WYCOMBE WORLD

Olympic Dreams THe mUNTJac BUrlesqUe & BeyOND

W Y C O M B E W O R L D I S N O W O N L I N E : W W W . W Y C O M B E W O R L D O N L I N E . C O . U K

T h E M a g a z I N E O f R a f h I g h W Y C O M B E

WYCOMBE WORLDWYCOMBE WORLD

HigH SHeriff honours high Wycombe

Spring 2012

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Bird Hills Golf Centre

Bird Hills Golf CentreDrift Road, Near Maidenhead, SL63ST

Tel: 01628 771030 www.birdhills.co.uk

HANDICAP MEMBERSHIP£90.00 inc 20%VAT

For 12 months• Discounted Green

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Bird Hills is a premier pay and play golf, social and function facility situated some two miles from the M4 Motorway close to Windsor, Maidenhead, Ascot, Bracknell and Wokingham.

Temple Golf Club Henley Road, HuRley, BeRksHiRe, sl6 5lH

If you are a discerning golfer who enjoys playing golf in tranquil and un-crowded surroundings then Temple is the golf club for you. Whether you are looking for golf or social membership, either on an individual or corporate basis; a year round golf society venue or a casual round of golf, we have a

range of options that will fulfill most requirements and, if not, we will do our best to find one.

Please call to take advantage of our excellent and very popular ‘Twilight’ Green. Fees available daily from 4pm during the summer months or

our year round ‘Monday Special’Early bookingis essentialEmail: enquiries@templegolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01628 824795Web: www.templegolfclub.co.uk

Temple is a forces friendly golf club with preferred green fees for service golfers

(Quote RAF Wycombe World)

MeMBeRsHip options include:• Full and Weekday • Flexible 10 • Associate (preferred green fees with membership benefits)

• Intermediate (Ages 25 - 29) • Colt (19 - 24) • Forces • Corporate • Junior (14 - 18) • Junior (10 - 14) • Starter Membership • Social

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Manor GarageMain Road, Walters Ash,

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BY: HELEn JORDan

I n this issue we have a nice mixture of articles, some informative, to entertain you, including activities

(some charitable), sports, dance, gardening, wildlife and Station clubs. I’m particularly interested in the Conservation Group which is aiming to identify, protect and encourage biodiversity in the local area. If that is something you would like to be involved in, get in touch with Chris Anderson, Stn SEPO.

It’s also good to read about Warrant Officer Bev Childs being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal – clearly, well-deserved – and well done to all medal recipients. The Jubilee long weekend is not too far away and will be a welcome bonus for us all. You may be partying, relaxing, gardening or holidaying, to mention but a few options, but whatever you do, have a great time.

Editor’s

Foreword

Station Commander’s

ForewordBY: gROup Captain MaRk HEffROn

Thank you very much for all your conTribuTions To The sTaTion magazine, They are now coming in consTanTly and as you will see from This ediTion, The subjecTs are very varied!

T here is much on sport, the RAF Association, (who support us so well here), and interesting

pieces on some of the visits we have had to the Station in the past few months. It was our honour to have the High Sheriff and his wife here, they are such supporters of all we do and sing our praises around the County. It was also something special for recipients to receive their Honours & Awards from a man such as him and we thank him for agreeing to do this.

I draw your attention to an article concerning the Future Armed Forces Pension Scheme, it is vital that we all engage in the consultative stage and to put

Editorial

Team

WYCOMBE WORLD

OLYMPIC DREAMSTHE MUNTJAC

BURLESQUE & BEYONDW Y C O M B E W O R L D I S N O W O N L I N E : W W W . W Y C O M B E W O R L D O N L I N E . C O . U K

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F R A F H I G H W Y C O M B E

WYCOMBE WORLDWYCOMBE WORLD

HIGH SHERIFF HONOURS HIGH WYCOMBE

Spring 2012

OIC: Fg Off Paul Bevan ExT 4456 EdItOr: Mrs Helen Jordan ExT 4348dEp EdItOr: Mrs Helen Olive ExT 6763On-lInE EdItOr: Flt Lt Chris Jacob ExT 4814dIstrIbutIOn: WO Stu Redpath ExT 4270MaIlbOx: HWY-Editor WycombeWorld

All articles are to be in ‘Word’ format with separate TIFF or JPEG images.

dEsIgnEr: MukESH RAndEvTel: (01536) 521126 Email: mukesh@lancepublishing.co.uk

advErtIsIng: TAMMIE RIdLER Tel: (01536) 526667 Email: tammie@lancepublishing.co.uk

publIshEd by: LAnCE PuBLISHInG LTd1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, kettering nn16 8nL tEl: (01536) 512624 Fax: (01536) 515481Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.ukwww.lancepublishing.co.uk

prIntEd by: LAnCE PRInT LTdTel: (01480) 492183

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across our views as to what sort of pension we wish to have – what an opportunity! I encourage all to attend the sessions booked on Station to discuss this important topic and also that you complete the surveys etc, it will all help in the end.

Finally, I am grateful to all my staff that have helped to spend what came to approx £168,000 of Local Initiative Grant funds (and some Wks funds also!); they have made a huge difference to our welfare facilities and to the fabric of the Messes and no 1 Site. An article in this magazine shows some of the work, but you don’t have to go far to see more of such good work – it’s everywhere!

when The clocks wenT back lasT year, a long Time seemed To sTreTch ahead before They would go forward, buT here we are in spring, and we have longer and, hopefully, some sunny days To come.

