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INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1
INSIGHT INSIGHT Spring 2020
£99£99
4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
Spring 2020
In this issue… INSIGHT From the Editor…Sqn Ldr Ben Fletcher
Welcome to the Spring 20 edition of Insight magazine! Thanks once
again to all of the article authors, your collective efforts have truly showcased the high-paced life at RAF Waddington and that of the local community. A specific mention goes to 51 Sqn for their article in memory of Wing Commander Phil McConnell (OC 51 Squadron) – an inspiration to all that had the pleasure of meeting him, working for him or living with him. Whilst you read through this edition, have a think about how you or your unit could contribute to the next release. The deadline for Summer edition articles is 8 May but feel free to contact the Editorial Team to discuss your thoughts and ideas.
EDITORIAL TEAM:
External Email:
Use personal email addresses listed
Tel: +44 (0)1522 726704
Editor:
Sqn Ldr Ben Fletcher
Deputy Editor:
Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson
Designed By:
David McClatchey
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6 Station Commander's Foreword
7 Wg Cdr Phil McConnell
8 39 Sqn The Poppy
10 Article
10 Air & Space Warfare Centre
10 Medals
12 Project X
14 Maria's Himalayan Trek
15 Heritage Centre Visit
16 St Clement Danes Online
16 Get Safe Online
17 Running Club Last Henlow 10
19 XIII Sqn Remembers
19 Hospital Newly Refurbished Unit
20 Festive Season Throwback
22 Youth Club Residential
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The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted
on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.
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Gp Capt Steve Kilvington
Station Commander’s
Foreword...
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the Spring 20
edition of Insight magazine which once again highlights the exceptional contribution of the ISTAR Force makes to UK operations. In this, my first edition as Station Commander, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you for all of the hard work which has made RAF Waddington so successful. I ask now that you maintain this high standard going forward. My aim is to help you do your job more effectively and to try to ensure you have a rewarding
and enjoyable tour whilst based here. I’m here to listen, so communicate openly, share your ideas and provide feedback where appropriate. There is no doubt that the next few months will prove challenging, but I am confident that you will continue to deliver across the board. Whatever your role, everyone at Waddington is critical to the delivery of the RAF’s ISTAR Capabilities and wider Air and Space Power. Be proud of what you contribute every day and keep working together to sustain the excellent reputation that RAF Waddington has.
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Wing Commander
Phil McConnellOC 51 Squadron
Swift and Sure
It is with profound sadness that, following a short illness, we announce the death of OC
51 Squadron, Wing Commander Phil McConnell. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Rachel and their children Alexander, Charlotte and Reuben at this tragic time.
Wing Commander McConnell was commissioned into the RAF in 1999. On completion of pilot training, he was posted to 101 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton to fly the VC-10. He primarily flew in the air-to-air refuelling role and frequently deployed to the Middle East, the Falkland Islands and the United States.
On promotion to Squadron Leader in 2010, he was posted to 216 Squadron as a Flight Commander on the L-1011 Tristar. During his time there, he flew in a variety of roles including support to Operation HERRICK in the aeromedical and air-to-air refuelling roles.
On leaving the Tristar fleet, he undertook Staff roles at US Central Command and Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood. In 2015 he was promoted to Wing Commander and became a staff officer at the Air Warfare Centre, RAF Waddington.
During a short tour at ISTAR Force Headquarters, he quickly overcame an exceptionally steep learning curve and successfully directed all Training, Personnel and Organisational aspects of the RC-135W Rivet Joint and E-3D Sentry forces until he assumed command of 51 Squadron in July 2018.
Throughout his time as OC 51 Squadron he oversaw the Squadron's highly successful deployments on Operation SHADER and Exercise RED FLAG, whilst continuing to drive the Squadron forward to deliver consistently on home-based operations.
During his career, Wing Commander McConnell amassed over 4000 flying hours as well as earning an MA in Defence Studies.
