Your very own choir features on two of the album songs: Home for Christmas and O Holy Night, both of which were also performed at the Cathedral. We wish to express gratitude to our fantastic Music Director, Jennie Francis who arranged many of the songs we performed. One of our members commented afterwards, "It was an amazing evening. I especially loved singing with the cathedral organ - it gave me goosebumps!" Although it has been a fun experience, the main purpose of our choir is to provide a network of friends who enjoy singing together. Because we are together every week, we are able to act as a support to each other. New people are welcomed and begin to feel at home almost straight away.

one of the tracks; it was emotional. The album will be released on the 25th November and the single “Home for Christmas” on the 2nd December.Afterwards a few of us headed out for a meal at the local Chinese. One of many social events that we like to orgainse. Twenty of us recently went to the Ipswich Regent Theatre to watch the Musical “Sister Act” with Alexandra Burke as the leading lady. She was fantastic and has an incredible voice. The male stars were also very amusing and the show on whole is a must if you love live theatre.

In the run up to Christmas we also have a performance at St Peter and St Mary’s Church in Stowmarket for the Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival. 2nd December at 7.15pm and a performance at the “Light Up a Light Service” with the local hospice.

Please could we take this opportunity to congratulate one of the ladies in our Choir who recently tied the knot with her Soldier Husband. Bex and Blake Barnard. We hope you are very happy in your new home.

SERVICES WELFARE

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HERITAGE CORNER

Heritage Corner

Picture RAF Wattisham in the early 1960's, the supersonic English

Electric Lightning not just being scrambled to intercept an intruder, but also being able to show off some of its awesomeness! Back in 1963 the pin for official aerobatics team of the RAF once again landed on Wattisham in the form of 56 Squadron Firebirds. Nine F-Mk 1A Lightings toured the UK performing thrilling, deafening, and downright dangerous routines, all of which were practiced here at Wattisham, and as a child I witnessed routines such as the 'could burst' whereby the Lightnings would climb and then split and descend all directions.

The shiny bare silvery shimmer of the surface of the aircraft coupled with the striking red and white chequer pattern unique to 56 Sqn was something to behold back in the day. The Sqn emblem was

the Phoenix, to 'rise from the ashes', however during a routine practise ahead of the Paris air show two Firebirds collided over Wattisham Airfield, one pilot managed to land at Wattisham with a damaged wing, the pilot of the other aircraft bailed out into a field at Great Bricett, but suffered life changing injuries.

Wattisham Station Heritage Museum and workshop are now closed for the winter to allow us to think about new themes and displays for the 2017 season, and also to concentrate on finishing our documentary. Now here is a thought, in just over two years’ time Wattisham Airfield will be eighty years old! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year, in the meantime from all of us the Heritage Group, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy 2017.

Maggie, Historical Advisor, WSH.

CHILDCARE CENTRE

The nursery is now coming to the end of its 3rd year of operating in the new

building, we are thriving and continually making changes to support the children and the nursery for both their future developments.We recently held a couple of fundraising events to raise money for new purchases in the nursery. We held a chocolate bingo evening on Saturday 1st October at the Royal British Legion in Hadleigh. Lots of chocolate and wine was won and we also had gift baskets in our raffle. We raised a total of £228.16 at this fundraising evening. We also had a cake stall at the Triathlon on Saturday 22nd October and raised a massive £489.45 selling cakes, tea, coffee and we even had curry & rice this year. Our most recent fundraising event was a quiz night at the Royal British Legion in Hadleigh, which raised £153.50. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us at our fundraising events, keep an eye on our Facebook page and the upcoming events area which is located on the window in the nursery entrance as more events will be organised in the New Year.

The children enjoyed their Christmas party this year, which was held at Playworld in Stowmarket on 9th December. The pre-school children also carried out a nativity play for their parents and all their hard work at practicing paid off and they did a fantastic performance. We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and welcome back all the children and a few new faces.