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Contents 14

The views expressed by the contributors to the Wycombe World are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander.

raFa rOund upLatest news

nO-dIg gardEnIngParadise for the gardener

hIgh shErIFF praIsEs aFghan vEtErans High Sheriff of Bucks visits High Wycombe

OlyMpIC drEaMs SAC Becky Dunning

rugby In Its InFanCy Coaching the Cyprus National Rugby team

Only thE bravE...Eight members of the team visit Wattisham Station

statIOn COMMandEr FOr thE dayMr Andy Weller becomes Station Commander

lIvE MusIC Club raIsEs MOnEy Raising money for the Royal British Legion

FuturE arMEd FOrCEs pEnsIOn sChEMEYour pension is changing

statIOn COMMandEr In bluE lIght draMaA dramatic blue light ride...

RAF HigH Wycombe conseRvAtion gRoup inside the designated Chilterns Area of beauty.

thE MuntJaC The oldest known species of deer

hOME basE dEplOyMEnt suppOrtActivities to support families of deployed personnel

WOrKs, WOrKs, WOrKs 2011 works projects

burlEsQuE & bEyOnd Ambrose Leigh Dance Performing Arts

hIgh WyCOMbE WargaMIng The High Wycombe Wargaming Club

lEttEr FrOM hEathErWe received a letter from Heather from Merseyside... aIr CadEts Round Up

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In the next

Issue...The next issue, out in July, will see us firmly in the midst of Olympic fever and Jubilee celebrations. No doubt you will all be looking to make the most of the summer months with an Exped or maybe something in the local community – I know the Ihub are already planning to assist the village of Naphill with a village pond clearance – please keep us informed of your exploits and keep those articles coming in.

SubmissionDeadline...All articles for the SUMMER 2012 edition to be sent to HWY-Editor WycombeWorld by 01 June 2012.

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L ord Hutton’s Independent Public Services Pension Commission conducted a review of Public Service

Pensions, publishing its final report on 10 March 2011. This initiated the process to reform public sector pensions, including the Armed Forces Pension Schemes –AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and the Reserves Pension Scheme. A Future Armed Forces Pension

Scheme (FAFPS) Team has been established within the MOD to develop and introduce the new scheme.

What do we know so far?The FAFPS will be introduced no earlier than 1 April 2015.

There will be additional protection for those individuals that are within 10 years of their Normal Pension Age (55 for AFPS 75 and 05 and 60 for RFPS) on 1 April 2012 ie. Those aged 45 or over on 1 April 2012 (on AFPS 75 and 05) and aged 50 on RFPS will remain on their current schemes and will be unaffected by the reforms.

Those aged under the age of 45 on 1 April 2012 will automatically be enrolled onto the scheme when it is introduced.The MOD and HM Treasury have reached agreement on the protection of accrued rights to AFPS 75 and 05 pension benefits earned by Service personnel prior to enrolment on the new scheme. The value of the pension

benefits earned up to the introduction of the new scheme will be protected, including the Immediate Pension, the Early Departure Payment and Lump Sums. These Benefits will remain payable at the time they were expected to be paid in accordance with current scheme rules.Guidance on accrued rights for other pension schemes eg. Reserve Forces Pension Scheme will be issued in due course.

How do I have my say?As part of the development of the FAFPS, the Team will conduct a number of consultation exercises to gain the views of Service personnel on those elements on which Defence has some influence.The FAFPS Team’s Consultation

Exercise consists of unit briefs, focus groups and a survey that will be available both online and in hard copy; personnel need to fully engage in the process to influence the development of the new scheme. The Consultation Exercise will take place at High Wycombe on April 17.

Understanding Your Current PensionHowever in order to constructively contribute to the exercise, all personnel should have a basic understanding of the basic benefits of their existing pension scheme whether they are members of the AFPS 75 or 05 schemes.Guides have been published to inform Service personnel of the basic benefits

of the AFPS 75 and 05, copies of which are included here and are available in PSF. The table below also provides a comparison of the current schemes.

Where can I find out more?2012DIN01-063 –Pension rights accrued in Armed forces Pension Schemes 1975 and 2005

IBN 03/12 Armed Forces Pension Scheme Reform Accrued RightsSPVA – Service Personnel are

entitled to receive a Pension Forecast from the SPVA once a year. Pensions and Allowances Page on the A1 Spec Support Website – This provides links to all information

released by the FAFPS Team.Station Routine Orders and

Scrolling News - As and when new information is released this will be made available electronically.From your UCA -The FAFPS Team has a network of ‘Unit Change

Agents’, essentially a POC on each unit whom the Team uses to disseminate information and to answer generic questions. The UCA at High Wycombe is OC PSF. Note however that whilst the UCA and HR staff can assist with generic

questions, they cannot give financial advice nor answer queries about an individual’s current pension. Those questions the UCA cannot answer will be fed back to the FAFPS Team. The Vesting Period is the period after which you become entitled to the contributions the MoD has made towards your pension. The accrual rate is expressed as a fraction of the Defined Benefit ie the accrual rate will be 1/70 of the best 365 days consecutive pay in last 3 years.

COMPARISONS OF PENSION SCHEMES Difference

AFPS 75AFPS 05

FAFPSVesting period1 2 Years.2 Years.

N/KDefined benefit

based on Representative pay for substantive rank. Best 365 days consecutive

in last 3 years.N/KRetiring age 55.

55.N/K

Preserved Pension Paid at age 60 for any portion of service prior to 6 Apr 06 and 65 for any portion of service after 6 Apr 06.