The Squadron’s resounding successes on operations and exercises during Wing Commander McConnell’s tenure as Officer Commanding 51 Squadron were a direct testament to his exceptionally strong leadership, determination and tenacity. He had boundless enthusiasm for everything he was involved in and was an ardent cheerleader for the Rivet Joint programme. His adept skill for building relationships helped forge close bonds for 51 Squadron across the RC-135W Rivet Joint community, and his actions and achievements have left a lasting and significant positive legacy.
He will be sorely missed by 51 Squadron and our thoughts remain with his family and close friends at this difficult time.
39 Sqn Remembers
The PoppyAn American History
Out of the devastation across the battle fields and graves across Belgium and northern France grew a small red flower, their paper-thin petals the first sign of life and the inspiration for the famous wartime poem; In Flanders Field. The poppy would become the symbol of remembrance and thousands of people would proudly wear them to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
But how did the wearing of the poppy come about?
Two days before the Armistice was declared at 11am on 11 November 1918, a woman by the name of Moina Michael was working in the overseas War Secretaries' headquarters, during its annual conference in New York. Whilst reading a magazine on her break she came across the poem by Dr John McCrae and was so moved by its description that she vowed to always wear a red poppy. Paid $10 (roughly $200 in today's money) for her work during the conference she used that to make 25 silk poppies, returning the next day and handing them
out to the delegates - the first sale of the poppy.
Two years later this idea was adopted by the National American Legion. Madam E Guérin (later nicknamed The Poppy Lady Of France) saw the sale of red poppies as a way of raising funds for children in her home country affected in war-ravaged areas. In 1921 Madam Guérin sent sellers to the United Kingdom where the idea was pitched to Field Marshall Douglas Haig and from then on, The Royal British Legion sold its first poppies and the tradition began.
Like the United Kingdom, the USA used November 11 as
their Armistice day and in 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory". In 1954 following the Korean War the United States Congress changed the word "Armistice" to "Veterans" and so November 11 became a day to honour all American veterans, wherever and whenever they had served with the third Monday in May set aside for Memorial Day to observe all those US personnel who died during any conflict.
The tradition of the red poppy remains in the United States, and over Veterans Day weekend,
personnel from both 39 and 54 Sqn based at Creech AFB, NV sold red poppies throughout Las Vegas in support of the Catholic War Veterans Society raising $8000.
On Monday 11 November UK and US military personnel based at Creech AFB, family members and honoured guests gathered at the Silent Heroes of the Cold War memorial on Mt Charleston. Padre Flt Lt Andrew Tucker had travelled from RAF Waddington and lead the ceremony alongside OC 39 Sqn, Wg Cdr Col Welsh.
As the sun set over the mountains, Flt LT Tim Bailey played Last Post and Reveille with
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The SoulsCaptain (Posthumously) George M. Pappas, Jr, USAF
1st Lt Paul Eugene Winham, Co-pilot, USAFTech SSGT Clayton D. Farris, USAF
Guy R FasolasSSGT John Hamilton Gaines, USAF
Harold Silent, Hycon Fred Hanks, Hycon
Rodnet Kreimendhal, Lockheed Richard Hruda, Lockheed
James Bray, CIATerence O'Donnell, CIA
James William Brown, CIAEdwin Urolatis, CIAWilliam Marr, CIA
a 2 minutes silence to remember those who have gone before us.
Prior to the service, Chairman Steve Ririe provided a history of the memorial following a fateful flight in 1955.
At 0725 on the morning of 17 November 1955, 14 personnel boarded a USAF C-54 transport aircraft from Burbank, CA, its destination, Groom Lake (now known as Area 51). The 14 personnel were made up of US Air Force, Lockheed and Hycon
engineers, CIA personnel and scientists. Their job, to continue the highly classified development of the most advanced spy plane of its time; the U-2.
Having logged 1400 hours, pilot 1st Lt. George M. Pappas was an experienced C-54 captain however, due to the secret nature of the flight he had to enforce strict radio silence. With no radar and flying VFR an unexpected snow storm and 60 knot cross wind had blown them off course into the canyon heading
directly towards Mt Charleston. In a desperate attempt to clear its 11,916 feet summit, Pappas increased engine power and engaged 10-15 degrees of flaps. Pulling the aircraft into a steep climb he tried to clear the peak. Unfortunately for 1st Lt Pappas and his passengers, he would fail by 50 feet.