The nursery is again becoming full on particular days and sessions with children’s attendance, so we do suggest registering your child with us early if you require a space soon or in the future. We do provide Government Early Years Funding for 3 to 4 year old children, which is available in the term after their 3rd birthday. We can offer this on a term time only basis where your child can use their full 15hrs a week entitlement during the school term and not attend in the school holidays or we can also offer this as stretched funding where your child will attend 12hrs per week and also attend during the school holidays. For more information please pop into the nursery or contact Sarah (Manager) or Claire (Deputy Manager) on 01449 728928.

Wattisham Airfield

Childcare Centre

RAF SE FITTS

RAF Survival Equipment Fitters Often unnoticed, RAF SES is still here, providing a valuable service.

Royal Air Force Survival Equipment Fitters (SE Fitts) have been embedded at Wattisham Airfield since it’s establishment on 5 April 1939. RAF Wattisham opened as a bomber Station, which after a short spell under the control of the US Air Force in 1946, was back in British hands of the RAF with the Gloster Meteors of 266 Sqn. In more recent times, Wattisham has been a base for Phantom aircraft arriving in 1974 to replace the Lightning. RAF Phantoms served through to the end of the Cold War in 1992. With the Cold War threat gone, Wattisham stood down as a fighter base on 31 October 1992 and was handed over to the British Army in March 1993. RAF SE Fitts were constantly present, providing RAF Aircrew with Survival Equipment (SE) Maintenance support to 3AAC and 4AAC as they arrived. On the 14th August 15, 22 Squadron Search and Rescue disbanded, leaving the Survival Equipment Section (SES) as the sole RAF presence at Wattisham Airfield today.

Based in the SFOC building, the Survival Equipment Section (SES) provides support to both Army Air Corps Regiments as well as 7 Aviation Support Bn REME and 127 Med Sqn at Colchester. This support covers both routine activity at the MOB as well as when deployed on exercises/operations. SES is a relatively small section of 20 personnel with the highest rank being a Flight Sergeant

(FS). Accommodating day and night flying with a shift system throughout the working week, providing trade cover for the flying programme and deploying a JNCO and SAC for 3AAC and 4AAC exercises often means limited MOB manpower. This year, SES has already supported numerous exercises in the UK and abroad such as Ex CHAMELEON, SWIFT RESPONSE, BALTOPs and on a monthly basis are flying out to FAD(C) to support Sqn Air Testing.

The main priority at SES is to maintain all AH Aircrew equipment to the highest standard. The section is split into two areas:

The front Aircrew Equipment Assembly (AEA) Bay focusing on forward maintenance on Apache Helmets, Mk 61 Armour Capable Life Preservers (ACLPs), Aircrew Flying Clothing and Immersion Protection Garments (IPGs). Although the Aircrew are originally fitted up for their helmet during their conversion to type (CTT) training at Middle Wallop, WFS SES will perform helmet fit on Aircrew upon re-sizing and Passengers for Air Experience Flights (AEF). This is a highly specialised procedure making sure that the helmet fits correctly and that it will not cause discomfort for the pilot during flight. Each helmet is custom fitted to the individual with the visor being specifically cut so that the monocle can rest on the cheek.

The Survival Equipment Section bay (SESB), concentrates on depth maintenance with a large part of

their work supporting Aircrew Pool and Sea currency training. These drills, are key to keeping Aircrew familiar with current and newly introduced equipment types. Other maintenance includes gas charging of Short Term Air Supply Systems (STASS), maintenance of PRC covert emergency locator beacons, headsets rectification and maintenance of despatcher harnesses for 127 Med Sqn.

As Crimson Eagle 16 draws to a close, we will see four of six RAF SES staff, head across to support 4AAC Ex BLACK ALLIGATOR whilst the other two members return, having supported 3 Regiment out in El Centro and Gila Bend. Their initial focus, was SERE support to the Stn and Sqn SERE-Os, conducting 653 Sqn/CTR Aircrews desert SERE training. In latter weeks, this changed to day and night trade support in two locations, providing serviceable AEA.