Preserved Pension paid at age 65. N/K

Reckonable Service

Pension starts to accrue from age 18 (ORs) and age 21 (officers), or date of joining if later. The maximum number of years to count towards pension:

• Officers 34 years.• ORs 37 years.

Pension starts to accrue on date of joining regardless of age.40 years is the maximum to count towards pension.

N/K

Accrual RateUneven accrual rates; benefits accrue at a slower rate beyond the Immediate Pension Point (16 yrs service for offrs and 22 yrs service for ORs).

1/702.N/K

Resettlement Grant (2010/11 Rates)

Officers: Resettlement Grant payable after 9 years reckonable service (£14,686).ORs: Resettlement Grant payable after 12 years reckonable service (£10,038).The Grant is only payable to individuals who are not entitled to any other immediate payments, e.g. pension.

Both Officers and ORs:Resettlement Grant payable after 12 years reckonable service (£10,302) to individuals who are not entitled to any other immediate payments, e.g. Early Departure Payment (EDP).

N/K

Early leaver benefitsImmediate Pension (IP) payments for officers who complete 16 years service and ORs who complete 22 year’s service.

An EDP scheme gives a tax-free lump sum of 3 x preserved pension and monthly income to those leaving who reach age 40 and have completed 18 years’ service.

N/K

Pension Lump Sum Tax free lump sum of 3 x IP.Tax free lump sum of 3 x preserved pension.

N/KResettlement Commutation

Available.Not available.

N/K

Dependants’ Benefits

Death-in-Service lump sum of 3 x representative pay. Spouse/civil partner pension of 50% of the member’s pension entitlement.Short term pension payable for up to 6 months.

Death-in-Service lump sum of 4 x pensionable pay. Spouse/civil partner/eligible partner pension of up to 62.5% of the member’s pension entitlement.

N/K

FUTURE ARMED FORCES PENSION SCHEMEYOUR PENSION IS GOING TO CHANGE BUT DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CURRENT BENEFITS ARE?

BY WO STU REDPATHBY FLT LT PENNY BRADY OC PSF

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ForthComIng EvEntS SummEr 2012

THIS IS A FEATuRE COvERInG EvEnTS THAT MAY InTEREST YOu OvER

THE COMInG MOnTHS. MuCH OF THE InFORMATIOn IS TAkEn FROM COnTRIBuTORS And THE STATIOn

CALEndAR, SO PLEASE kEEP THE EdITORIAL TEAM uPdATEd On AnY IMPORTAnT dIARY EvEnTS In YOuR CALEndAR THAT YOu MAY WISH TO SHARE WITH OTHERS On STATIOn.

AprIl

FITnESS TEST BLOCk TESTInG PERIOd5TH - GOOd FRIdAY COMMunITY

EASTER EGG HunT13TH - STn OFFICER’S And WO’S BRIEF – TdF

16TH - SIGnInG OF THE COMMunITY COvEnAnT – WdC

23RD - vISIT BY AFPRB24TH - vISIT BY AMP BRIEFInG TEAM

24TH - CO’S CuP SuPERSTARS27TH- vISIT BY dAvId LIddInGTOn MP

mAy

3RD - BOLLYWOOd nIGHT THuRSdAY CLuB CHARITY EvEnT, OFFICERS MESS

4TH - STATIOn OFFICER’S BRIEF - TdF9TH - RAF CuP CRICkET - RAF HIGH

WYCOMBE v MARHAM10TH - BRInG A CPL nIGHT, WO

& SnCO’S MESS11TH - CHILdREn & FAMILIES

dISCO OAkESHOTT13TH- SundAY SPECIAL dEPLOYEd

FAMILIES’ EvEnT24TH - WO & SGTS’ MESS dInInG In nIGHT

28TH - FREEdOM OF THE dISTRICT PARAdE PRInCES RISBOROuGH30TH - 20/20 CRICkET

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE v nORTHWOOd

JunE

3RD - QuEEn’S JuBILEE STREET PARTY16TH - BRAdEnHAM vILLAGE FETE

19TH - RAF HIGH WYCOMBE AnnuAL RECEPTIOn

23RD - nAPHILL vILLAGE FETE28TH - BuBBLY And SCOnES – SSAFA EvEnT

29TH - SuMMER BALL, OFFICERS MESS

July

6TH - WO & SnCOS’ MESS SuMMER BALL7TH - SMITHY’S JunIOR RAnkS SuMMER

BALL9TH - OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY In BuCkS

14TH - HuGHEndEn vILLAGE FETE28 TH- nORTH dEAn vILLAGE FETE

T he Club is located at 114 Totteridge Road, near to the train station, and is open every night from 1900-2300

and 1130-1630 on Sundays. There’s a pool table, dart board, several large flat screen Tvs showing main sporting events, a fruit machine and a large beer garden; south facing to boot! Pints are reasonably priced at £2.75 for Tetleys, £3.20 for Guinness, £3.00 for Strongbow and £2.90 for Carlsberg; for duty drivers a coke is only £1.10.

The Club will bend over backwards for RAF personnel, because it’s your Club! Furthermore, as it’s a members Club, your children are safe and you can rest a little easier, without worrying about the thoughts that go with a busy town pub. The Club has limited off-street parking but there is also on-street parking available. The Club will even rent out their large

entertainment area at the special rate of £50 to RAF personnel; great for a kiddies’ party or Birthday party!