Impacting into the mountain, it took the rescue party two days to reach the crash site on horseback. With the Cold War ongoing and the secrecy of the U-2 project,
the crash and identity of those onboard was classified for over 40 years. After its declassification in 1999, Steve Ririe was able to reach out to surviving family members and tell them this story for the first time. He then spent 16 years continuing his research and worked to build the memorial which now stands at Mt Charleston Lodge. Using one of the C-54 propellers as the focal point of the memorial it faces the direction of their intended destination, Area 51 some 74 miles away.
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Winter arrived and as the rain and temperature came down the Red Goose became a little rounder (a little too much exuberance over Xmas) but still maintained its operational capability from Waddington.
The Air Warfare Centre (AWC) was officially renamed on 31 Jan 20 to the Air & Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) and will remain under the command of the Commandant, Air Commodore Rich Davies.
It’s been a busy period for all of the 51 cadres with the arrival of a new aircraft,
several personnel moving onto or exiting the Sqn and several promotions.From the Eng side of the building we have lost Flight Lieutenant’s Bragg and Owen as JEngO’s but gained Flight Lieutenant’s Garside and Wainwright in their place. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Alex and Dan and hope that they enjoy their new posts and to welcome Clare and Joe to the Sqn (big shoes or guns to fill )From the Aircrew it is congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Farmer, FS Fagg and Sgt’s Gilbert, Kiely and Thurlow. Each has been offered promotion.With the Exercise period in full swing, several Sqn personnel have been busy deployed around the globe. One flight deck member and seven mission crewmembers are participating in RED FLAG 20-1 and four linguists are currently undertaking co-manning in Souda Bay. There have also been two high-profile visits over the last few months. In Nov 19, Col Gavin Marks 55th WG/CC visited as part of a familiarisation visit to the UK and in Jan AOC 1 Gp, AVM Smythe along with several
senior program managers from L3 Technologies visited the Stn/Sqn for the Rivet Joint (RJ) Senior Steering Committee, Executive Programme Management Review and Cooperative Working Group. These meetings provided the perfect opportunity to photograph all the visiting dignitaries alongside current serving Sqn personnel, the RAF’s first upgraded RC-135W which arrived in Nov 19 and a visiting trainer variant of the RJ (see picture). Other news regarding the latest RJ upgrade is that Waddington is now the home of the only upgraded cockpit Operational Flight Trainer (OFT4). This is a huge deal and will provide flight training not only for RAF RJ flight deck personnel but to our USAF partners as well.Since the last article CT Jase Morton, one of the Eng team, completed his first half marathon by taking part in The Great North Run. As a self-confessed non-runner he built up his stamina with a strict training programme to successfully complete the Great North Run alongside over 50,000 other participants and finish in a respectable 2hrs 1min and 17secs. I know he was slightly disappointed that he didn’t beat his target of under 2hrs but still a valiant effort.
UK Defence continues to rapidly develop and employ an
increasing range of space capabilities across a broad spectrum of operations. These capabilities are unique and complex, spanning both the air and space domains. By incorporating the space domain into the newly named ASWC remit, space expertise and processes to optimise capability are centralised and aligned across Defence. The ASWC will support the Space domain from the conceptual to employment of capabilities, including support to the Virgin Orbit small satellite launch programme with one of its Test Pilots, Flight Lieutenant Stannard.
Since its inception in 1993, the role of the AWC has been to optimise capability development and employment. The ASWC HQ will remain located at RAF Waddington where it has been since 1995. The organisation as a whole consists of approximately 1000 personnel split between 5 UK and 6 US based sites. Air Commodore Davies said, “I am delighted with the name change which recognises the work already undertaken by my staff within the space domain and formalises the next step as we look to further enhance the structure of the ASWC to ensure we are configured to support and keep pace with this rapidly developing area of Defence”.