Members of SES here at Wattisham find themselves in a uniquely rewarding position as they are able to gain experience from working alongside the AAC and through attainment of personal and professional training courses that are infrequently accessible in the RAF. Alongside other mandatory training qualifications such as IRT Mod1 (formerly CCS) similar to Army MATTS, staff have been able to complete many other training courses available through RAF Wittering, Marham and Honington. Several members of SES completed their First Aid at work qualification

at RAF Honington, improving their knowledge and gaining a useful skill. Thanks to the Army, 3 SACs have been away skiing this year in Austria, gaining ski instructor qualifications.

Some of Wattisham’s current SE Fitt personnel provided trade support to Lynx and Gazelle Aircraft for United Nation Peace keeping Force (UNFOR), Op AGRICOLA and OCULUS in Kosovo and Bosnia in the 90’s. These same personnel now provide continual R1/2 readiness, maintaining equipment and personal competencies, such that its staff are always ready to mobilise. More recently, Wattisham staff have been required for non-formed Unit support to Op SHADER, whilst also supporting the Stations mission statement. This has required intelligent use of Acting Higher Ranks (AHR) to fill crucial roles during these pinch-points.

Looking to the future, SES is starting to see the introduction of new equipment types including Future Aircrew Clothing System (FACS) currently being introduced. Other equipment due for release includes, introduction of the 9G+ kneeboard, Body Armour Load Carriage System (BALCS) replacing the Mk.61 ACLP, a new AH rescue-strop, the new Army Aviation helmet (Apache Aircrew Integrated Helmet for AH64E) and a new highly modified version of the current Aircrew Mk.65 ACLP used for over-water flight. There has never been a better time to be a Royal Air Force SE Fitt at Wattisham Flying Station!

SAC Chloe Staite

Liferaft op head maintenance

Helmet (HOLT) testing

Torque Loading

IHU and DNVG Monocular

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IHU alignment

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HIVE

HIVE Wattisham Information & Support Centre 2 Valley Road, Wattisham Airfield, Ipswich,

Suffolk, IP7 7RE Tel: 01449 728263

Email: [email protected] Website: www.mod.uk/hive

Opening Hours: Wattisham Mon, Tue, Thu,

08.00am–4.30pm Fri 08.00am-1.00pm Wed Hadleigh 08.00am-4.30pm

Tel: Hadleigh HIVE 01473 828995

HIVE BLOG - LATEST INFORMATION, DISCOUNTS & WHAT’s ON

Go to: wattishamhive.blogspot.co.uk

SNOW WHITE & THE

SEVEN DWARFS

Friday 21 December to Sunday 30 December

Ipswich Regent Tel: 01473 433100

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Thursday 22 November To Saturday 26 January

Wolsey Ipswich Tel: 01473 295900

A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION BY ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY FOR 2015

This is a new competition open to all amateur

photographers within the British Army and their

family members, who can submit their pictures to

be used in The Soldiers’ Charity calendar for

2016.

The winning photographs will be chosen by a

judging panel of senior figures within the Army,

The Soldiers’ Charity and photography world.

The competition is open to amateur

photographers only, not official Army

Photographers.

Entries are to be submitted no later than

30th April 2015. Full details of the competition and how to enter

can be found

here www.soldierscharity.org/photocompetition

NEED TO ORDER FLOWERS fOR CHRISTMAS?

Please note that it is you, the occupant’s responsibility when

moving from Service Families Accommodation that you redirect

your mail to your new house through the Royal Mail Redirection

Service (31.99 for 3 months or £41.99 for 6

months). Failure to do this may result with

mail being disposed of by the new occupant of your old house. To

register go to: www.royalmail.com/personal/rec

eivingmail/redirection

EATING OUT

For all offers visit: https://www.defencediscount

service.co.uk/

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY HOUSE

14 LEEKS CLOSE OPEN every WEDNESDAY

8am – 4.30pm The HIVE and Unit Welfare Officer’s attend and it is a place to make new

friends and have a coffee. SEE YOU THERE

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UNIT WELFARE OFFICES

HIVEThe HIVE has local information on groups, activities and should be the first stop for general advice. This is ideal if you are new to the area and require information on doctor’s surgeries, bus routes or general days out. Lisa is available on 01449 728263 (Wattisham - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) and 01473 828995 (Hadleigh - Wed).