So what do you need to do to make use of this facility? Joining RAFA for £18 per year would be great, but the Club will allow all serving RAF personnel and their accompanied families and friends in, as gratitude for their service. despite having over 300 members, the Club is finding it hard to pay the bills in these tough times and could do with your support, so the RAFA team at RAF High Wycombe are looking into a monthly/quarterly event at the Club for all Camp personnel. More to come!

RAFA is your organisation, supporting you and your families through their welfare work, with the only group of off-base Clubs for you. Make the most of RAFA Clubs, wherever you are posted to!

how many of you know There is a rafa club in high wycombe? how many of you have been There? well, i wenT down To Their monThly meeTing and The answer is noT many.

raFa rOUND-Up BY: fLt Lt niCk tHORnE, Rafa puBLiCitY MEMBER

Many thanks to all of you who offered your support for last months caption competition featuring dave Brown from Stn Management Flight. The winner, sent in anonymously, said:

“So, I was dressed up and ready to watch Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield and that’s where it all started to go wrong”.

This month sees Sgt Fran Hall enjoying her position of “SWO for the day”, a prize she won in the RAFBF RelentlessRide auction back in nov. Answers, as always, to HWY-Editor WycombeWorld.

CAptIon CompEtItIon

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F g Offs Craig Blackwell, Matt Fray and dave James will be looking to show the Army who the boss

really is - by taking part in the Soldier Challenge on 19 May.

The Soldier Challenge is a ‘military-styled’ urban adventure race through the streets of central London. There will be around 35 checkpoints, each with a different physical or mental challenge, with a four-hour window to complete as many as possible.

The event raises money for ABF, the Soldier’s Charity, and enjoys support from people as diverse as Bear Grylls and London Mayor, Boris Johnson.

To support the team, visit justgiving.com/RightSaiddave or to give £1, text JGAG79 to 70070

I n nature, nobody digs the soil over every year. Leaves fall, grasses and weeds die and decay, worms drag the resulting

litter down into the soil and the following year’s plants grow in this continuously-composting mixture. The worms do the digging and aerate the soil, so that bacteria, etc in the soil can receive the oxygen they need. So, the no-dig method simply follows nature.

After digging my allotment at Walter’s Ash for 26 years, I learned of the no-dig method and adopted it. Since the year 2000 I have not dug at all. Each winter I spread well-rotted farmyard manure over the soil, about 3 inches deep, and grow the crops in it. It works! I now have better crops and avoid the effort of digging.

In order that plants can extract nutrients from the soil, they need to have their tiny hair-like roots covered in a sheath of mycorrhiza. The mycorrhiza fungi have a symbiotic relationship with the plants, taking surplus carbohydrates from the plants and giving, in return, the nutrients in a form which can be absorbed by the plants. The mycorrhiza are simply essential.

Mycorrhiza are destroyed by two things – digging and the application of herbicides and pesticides, which is what our farmers do. The farmers then apply lots of nitrogen, potash and phosphorus fertiliser to the land, but the crops have difficulty in absorbing the fertiliser in the

near-absence of mycorrhiza. I have to admit that I don’t know what the farmers can do – growing crops in compost or farmyard manure on the scale required, does not seem possible. However, we can grow crops following the no-dig method in our gardens and allotments and benefit from the friendly mycorrhiza.

Over the past 50 years, the percentages of minerals in our food have declined. The list of vital trace elements is extensive and also includes chromium, boron, cobalt, selenium, vanadium, iodine, nickel, molybdenum, potassium and manganese. Whilst we need only small amounts of these minerals in our food, the continuing decline must be a cause of concern for the future. A possible reason for the decline is that crops containing these minerals are taken continuously from farmland, but the minerals are not replaced if only artificial fertilisers such as nitrogen, potash and phosphorus are used. Thus the percentages of minerals in farmland diminish each year – and the percentages in our food also. You can combat this decrease by growing your own food in land which is enriched with farmyard manure – putting back into your land the minerals taken, via the manure, from farmland.

I must acknowledge the Good Gardeners’ Association in the preparation of this article. Those wishing to know more about the topic should contact the Association on 01453 520 322. Good gardening!

iT sounds like paradise for The gardener. iT is. one simply spreads composT or manure on The surface of The soil, Then grows crops in iT.

BY MikE MasOn

NO-DIG GARDENING

29Th june 2012 - officers’ mess ball

SOLDIER CHALLENGEfg Off Matt fRaY

Ticket List Opens on 5 Mar 12 and closes on 25 May 12Ticket Allocation Confirmation 31 May 12

£60 (approx) each for the first 2 tickets for Full, Retired & Associate Mess Members

£70 (approx) for Honorary Members &All Additional List Tickets

For Further information on booking tickets or tickets policy please email:

HWY-OffrsMessSummerBallMlbx@mod.uk

l ndon calling

Maximum of 4 Tickets per Mess Member

29 June 2012officers’ mess summer ball

Produced by Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command. 1234_09CP © UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2012

SUMMER BALL

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The high sheriff of buckinghamshire, james naylor esq. was aT raf high wycombe lasT monTh To presenT medals To our personnel.

BY MCO

BUCKS HIGH SHERIFF PRAISES AFGHAN VETERANS

T he High Sheriff was given a tour of the base’s facilities prior to

presiding over the Honours and Awards ceremony in the Oakeshott Centre. The centre was named after naphill War Hero, Wg Cdr Alan Oakeshott, who is credited with the idea of building a base for Bomber Command here in the Chilterns in 1938. The High Sheriff and Mrs naylor were also given a tour of the Station, which included a visit to the newly renovated Harris Room, ACM Sir Arthur Harris’ wartime office.