AIR WARFARE CENTRE RENAMED TO
AIR & SPACE WAR FAR E C E NTR E
ISTAR Force Commander, Air Cdre Hay presented the medals at the Honours and Awards Ceremony at Aldergrove. List of personnel receiving Honours and Awards:
RANK NAME WG/SQN HONOUR/AWARD TO BE PRESENTED
FS O’Neill SES Op SHADER
Sgt Hogarth 3 ISR Op SHADER
Cpl Lewis SES Op SHADER
SAC Pugh SES Op SHADER
Medals
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12 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
On 21st November RAF Waddington welcomed schools from across Lincolnshire to the final of Project X, an engineering challenge issued to local schools. This year the teams had to design, build and test a model aircraft capable of dropping fragile supplies from a zip-wire.
In partnership with Lincolnshire and Rutland Education Partnership
and sponsored by Northrop Grumman, the final of Project X was held in the Station Gym where RAF Waddington personnel played an important role mentoring each school. During the day each school team provided a 5 minute
presentation piece on their design and methodology to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ judging panel. They also had time to conduct test runs with their aircraft before the final run in the afternoon. Throughout the day the schools had the opportunity to learn about other activities across the Station, with a visit from the RAF Police Dogs,
PERSONNEL FROM RAF WADDINGTON HOST LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR FINAL OF
‘PROJECT X’ STEM EVENT
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13
and stands provided by Survival Equipment and the RAF Model Aircraft Club. Station Commander, Group Captain Burke, presented the awards to the winners. Overall Winner: Lincoln Castle Academy. Runner up: Branston Community Academy. Best Sustainability Design Winners: Kesteven
and Sleaford High School. Best Dragon’s Den Pitch Winners: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Horncastle. Innovation Award Winners: Caistor Grammar School. Congratulations to all the schools who took part, there were some fantastic designs and our thanks to all those who helped make the event such a success.
Himalayan TrekIn 2012 my father, Graham Handley, a Chief Technician who served in the RAF for 22 years, was diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, he passed away just three weeks later. Since then I have set myself an annual fundraising challenge, as a way of honouring his memory, in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
In October 2017 I became a grandmother to Dominic. Unfortunately, he was born with heart problems, which would require a series of major operations to make him better. Despite this, he was always a happy little boy with a constant smile on his face. Dominic developed a chest infection, requiring antibiotics prior to a much-
needed operation to repair a leaky valve. Unfortunately, his little heart proved too weak and on 15th October 2018, two days after his first birthday, Dominic suffered a cardiac arrest and tragically died. So this year, I decided that my fundraising would be two-fold. I continued to raise funds for the RAFBF to remember my Dad and to acknowledge the support they gave to my daughter during such a tragic time. More pertinently, I also wanted to support Heartlink, a Leicester-based charity who provided constant care and support to Dominic during his short life.
I wanted to give myself a unique challenge, on a grand scale. The India-based Dalai Lama Trek instantly felt perfect and spiritual, as it linked the RAFBF, as the heart of the RAF family, to Heartlink and to the Trek’s final destination of the Taj Mahal, a world-renowned and iconic symbol of love.
On 24th October, bags packed, I made my way to the airport. I arrived at Heathrow to meet 10, or roughly one third, of the group also taking part in the Challenge. We got to know each other over dinner and quite a few gins, nervously anticipating a 9-hour flight to Delhi.After further travels we arrived at Dharamsala, the current home of the Dalai Lama. There we gathered for a briefing to prepare for the start our adventure the next day.
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27th October – Dharamsala-Kareri – 12km. Our overnight bags were transported to waiting mules, so we were left with day bags to carry the essentials. We were given lunch and water for the day, had a quick photo and then finally began our trek!
The terrain undulated for the first few kilometres, but we soon made a steep descent through dense pine forest to Ghere village, where we crossed a bridge to reach a small mountain stream, where we stopped for lunch. The subsequent gradual uphill climb was punctuated with two or three steep ascents. Once on top of our target ridge, we were rewarded with great views of the valley below. We then pushed on until we reached Kareri village, where we set up camp in a lovely meadow next to Laund river.