3 Regiment Welfare Team

UWO: CAPT SEAN ELLIOTT

UWWO: RICHIE TATUM

Welfare Contact DetailsOffice Tel: 01449 728321

Emergency other than 999 services: 01449 728220

(Guard Room) E-mail:

[email protected]:

Threeaac Welfare Officer

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WATTISHAM POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS:

Mon, Tue and Thu 0900 – 1230hrs

HAIRDRESSER - STYLING THE STATION - OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Thursday: 0900 – 1730hrsFriday: 0900 – 1430 hrs

No appointment necessaryAfter hours appointments are available

01449 728634 – Chantelle

National Insurance CreditsThe government recently announced a new credit to help protect the future state pension of any spouse or civil partner who accompanied a Service Person on an overseas assignment and so has gaps in their National Insurance record. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/dwp/ni-credits/armed/forces/partners .

Social HousingIt is important that personnel leaving the Armed Forces understand they have no automatic right to Social Housing (previously known as Council Housing); allocation of social housing is based on 'housing need'. The Armed Forces Covenant gives Service Leavers an automatic right to Social Housing, the Armed Forces Covenant was created to promote fairness, understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community. If you are a member of the Armed Forces and are threatened with homelessness, you may qualify for help from a Local Authority. The Local Authority will help you with both emergency and longer term accommodation if you are accepted as a priority need. Further advice can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-service-housing-advice-office-leaflet-index

Shared Parental LeaveSP are to be reminded of the introduction of Shared Parental Leave (SHPL), a new type of leave which was introduced in April 2015 to allow eligible parents to choose how to share the care of their child during the Childs first year following birth or adoption. The purpose of the leave is to give parents more flexibility in considering how best to care for their child. The proposed new chapter for JSP 760 is still to be finalised. In the meantime full details of the provision can be found in DIN 2015DIN01-041 and for the chain of command DIN 2015DIN01-113 .

TV LicensingFrom 1 Sep 16 the law changed and if you use any device to access the BBC iPlayer to download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer in your living accommodation in or out of barracks you require a TV License. Full details are contained in ABN 123/16 or @ TV Licensing.

FAMILY COFFEE MORNINGSWattisham Community Centre:

0900 - 1100 on Tues and 1330 – 1500 on ThursHadleigh House / Hive:

14 Leeks Close, open 9 am – 3pm on Weds

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£30 Hire£30 Returnable Deposit

£60 Total NO CHEQUESFor more information call:

01449 728421Please Note: The Bouncy Castle

is not available during the leave periods.

4 Regt Bouncy Castle Hire!!!

CAPT MARTIN WALKINSHAW

WO2 IAN COCKWILL

4 Regiment Welfare Team

MoneyForce is a website designed to provide financial awareness and education to the Armed Forces Community. It is aimed at helping you make the most of your money and avoid falling into financial difficulty. Particular attention is focused on the unique features of service life such as mobility and prolonged absence on deployment. The website is optimised for use with mobile devices such as Smart Phones and iPads but will work equally well on any device connected to the internet. You are reminded that MoneyForce hosts a number of very useful tools at the following website http://www.moneyforce.org.uk/Tools to help personnel in managing their money:

MONEYFIT CHALLENGE. This tool assesses your financial fitness in five key areas - Debt, Savings, Budgeting, Planning and Protection - and gives a personalised Action Plan to help you get MoneyFit.

GOALSAVER.This tool works out how quickly you’re likely to reach it or can tell you how much your savings will grow based on your current savings pattern.