Awards presented by the High Sheriff included Operational Service Medals and Commendations for servicemen involved in both Afghanistan and Air Operations over Libya. He also presented a Meritorious Service Medal to Warrant Officer Bev Childs. This special and limited medal is only awarded to those who have

completed “good, faithful, valuable and meritorious service, with conduct judged to be irreproachable throughout”. Warrant Officer Childs has not only contributed to the RAF in her profession, in her illustrious career she has also represented Great Britain in many athletics events and been a pioneer

in uk and RAF Triathalon. Speaking after the ceremony,

the High Sheriff said:“In the past the High Sheriff

was charged with raising armies for the Queen... It is a great pleasure and privilege to be here today, rewarding those people for the service they have given.”

iMagEs

ABOVEWO Bev Childs

receives her MSM

INSETThe High Sheriff with recipients

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HQ Intelligence Reserves, Royal Air Force,Waddington, LINCOLN LN5 9NB

tel: 01522 727026 www.rafreserves.com

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after gaining my first title my competitions became much more regular and I began to travel all around

Europe, competing at various events and attending training camps.

At 17 I became a junior and my daily training increased dramatically, this had to happen to compete at the highest level. I first started full- time training when I left my local 6th Form College, Thomas Telford, after gaining 3 A Levels. Each day I would drive myself to Walsall university, approximately 25 miles from my parent’s house, to meet my personal coach; here I would complete various sessions either judo specific, or weights and conditioning or cardio vascular work. Money was always an issue as I only received £5,000 per year from the uk Sports Lottery, this was barely enough to cover the costs of travel, my training fees and competitions that weren’t funded by the national governing body the British Judo Association. I began to balance two part time jobs alongside my training. This proved difficult at times, but became impossible when uk Sport withdrew the funding, it was time to get a full time job

and decrease my training to two evenings per week to work at the Royal Bank of Scotland. It was then I decided I needed a career and I chose the RAF in 2008.

After completing my basic training at RAF Halton and my trade training at Southwick Park, I was posted to RAF High Wycombe, where I worked for 11 months before I was granted my Elite Athlete status; at this point I moved to the full-time centre at Camberley Judo Club. I trained here for 14 months, chasing my Olympic dream, but money was still an issue, as international competitions can cost up to £400 per tournament. I did as much as I could physically manage and achieved many great results along the way, which I am proud of, however in August 2011 I was still number 2 in Great Britain and this wasn’t enough to keep my Elite Athlete status. I returned to RAF High Wycombe to continue with my duties. I have decided that I will now concentrate on my career in the RAF and put my judo on the back burner but judo will always be a part of me. I volunteered for an out of area tour on my return and I am currently serving in the Falkland Islands.

OLYMPiC dreAMSsince The age of 10 i have compeTed aT The highesT level in judo. i won my firsT naTional TiTle when i was 11 years old and have been on The naTional Team ever since, i am now 23...

BY: saC BECkY Dunning

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“i didn’T even know cyprus had a rugby Team” is

The immediaTe response mosT people give me

when i Tell Them whaT i do in my spare Time.

during an assignment to Cyprus in 2007, I was lucky enough to be offered the chance to assist in coaching the Cyprus

national Rugby team (known as the Moufflons – after the country’s national animal, the wild mountain sheep) in their first ever fixture against Greece. This all came about following a chance conversation with a fellow serviceman, who was assisting the team at the time, the topic came on to rugby coaching and one thing led to another and I found myself helping them to a 39-3 victory; it was to be the start of something very exciting!

Fast forward 4 years and I now find myself as Head Coach of the Moufflons, having won 16 out of 17 matches, with a current winning streak of 12 games. Like all fledgling teams, we had to start at the bottom and we currently compete in FIRA AER division 2d, having been promoted from division 3 last season. Our league features fellow minnows, Greece, Finland, Bulgaria and Luxembourg. We are into our second round of games, having beaten these sides

convincingly once already, including a home win against Finland, of 70-10. This places us at the head of the table, with 3 games remaining, that may well lead to a second promotion in as many years. Along the way we have scored more tries than any other team in Europe, including the European Elite second tier of Georgia, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Russia.

With a small dedicated Committee and Management team, all based on-island, we are blessed with a number of talented players playing at Championship level in England, Scotland, Wales and France. These “stars” are reinforced with players playing at various levels, predominately in the uk, coupled with players based on-Island playing in the Cyprus League (3 civilian and 4 Service teams). Having coached at a variety of levels previously, it still amazes me to see the increase in playing capability once a player is wearing his national Shirt. Their commitment and dedication to country is reflected in the fact that many have previously paid for their own travel, as at the time, funding from the government was scarce for a sport barely recognised. In Cyprus, football is king!

We are often subject to banter from other nations, questioning the origins of our players; rest assured, the red tape involved in getting players onto the field does not allow us anything but eligible players. The IRB allows 3 basic

eligibility criteria; birth, parentage (to grand parents) and residency (3 years consecutive, immediately before playing). I guess that the history of Cyprus has lent itself to a worldwide dispersed population, indeed London boasts more Cypriots than most major cities on the island. We are obviously lucky that many settled in traditionally strong rugby-playing countries – uk, South Africa and Australia.