28th October – Kareri Village-Bal Village – 12km.Today was the longest day of our trek. We began with a gradual ascent to a charming village, where we received a warm and friendly greeting from the locals, with a cup of tea (hot, sweet chai) and time to take in the spectacular mountain views. After visiting the village of Kahr Bahi, it was then a steep descent for about an hour and half to a mountain stream, spanned by a rickety suspension bridge. From there we gradually climbed for another hour before tackling a steeper ascent to Bal Village. The breath-taking views along the way definitely took our minds off the challenging landscape. Upon our arrival in Bal, we passed through the village along terraced fields to our campsite, again situated alongside a small river.
29th October – Bal Village-Leta Village – 15kmAfter breakfast, we started by crossing over another rickety bridge and ascending through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests for approximately two hours. We had time to stop off at a makeshift café for a cup of hot, sweet chai before continuing. The climb was relentlessly constant for over six hours and this, for me, was the hardest point of the entire trek, as we monotonously put one foot after the other. A group of us decided that the final climb was too vertical, with a couple of the team not feeling able to continue, and so we opted to take an alternative, zig-zagging route, which added 3km to the journey but eased up on the constant battering our calves and shoulders were being subjected to.
When we reached Leta village, we were welcomed with stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, somehow making the journey to get there more worthwhile. Taking it all in, I cried with exhaustion and relief that the climb was over, feeling proud that I hadn’t given in.
30th October – Leta Village-Triund-Leta Village – 12kmFor me, this was the most important day of the trek, as we would reach the trek’s highest point at Triund. At Triund, we would arrive at God’s Temple, where I had planned to hang an offering in Dominic’s memory.
We started with a 6km uphill trek to reach Triund. On the way, we were surrounded by vultures and kites travelling on the thermals, which flew so close that we could almost touch them.
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Volunteers from the Heritage Centre hosted a visit by Australians with a connection to the Station and Bomber Command.
Himalayan Trek
Among them was Laurie Baker whose father, Fg Off LK Baker flew
Lancasters of 467 Sqn RAAF from Waddington during the War. Fg Off Baker arrived at Waddington in November 1944 and by the end of the War he had flown 22 Operational missions, including 6 in the famous Lancaster, R5868 PO-S “Sugar” – his last sortie in Sugar, to attack railway yards and port facilities in Flensburg, was the last of the 137 Ops that Sugar flew in the War. Sugar was the first of only 35 Lancasters to complete 100 ops and is preserved in the RAF Museum at Hendon.
Mr Baker donated several items to the Heritage centre including a facsimile copy of his father’s log book and photographs of his father’s time at Waddington. He was quite moved by the occasion and stated that he felt extremely close to his late father, being at the RAF Station that he had heard so much about. He found browsing the Heritage
Centre’s photograph section particularly poignant. Also amongst the guests was the grandson of the cousin of Bomber Command VC winner Flt Lt William “Bill” Reid who was awarded the medal while on a tour at RAF Syerston with 61 Sqn, although the visit really belonged to Laurie who had finally seen his father’s old stomping ground after many years of hoping.
From the Taj Mahal, we travelled back to Delhi to catch the return flight to Heathrow. During the flight back, I reflected on what I had achieved. Before I began my Challenge, my main objectives had been to place an offering at God’s Temple at Triund, and to sit at the seat made famous by Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal, accompanied by a photo of Dominic. Looking back, I am also proud to have completed the Challenge itself, given my circumstances – something that not everyone managed to accomplish. I will never forget the pride I felt at receiving my Challenge medal. I am thrilled to have experienced the Challenge, and so proud that I raised money for such fabulous and incredible charities in the RAF Benevolent Fund and Heartlink. I had originally set myself a target of £3000, but with the help of online donations and dedicated cake-eaters, I raised £3635, split evenly between the two charities. I cannot give enough thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported me during my fundraising – your generosity has been humbling, and I will always be grateful.
Heritage Centre Visit
Presentation to Mr Baker of 467 RAAF Sqn photo in front of S for Sugar
Mr Baker looking through 467 Sqn photos
Triund itself reminded me of a beautiful alpine meadow, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountains and Kangra Valley. I made my way to the Temple, where I placed my offering and took a moment to think about Dominic and Dad. After another cup of chai and our limbs rested somewhat, we made our way back downhill to our campsite at Leta Village. As our guides were celebrating Diwali, we were treated to a kaleidoscopic firework display, hot chocolate and singing and dancing around a campfire.