HOMEFINDER. This tool compares the cost of buying with renting, and tells you what sort of property you can likely afford. BUDGET PLANNER.This tool lets you tot up all your financial commitments and everyday spending and gives you a better idea of how much you can expect to have left. CAR COSTS CALCULATOR. This tool will give you an idea of how much it could end up costing you over time and whether or not you can afford it. CREDIT CARD CALCULATOR.This tool lets you calculate how much you need to pay each month to pay it all off, shows you how much it’s costing you based on your current payments and how long it will take you to reduce the balance.

MONEY FORCE

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Welfare Contact Details

Office Tel: 01449 728421Emergency other than

999 services: 01449 728220 (24 hrs) E-mail:

[email protected]:

FourRegt Welfare

National Insurance credits to help

protect your future state pension

For Spouses and civil partners

of members of HM Forces on

assignments outside of the UK.

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CREDIT UNION SERVICES FOR THE ARMED FORCES.

The MoD has made it possible for three of the UK’s leading credit unions to join forces and make simple savings accounts and loans

available to the armed forces and their families. The joint Force credit union can be found at this link http://joiningforcescu.co.uk/.

Flexible Working OptionsThe MoD understands the importance to SP of maintaining a good work/life balance. With a view to supporting the lifestyle choices

that our SP make, as well as offering support when needed, a number of new leave options, were introduced under the New Employment Model (NEM) with the intention of allowing individuals a degree of freedom when attempting to balance their work and personal lives. SP are reminded that details of these new options: Call Forward of

Leave(CH 26); Transfer of Leave between spouse/civil partners (CH 27) and Enhanced Leave (CH 28) and how to apply can now be found

in JSP 760.

Relationship breakdown and separation while living in SFA

Once the DIO’s Loss of Entitlement Team (01904 418000) has been advised of a relationship breakdown, they will issue a notice to vacate which gives 93 days to find alternate accommodation. This form can be given to the Local Authority of proof of loss of entitlement and the Local Authority MUST accept the form; you

should also ask for an interview with the Local Homelessness Officer. You can find out more information by contacting Joint

Services Housing Advice Office on the JSHAO telephone advice line Tel: 01252 787574 or using the gov.uk website at: https://www.gov.

uk/government/publications/joint-service-housing-advice-office-leaflet-index.

Core Meal

The Core meal price (CMP) has increase to £5.75 incl. VAT from 1 Oct 2016. This will see an increase of 85 pence per day for SP who take three core meals a day. ABN 104/16 was issued on 3 Aug 16

and further information is listed on the CRL Intranet.

From all the Welfare team, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Events

It remains for us as the welfare team, to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Have a great

time and stay safe!


7 Avn Sp Bn REME Unit Welfare Office

With Christmas just around the corner, the WISC is becoming ever busier once again. There is still a bit more on the forecast of events, the Station Pantomime and the Children’s Christmas party have to run before the end of the year. It seems like only yesterday we were organising the Station Bonfire. Despite the fact it was a little chilly, the event was dry and the skies were clear, so a big thank you to Mother Nature for playing the game.There was a lot of work done behind the scenes to ensure that the event was every

bit a success as it was. Pte Scanlon of 132 Avn Sup Coy was the one who ensured that the bonfire was a blazing success, he and his team spent 3 days building the beast and was very relieved to see it go up as well as it did. The fireworks were set up and off by Cpl’s Hollis and Mitchell and all but one, went off with a bang. Lastly, I’d also like to thank Margaret Beardsell our WISC co-ordinator for all her efforts in bringing everything together and making the event such a great evening for all who attended.

Hadleigh HouseFor those families accommodated in Hadleigh. Just a reminder that the house (14 Leeks Close) is open every Wednesday from 0800-1630hrs. A member of each Unit Welfare team normally attends along with Lisa who runs the HIVE here in Wattisham.Wattisham Station Activity Club. The Activity Club is being held in the Wattisham Station Community Centre 17:30 – 19:30hrs on a Monday night during term times for 11-16 yr olds and also 1700-1900hrs on Wednesday nights for 8-11yr olds.