Great job some of you may be thinking, with frequent visits to the Island? Well yes, it does have its perks, with a certain amount of travel involved to the countries mentioned previously, as well as Bosnia, Monaco, Azerbaijan (teams in the lower league). However, I do spend a reasonable amount of my own time co-ordinating players, travel and training (due to the large number of players based in the uk, I host uk training throughout the season, particularly in preparation for a forthcoming fixture). More recently, I have been assisting the committee in our bid to be accepted as Members of the International Rugby Board. There is a 3-page pathway document that requires adherence prior to application and we are currently working very hard to ensure that we comply to its requirements.

That said, exciting times ahead, and being involved in an emerging rugby nation that has come such a long way in 4 years, has its rewards.

BY WO pauL sHanks

RUGBY IN ITS INFANCY

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• Local Taxi Service

• Airport Transfer

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Decreasing budgets and fewer staff. It’s no secret that public sector care

services for older people are under increasing strain. What could this mean for low priority individuals who are able to remain living at home? It could result in missed meal, medication or appointment. It could result in the individual being isolated and alone for long periods of time. At worst, it could result in serious physical injury or death due to an accident, a fall or illness such as a stroke. For those that have been posted overseas, or are based in the UK some distance from family members, can be worrying and cause distraction from everyday life. So what are the options? There are many telephone and alarm systems available which enable an individual to raise alarm, should an accident happen in the home. However, these outgoing services are reliant on the individual being able to raise the alarm.

An alternative is an incoming service, such as the one provided by HomeCalls Ltd. This is a simple, but effective, daily telephone call into the home at the same time every day to ensure that older members of the community are safe and well at home. Once the call is made, a conversation with a familiar caller takes place which checks that the recipient is well. If no answer is received, or if there is any cause for concern, an alarm is immediately raised. This effective and highly re-assuring service at a cost of less than £1 per day helps keep families together in the community for longer. The public purse continues to shrink – but there are other solutions out there for older people living at home. For more information, see the HomeCalls advertisement in this edition, or visit www.home-calls.co.uk

Overseas posting? Keep older family members safe at home.

13

The House that Jack Built (Day Nursery) Limited has been awarded “Outstanding” at two of our nurseries and is

amongst one of the few childcare providers to have an Early Years Professional within its dedicated team of staff. With nurseries based in Naphill, Hazlemere, Flackwell Heath and

Marlow Bottom.

WE STRIVE TO OFFER:• A loving and homely environment where

young babies feel safe and secure• High quality childcare providing an environment

of rich learning experiences• Care, committed and enthusiastic staff

• A strong partnership with parents• Registered to care for children aged from 0 to 5 years

• Open 51 weeks of the year Monday to Friday• Breakfast, lunch and tea all provided and

freshly prepared by our dedicated chefs

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.thtjb-daynursery.co.uk

Are you looking for exceptional childcare?

RED KITESNaphill - RAF High Wycombe

Tel: 01494 564439

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILTHazlemere - High Wycombe

Tel:01494 713425

OVER THE MOONFlackwell Heath - High Wycombe

Tel: 01628 532169

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILTMarlow Bottom - Marlow

Tel: 01628 481601

Established for over 50 years, Kumon’s unique maths and English study programmes nurture confident, independent children with a passion for learning.

At a Kumon study centre, children of all ages and abilities can master a subject at their own pace whilst developing the independent study skills required for success.

As a result, children can improve their all-round academic performance and also gain the confidence to tackle new challenges both in and outside of the classroom.

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored specifically to your child’s individual needs, providing them with the self-assurance and transferable skills to realise their potential throughout school and life.

To find out how your child can reap the benefits of the Kumon programme, call for a Free Assessment. For Hazlemere and Flackwell Heath Study Centres, call Karen Saunders on 01628 532620 or email hazlemere@kumoncentre.co.uk and for Beaconsfield, call Ann Robin on 01494 872 007 or email beaconsfield@kumoncentre.co.uk

Unlock your child’s potential with Kumon’s maths and English study programmes

14

t he aim of the visit was to learn more about the history and ethos of the SAR force, its place in the future RAF and

to understand the challenges currently being faced. The RAF maintains a 24-hour search and rescue (SAR) service, covering the whole of the uk and a large surrounding area. Whilst the service exists primarily to assist military aircrew and other personnel in distress, the vast majority of ‘scrambles’ are to assist civilians who find themselves in difficulties, either on land or at sea.

Already two men down, due to late work commitments and sickness, our intrepid band set off for Suffolk from the Officers’ Mess, at first light, ably driven by Flt Lt Stu Smith and assisted by Lola his ever reliable Satnav. As we hit the M25, the clouds closed in and with the prospect of a three-hour drive ahead of us, thoughts immediately turned to the scheduling of the first caffeine fix of the day. However, before any such logistical decisions could be made, the word from BBC radio was that a helicopter from Wattisham Airfield had had to make an

only the brAVe...BY WO stu REDpatH

on 22 feb 12, as parT of apc’s ongoing force developmenT acTiviTies, eighT members of The Team spenT The day wiTh ‘b’ flT 22 sqn aT, whaT now is

called, waTTisham sTaTion

emergency landing in a field, having hit power lines near Ipswich. Fortunately, all fears of us being grounded were allayed, when it was confirmed that the airframe in question was in fact an Apache, with no casualties reported and, much to the relief of the ladies, had been crewed by a commoner.