31st October – Leta Village-Bhagsu Nag-DharamsalaThis was our last trekking day, but we were treated to magnificent views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks. Very quickly, we descended to Bhagsu Naillaha stream, where we crossed the river and pushed on to reach a pretty waterfall. After lunch, we continued through Bhagsu Nag
village, taking in a lovely temple and natural springs, before continuing to an old Gurkhas’ fort at McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala, where our trek came to its end.
1st/2nd NovemberThe next morning, we had time to take in a visit to the local monastery and Tibetan market before later transferring back to Pathankot to catch the dreaded overnight train back to Delhi. We then had a five-hour bus journey to Agra where we were treated to a visit to the incredible Taj Mahal.
Voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this beautiful monument was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife as a symbol of his undying love for her. For me this was the pinnacle of my journey as it represented the perfect place to encapsulate my thoughts and memories of Heartlink, the RAFBF, Dad, Dominic and my love for them.
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St Clement Danes Church, the central church of the Royal Air Force the Strand London, is launching new Social Media platforms from Friday 31st January 2020.
The beautiful Grade 1 listed, Sir Christopher Wren designed church,
dates back to the 9th century is proud to launch their new website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Following a worldwide fundraising campaign by the Royal Air Force, St Clement Danes Church was rebuilt after WWII, and reconsecrated in 1957 in the presence of
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and many notable dignitaries. The new website, enables visitors to explore the rich history of St Clement Danes Church and its role as a perpetual memorial to all those brave service personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their monarch and country. The church is the custodian of the books of Remembrance to the fallen.
The church also houses many unique and rare artefacts, from both the ancient parish and the Royal Air Force; laid up Standards and hundreds of disbanded Squadron Badges set into the floor. Many of which are featured in the Virtual Tour on the new website. The new social media pages hope to encourage members of the Royal Air Force family to comment, post and visit
St Clement Danes Church, all accessible from the new website. Air Vice-Marshall A Gillespie, Chair of trustees for St Clement Danes Fund commented
“After many months development, we are delighted to launch our new website and social media. I hope the whole Royal Air Force family, as well as tourists and visitors, will visit the website and support our Church”
www.stclementdanesraf.org
Website andSocial MediaLaunch 2020
DanesChurch stclementdanesraf stclementdanesraf
Keeping you, your family and the RAF safe online
Since May, the RAF has been running an awareness programme – Get Safe Online with the RAF - to help you protect yourself, your loved ones, your finances and devices while using the internet. We urge you to have a look at the monthly campaigns, attend any events that may happen and encourage colleagues to do the same.
In general, levels of crime against people and property in the UK have stayed more or less
consistent over the last few years, with a few notable exceptions. One group of crimes that has increased drastically are those committed or assisted online … that’s whether it’s fraud, identity theft or various types of abuse that have all become all too common these days. You always seem to read about them in the news, you might have family, friends or colleagues who have been victims, or you may even have been affected yourself.
The internet, digital platforms, our mobile devices and many other technological developments have completely changed the way we work, play, relax, communicate, buy or sell, get our news and enjoy our
entertainment. We can have video calls with loved ones while away on deployment, and even share our workout routines with fellow fitness fans. However, it seems that there’s some kind of risk attached to everything we do online.
You can lock your property and leave the lights on when you go out for the evening, tell your kids not to talk to strangers in the park and not to leave handbags or wallets on view when you park your car. But how do you recognise and guard against online threats?
Everybody – of whatever age, walk of life or gender – can be affected. But for RAF personnel and families, there are additional risks …not only to your own safety and security but potentially
that of your unit, the Air Force and national security. Having your physical location tracked – or being blackmailed for information by a nation state player posing as an online date – sound like the stuff of spy movies, but they’re real threats. Alongside scam emails and revealing too much info on Facebook.
Get Safe Online with the RAF is a programme managed by 591 Signals Unit and Get Safe Online, which 591SU has chosen as the most comprehensive resource for online safety and security.