Ipswich Regent is showing Sleeping Beauty between the 17 Dec 16 – 2 Jan 17. Tel No. 01473 433100

Ipswich Wolsey is showing Sinbad between 24 Nov 16 – 28 Jan 17. Tel No. 01473295900

THE EAGLE | 38

MET OFFICE WATTISHAM

We have welcomed a new trainee into the office, Adam, who joined in October. Alicia completed her training, and gained her qualification enabling her to be an Operational Meteorologist. She will now work at RAF Odiham.

Beating Retreat at Wattisham

We were very pleased to be invited to the Beating the Retreat Cocktail

Party at the Officer’s Mess. A number of people from the office attended,

and we had a good evening. We were able to give a forecast for a flypast over the airfield, with the weather situation being a showery day, some

of these being heavy. We could advise when the best time for the flypast would be, and whether it could go ahead. The forecast was commended by the Station Commander during his speech.

A photo from Crimson Eagle

WO1 Iain Ross sent us this photo taken at Exercise Crimson

Eagle, in the Southern US. It shows a large Cumulonimbus cloud (CB), with a dust storm

below it. CBs result from an unstable atmosphere, where the surface is significantly warmer than the upper atmosphere. This causes strong updrafts, where air is lifting 10000’s of feet into the

atmosphere. The air cools, and the water molecules in the air condense. The water molecules are held in the atmosphere until they become too heavy for the updraft, at which point they fall, resulting in a strong downdraft reaching the surface. If the downdraft is over a desert this can result in the loose soil and sand being pushed off the ground, resulting in a dust storm and some of these storms can be

lifted as high as 20,000 FT.The dust/sandstorm in the picture is called a ‘Haboob’, and can be frequently observed across Iraq and Afghanistan, even if it is only associated with Altocumulus Castellanus (very high based CBs).

If you have any interesting weather photos for us, please send them to [email protected].

THE EAGLE | 39

ORCHARD BARN NEWS

A Hot September An unsettled start to

September gave way to a southerly airflow

allowing warm air to be brought to the UK from the continent. This caused temperatures to climb enabling a number of records to be broken. Due to two warm spells of weather around the middle of the month, September 2016 was the warmest September at Wattisham since records began (in 1959), with a mean maximum temperature of 21.6 C (3 C above the mean temperature for September). In addition, the 15th saw temperatures reach 29.7 C which was the joint warmest on record with 5th September 2013.

It was also a month of warm nights for Wattisham, with the

mean minimum temperature of 13.3 C, the 2nd warmest ever (3.2 C above the mean), behind 2006 (13.5 C). The warmest night was the 14th, which is also the warmest September night since records began. Four of the five warmest nights on record for September occurred during 2016.

For the UK as a whole, September 2016 was equal-second warmest since records began in 1910. Provisional stats show that the mean temperature was 14.6 C, behind 2006 (15.2 C). The warmest day of the year was on the 13th with Gravesend, Kent reaching 34.4 C. As you can see in the image, the east of England saw an especially warm month with temperatures widely 2.5-3.5 C above the mean.

It makes a change at Orchard Barn.

One of the great aspects of volunteering at Orchard Barn is the variety of tasks.

There a choice of day depending on your general interests – Tuesday for gardeners, Wednesday for site development, Thursday for greenwood working and Saturdays, monthly.

Gardening could mean creating new Hugelkultur beds, sowing, weeding, potting on, tending fruit trees.

Site development has included wattle and daub, deadwood screening, ditch digging,

grass cutting, apple picking, composting, hedge-laying, shrub clearance. That’s when we’re at the Barn. Once a month we go to a 200 acre wood and help in its restoration with log stacking and splitting, filling and emptying the charcoal kiln, covering stumps to protect them against the deer.

Greenwood working is aimed at creating items for sale. Garden benches, bird boxes, clocks, garden labels.

If you would like to try any of these activities and develop new skills then look on our website orchardbarn.org.uk or contact us on 01473-658193 or07766-054042.