Stu and Lola continued to make good time and, being ahead of schedule, we managed our caffeine stop at a Wild Bean premises just off the A14. However, not even the thought of hot liquid refreshment, service with a smile and a Mars Bar duo could tempt Flt Lt Rich “my body is a temple” Pountney from his 10 o’clock rye bread. Time on Target at Wattisham was achieved and once our Project Officer (PO), Flt Lt kerry Shardlow, had successfully dealt with the Guardroom staff, we were escorted through, what is now, the domain of the Army Air Corps (AAC), to the home of ‘B’ Flt 22 Sqn and its two Sea king HAR3A helicopters. Having received a warm welcome from Flt Lt Bob dewes and more caffeine in the crewroom, which, much to the author’s disgust, was served in a norwich City mug (could have been worse!), the programme for the day was briefed by the duty winchman, Sgt Ady Brind. Following a safety video, we proceeded to the hangar where, prior to our flight, we were orientated through ingress and egress procedures for the Sea king and given a hands-on brief on the aircraft.

Then it was back to the Flt Safety Equipment Section for kitting. The service personnel amongst us, who were wearing CS95, headed straight to the Ops Room for a pre-flt brief, whereas our civilian colleagues joined ‘B’ Flt’s answer to Christian dior, to receive their flying suits and boots. Having been divided into two groups and the F700 signed, we were on the point of walking (start of Top Gun terminology, now), when the ladies returned, resplendent in their pristine new flying suits, sans handbags. It was helmets on and off to the waiting Sea king, rotors turning (I love the smell of Avtur in the morning!) for the first flight over Ipswich, Felixstowe and the surrounding countryside. Taking it in turns to sit on the cusp of the open door, we saw the sights of Suffolk, some paying homage over the home of Ipswich Town at Portman Road (natalie still prefers Adams Park), whilst others complimented the AAC’s cordon technique around the Apache in the field. Having regained the circulation to our feet, it was soon time to RTu and, following a quick turn-round, the second party departed. Some may say, unsurprisingly, the aircrew treated the watching cameras to some good views of the Sea king before heading off into the, now gathering, gloom. As the rains came, those now in the warmth of the crewroom heard the returning Sea king and went out to greet our colleagues.

BY WO stu REDpatH

15

needless to say, by this time, there was no need for lighting on the pan as it was illuminated by the beaming smiles of those walking back from their trip.

Lunch was taken, flying suits prised away from the clutches of our glamour queens and then we headed off for a briefing and film on the SAR Force. The film was originally scheduled to last 18 mins, but had to be extended, as the older members amongst us had to explain the names and roles of some of the, now historic, aircraft being featured. All too soon it was time to depart, thanks were extended, gizzits exchanged and heaters on the minibus primed as we, once again, put ourselves in the capable hands of Stu and Lola for the journey home.

We would all like to extend our thanks to the members of ‘B’ Flt 22 Sqn Wattisham for taking the time out to host us and for the hospitality extended. It should be noted that they remained on call throughout our visit and could have been diverted to a “shout” at any juncture. Our knowledge and appreciation of the difficult and often dangerous job undertaken by our SAR crews, along with envisaged future changes, was certainly enhanced by our experiences at Wattisham. Thanks also to Flt Lt kerry Shardlow, our able PO, for her organisational skills and, of course, to Stu and Lola for getting us there and back in one piece.

princes risborough man, mr andy weller, was lucky enough To Take on The role of raf sTaTion commander for a morning.

A ndy won the experience in a charity auction held in the Oakeshott Centre late last year, where he bid

a considerable sum for the prize that saw him tour the base and accompany the CO on his round of inspections.

After a brief presentation in the Station Commander’s office, Andy was whisked off to meet individuals from the European Air Group (EAG), the Fire Section and the RAF Regiment.

Whilst at the fire section, Andy was treated to an exercise scenario that saw him fitted out in Fire-fighter’s Breathing apparatus. He was then part of a three man team sent into a simulator to rescue a ‘casualty’. Emerging from the smoke-filled room with the fireman’s dummy in his arms, Andy certainly looked the part and was fascinated by the experience, saying:

“You can really gain an appreciation for what these guys go through in these situations.”

Moving on to spend some time with the RAF Regiment, Andy was put through his paces as he attempted to be top marksman on the dCCT. Andy last shot a rifle at school and was keen to improve on past performance:

“My teachers told me that I would never hit a target because of my poor eyesight – popping the glasses on today certainly did the trick!”

After the tour of the camp, Andy was invited as a guest to the Honours and Awards ceremony in the afternoon, where he witnessed our servicemen and women being presented with medals for operational service in Afghanistan and over the skies of Libya.

STATION COMMANDER FOR THE DAYBY fEatuREs EDitOR

iMagEs

TOPFlt Lt Kerry

Shardlow contemplates the

meaning of life in the open door

of a Sea King

ABOVE APC Team

alongside a Sea King of ‘B’ Flt 22 Sqn Wattisham

16

17

rAF hIgh WyCombE live mUsic clUB raises mONey FOr THe rOyal BriTisH legiONBY sqn LDR ROB fittOn

G igs were held in various pubs and clubs around Ruskington and Lincoln, as well as at RAF

Waddington and RAF Coningsby, with the final event being the Live Music Association’s annual showcase, this year held, for the first time, in the Oakeshott Centre at High Wycombe.

The acts playing were Rupert & The Ginger Pig, probably the loudest and heaviest thrash metal band in the Mod, Ferrocene, a hard rock band in the best traditions of high energy riffing and stunning lead guitar lines, rapper Tony Idol to prove there’s more to life than rock’n’roll, and Ferret’s Toe who, if you’ve seen them, you’ll realise are superb but very hard to describe!