Every month, you’ll find a new topic at www.getsafeonline.org/raf. So far, we’ve covered everything from protecting your family online to observing rules in the workplace, fitness apps to deployments. You can check
out the advice and download a leaflet to share with your family. 591SU has also provided posters for display in public areas. And depending on where you’re based, you may get a visit from a Get Safe Online expert, talking about the most common problems you might encounter when using the internet.
Having established that online crime is on the rise, that everybody is vulnerable but also that RAF personnel and families face additional risks – we can’t over-emphasise the importance of knowing the risks and how to handle them. So please get on board with this great programme, and continue to enjoy using the internet, whatever you use it for.
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WHAT CAN WE OFFER? Experienced EYFS, KS1 and KS2 teaching and support staff Smaller class sizes On–site Breakfast Club and Off-site After School provision Longstanding links with RAF Waddington & service families Weekly ‘enrichment’ sessions in Spanish and sports [with specialist sports coaches] as well as regular, scheduled swimming provision ‘Good’ Ofsted rating with an ‘Outstanding’ rating from our
Church Schools Inspection Results comparable with, if not better, than other local
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If you have a child who is due to start school in September 2021, or wish to have a look at our EYFS provision, we warmly invite you to our EYFS drop-in open sessions on:
Monday, 5th October from 9:30—11:30 Wednesday, 7th October from 9:30—11:30
Coleby C of E Primary School, Rectory Road, Coleby, Lincoln LN5 0AJ Tel 01522 810627 [email protected] www.coleby.lincs.sch.uk
@colebycofe Coleby Primary School
Studio 11 Hairdressing is a successful, established salon which has been owned and ran by Debbie Dickinson for 9 years. Her daughter, Lauren, has worked for the salon for the almost decade. During this time Lauren had also set up a side line company The Bridal Hair Professional’s, specialising in all things wedding hair, travelling to the wedding venues to get brides and bridal parties ready on their wedding morning. Both businesses have grown from strength to strength and demand is now so high we have decided to become a partnership and merge. This now means The Bridal Hair Professionals are able to offer multiple weddings on the same day due to the staff in the salon and we can now offer brides a colour and cutting services within the salon with our highly trained hairdressers. The hair stylist in the salon have incredible opportunities to travel out to different wedding venues of a weekend, mixing up theworking week and undergoing lots of extra training during the week. Our expertise of bridal hair translate to occasion hair, offering up styles for Proms, Balls and all occasions.
42 Bar Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 9SA | T: 01522 720 415
18 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
XIII Squadron commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the crash of ZG708 and the tragic loss of Flight Lieutenants Mosley and Harrison with two events this year.
The first was at the crash site near Killin, Perthshire on 1st
September 2019 and most recently, on the 20th November 2019, a remembrance stone laying at the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln.
The family of Flight Lieutenant Harrison attended both events and expressed how appreciative they are of the Squadron in commemorating the loss of their son and brother Rick. The bonds that have been made this year between the Squadron and the family will endure into the future as XIII Squadron take on the
responsibility to have an annual visit to the crash site to remember the events of September 1994.
Flight Lieutenant Francis was on XIII Squadron on the day of the crash. He explained, ‘I will never forget the sadness we all felt during those dark days, however after attending both commemorations and re-establishing the link with the Harrisons it has been a special privilege for me being back on the Squadron. As our motto says “We assist by watching” and we will watch over the crash site for years to come.’
XIII Sqn Remembers25th Anniversary of ZG708 Crash
We assistby
watching
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19
Volunteers from RAF Waddington gave up their spare time to help renovate their namesake ward at Lincoln County Hospital.
Waddington Unit has now welcomed back patients and staff, after
being temporarily relocated while improvements have been made. The RAF volunteers were drafted in by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s (ULHT) Advanced Care Practitioner for Oncology, Marie Beck, who was keen to maintain a local link with the base and the unit. Over the past few weeks, the RAF personnel have helped to redecorate two patient bays, the staff room and the relatives’ room, as part of a major refurbishment and upgrade of Waddington Unit,
the haematology and oncology ward, which cares for patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and end of life care at Lincoln County Hospital. Marie said that she couldn’t thank the RAF personnel enough for giving up their spare time to help out. “Our patients and staff are very grateful for their input. It has been lovely to create the link between RAF Waddington and Waddington Unit. “This is a relationship that we hope will continue to flourish further over the coming months and years.”