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also at StowHealth GP practice, Violet Hill House.

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We sell nearly-new maternity wear, babies and children’s clothes 0-16 yrs, toys, games, equipment and books.

New Cafe now open at Choices for coffee, cake and light lunches.Open Tues-Fri: 9am - 4:30pm Sat: 10am - 4pm

Manor Farm, Church Lane, Barham, IP6 0PU

Tel: 01473 831804 www.choicesclothes.co.uk

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 (5 mintures 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 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 and CD player 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.uk/property/apartment-meia_19744

PRICE:Nov to Mar £190Apr & Oct £255May & Sept £290June £330July & Aug £410

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

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Gepp & Sons Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales (registered number: OC397512)

Gepp and Sons ties with the Military stretch back as far as the latter part of the 18th Century. Thomas Frost Gepp, one of our founding partners formed and commanded the Corps of Loyal Chelmsford Volunteers, ready to defend the region against Napoleon – if he decided to turn up.

Scroll forward to 100 years ago to the Great War in which Charles Gepp was to die with the London Scottish on the 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

In more recent times Major Tom Gepp was the artillery Liaison Officer on the Leading Destroyer on Gold Beach. Major Tom survived the campaigns of the Second World War in France, Holland and Germany and re-joined the Territorial Army in the Essex Yeomanry of which he was so proud.

Whilst things have moved on and legal services have had to adapt to ever changing times, here at Gepp and Sons we have not forgotten our military heritage.

After 250 years of continued service to our armed forces Roger Brice leads Gepp and Sons’ Military Law Division.

Roger Brice is a Higher Court Advocate, regularly appearing in Crown Courts and Courts Martial and in the Court of Appeal. He has always been deeply involved in the Criminal Justice System, having served on a number of Local and Regional Criminal Justice Committees, and on the Criminal Justice Boards for Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. He was a member of The Law Society Standing Committee on Criminal Law, past Secretary of the Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association, member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association and Committee

Member and past Chairman of Forces Law, an independent organisation of specialist firms through the United Kingdom representing members of Her Majesty’s Forces home and abroad in all aspects of law.

Roger regularly appears in Courts Martial throughout the United Kingdom and abroad, such is the scale of his practise that he frequently travels to represent and advise Service personnel throughout the United Kingdom for all of the Services. He regularly practises in Germany and Cyprus. He attends Police Station interview. He attends interviews with Service personnel, both SIB and RMP and regularly represents at Courts Martial, both at home and abroad. His cases have included cases of murder, serious violence, fraud and sexual offences. He regularly deals with standalone Military offences and has a detailed knowledge of the JPA system and allegations relating to it. He has been involved in a number of very high profile Court Martial cases which have attracted national media attention.

He recently represented former Service personnel at the Public Inquiry held by Sir George Newman into civilian deaths in Iraq.

If you would like to read more on our history and links to the military please visit www.geppandsons.co.uk or email [email protected]

250 YEARS of CRIMINALAND MILITARY LAW

Gepp & Sons Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales (registered number: OC397512)

Capability Begins With Training…Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) is a 50:50 joint venture between AgustaWestland Limited and The Boeing Company.

It was formed in 1998 as a special purpose vehicle to deliver the Attack Helicopter Training Service contract for the UK Army. The contract was financed under a PFI arrangement.

ATIL holds a unique position as a training organisation in being able to provide total synthetic training solutions in the areas of Aircrew, Groundcrew and Maintenance training. A range of equipment is employed to represent the sophisticated systems that reside within an aircraft of the complexity of the Apache.

From weapons to avionics, each device allows students to familiarise themselves with some of the most advanced technology in the world. The equipment is based on full size aircraft systems and provides a high degree of fidelity offering the necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the need to use operational aircraft for training purposes. Constant investment by the MoD and ATIL in technology insertions has ensured that the training system remains one of the most up to date in the world.

Aviation Training International LimitedColdharbour Business Park, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4JW

Tel: 01935 810300Email: [email protected]: www.atil.co.uk

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