Patients and staff return tonewly refurbished unit
thanks to RAF renovations
Picture is Cpl Peel (front row left), with the rest of his RAF comrades.
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RAF Waddington was well and truly in the Christmas spirit with a number of events throughout December both on and off Station helping to spread the festive cheer.
20 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
The season kicked off with carols outside Station Headquarters
with the Station Padres and Voluntary Band leading the Service. In the following days the annual Turkey Trot was held, with personnel donning fancy dress to run a 5km route around Station, but did anyone actually catch the all important turkey?!
The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeant’s Mess hosted the Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch, which saw local residents invited to enjoy a delicious Christmas Dinner served to them by our personnel and culminating in a raff le prize draw with a visit from Santa himself!
Individuals from RAF Waddington visited Lincoln County Hospital Safari and Rainforest Children’s Ward on 17 Dec to deliver presents to the children. The staff kindly allowed them to play festive tunes as they visited, and dressed as Santa’s Elves, the personnel were able to
spread some spontaneous festive cheer. Once again Station supported National Christmas Jumper Day on 13 Dec, as well as collecting for Lincoln Foodbank. RAF Waddington started collecting for the foodbank 4 years ago and each year have managed to exceed the previous years donation, with 2019 seeing over 300kg of food donated!
Finally it is always important to remember those who were working at home or overseas during the festive period, and RAF Waddington had many personnel on duty over this time. These personnel and their families were supported by Station, and also RAFA, RAFBF and the Nuffield Trust, who helped fund Christmas dinners for those on duty and vouchers for families of those deployed.
A huge thanks to everyone who organised and supported these events.
Throwbackto the
Festive Season!
Patron: Her Majesty The QueenRegistered Charity 226686 (England & Wales).SC037673 (Scotland).
yes it’s free
22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
YOUTH CLUBBLACKPOOL TOWER RESIDENTIAL 12-13 OCT 19
Months of planning by the CDO, Stn Youth Worker and OIC Youth Club culminated in the Youth Clubs first ever overnight residential trip in the October Half Term. The OIC took 45 children and 7 staff from RAFC Cranwell and RAF Waddington Youth Clubs to Blackpool Tower for a fun filled weekend.
We arrived at Blackpool Tower just before midday, completed some essential admin and then split into two separate groups; one went to the Dungeons and one went to Dino Golf. They then had
a bit of free time and played on the beach, before lunch. Next, the children made their way to the famous Tower Circus to be entertained by some jaw dropping stunts and comedy capers. We just had to get them to promise not to “perform these stunts at home”. Little did they know at the time that the circus ring floor was going to be their sleeping area later.
The pace of the day was intense as it was important to pack in everything this brilliant venue had to offer. For dinner we were treated to Harry Ramsdens’ Fish and chips on the fifth floor. Next on the agenda was the Blackpool Tower Eye. The queue was long and boring, luckily there was a confectionery stand half way along the queue, before the lift took us up to the top of the Tower. Now, for someone who doesn’t like heights this was some challenge. Watching children jump up and down on the glass floor hundreds of feet up nearly brought on a panic attack! The final event of the day was a long walk along the illuminations, which the children really enjoyed.
Sunday started with a real treat for us all, we were given our breakfast in the Blackpool Ballroom. The children were lucky enough to dance on the same dance floor as the likes of Anton Du Beke, Oti Mabuse and Ann Widdecombe............The final part of the trip, possibly the most eagerly awaited was the Pleasure Beach. A gentle stroll was taken along the sea-front to the venue and despite the rain the children enjoyed the numerous white knuckle rides including the Pepsi Max, Valhalla, Icon and infusion.
The Youth Club is open to children from 8 - 18 years old, conducts fun activities and teaches life skills. The Club is due to return to the IWF in Feb 2020
and is always on the look out for service volunteers to work alongside Airplay Staff. For more information contact the OIC, Flt Lt Jim Watson on ext 6845.
Emma
01536 [email protected]
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