Altogether the RAF Live Music Association raised £854.17, with RAF High Wycombe’s bands contributing £432.30. Gp Capt Heffron accepted the cheque on behalf of RBL, praising the work of the LMA in both raising money for charity and providing entertainment across the RAF. The High Wycombe Live Music Club exists to promote live music performance, and offers rehearsal facilities, PA equipment, and arranges several gigs per year. Look out for further events throughout 2012. Interested in joining the RAF High Wycombe club? Please contact Rob Fitton (ext 7678) Graham Langfield (ext 6964) or Frankie Blunden (ext 4096)

T he RAF Watersports Centre is located on one of the most idyllic stretches of the River Thames with over

200 metres of prime river frontage. Only 25 minutes from Benson or High Wycombe, on the road between Marlow and Henley, the club is easily accessible.

Membership is open to all serving and retired service personnel. We currently have members from SAC to AvM; all are welcome. Simply contact the Membership Secretary on the numbers below for more information.

For sections, an in-house ATI can help you make best use of the Centre in support of Force development, Adventurous Training, Team Building and Post-Operational deployment activities.

For those with their own boats, there are facilities for mooring and on-site storage. For those without, the club has canoes, dinghies and motor cruisers for the members to enjoy. Or, if peace and quiet is all you seek, then the balcony is the ideal location to enjoy a drink whilst admiring the views and watching the boats go by!

If you would like to try the facilities first, then please keep an eye out for the Open day Posters.

The Membership Secretary, Iain Buchanan, can be contacted on 01494 497234 (95221 7234) or by email AIR-xO-M&CRAFHeritageSO2@mod.uk

DANESFIELD WATERSPORTS CENTREare you inTeresTed in canoeing, sailing, rowing, cruising or jusT lazing by The river Thames? Then The perfecT locaTion could be closer Than you Think!

ThroughouT 2011, bands from The raf live music associaTion Took parT in a drive To raise funds for, and awareness of, The royal briTish legion.

18

L ord Hutton’s Independent Public Services Pension Commission conducted a review of Public Service

Pensions, publishing its final report on 10 March 2011. This initiated the process to reform public sector pensions, including the Armed Forces Pension Schemes –AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and the Reserves Pension Scheme. A Future Armed Forces Pension Scheme (FAFPS) Team has been established within the MOd to develop and introduce the new scheme.

What do we know so far?The FAFPS will be introduced no earlier than 1 April 2015.

There will be additional protection for those individuals that are within 10 years of their normal Pension Age (55 for AFPS 75 and 05 and 60 for RFPS) on 1 April 2012 ie. Those aged 45 or over on 1 April 2012 (on AFPS 75 and 05) and aged 50 on RFPS will remain on their current schemes and will be unaffected by the reforms.

Those aged under the age of 45 on 1 April 2012 will automatically be enrolled onto the scheme when it is introduced.

The MOd and HM Treasury have reached agreement on the protection of accrued rights to AFPS 75 and 05 pension benefits earned by Service personnel prior to enrolment on the new scheme. The value of the pension

benefits earned up to the introduction of the new scheme will be protected, including the Immediate Pension, the Early departure Payment and Lump Sums. These Benefits will remain payable at the time they were expected to be paid in accordance with current scheme rules.

Guidance on accrued rights for other pension schemes eg. Reserve Forces Pension Scheme will be issued in due course.

how do i have my say?As part of the development of the FAFPS, the Team will conduct a number of consultation exercises to gain the views of Service personnel on those elements on which defence has some influence.

The FAFPS Team’s Consultation Exercise consists of unit briefs, focus groups and a survey that will be available both online and in hard copy; personnel need to fully engage in the process to influence the development of the new scheme. The Consultation Exercise will take place at High Wycombe on April 17.

understanding your current PensionHowever in order to constructively contribute to the exercise, all personnel should have a basic understanding of the basic benefits of their existing pension scheme whether they are members of the AFPS 75 or 05 schemes.

Guides have been published to inform Service personnel of the basic benefits

of the AFPS 75 and 05, copies of which are included here and are available in PSF. The table below also provides a comparison of the current schemes.

Where can i find out more?2012dIn01-063 –Pension rights accrued in Armed Forces Pension Schemes 1975 and 2005.

IBn 03/12 Armed Forces Pension Scheme Reform Accrued Rights.

SPvA – Service Personnel are entitled to receive a Pension Forecast from the SPvA once a year.

Pensions and Allowances Page on the A1 Spec Support Website – This provides links to all information released by the FAFPS Team.

Station Routine Orders and Scrolling news - As and when new information is released this will be made available electronically.

From your uCA -The FAFPS Team has a network of ‘unit Change Agents’, essentially a POC on each unit whom the Team uses to disseminate information and to answer generic questions. The uCA at High Wycombe is OC PSF. note however that whilst the uCA and HR staff can assist with generic questions, they cannot give financial advice nor answer queries about an individual’s current pension. Those questions the uCA cannot answer will be fed back to the FAFPS Team.

FuturE ArmEd ForCES

peNsiON scHemeyour pension is going To change buT do you

know whaT your currenT benefiTs are?

BY WO stu REDpatHBY fLt Lt pEnnY BRaDY OC psf

19

The Vesting Period is the period after which you become entitled to the contributions the MoD has made towards your pension.

The accrual rate is expressed as a fraction of the Defined Benefit ie the accrual rate will be 1/70 of the best 365 days consecutive pay in last 3 years.

COMPARISONS OF PENSION SCHEMES

Difference AFPS 75 AFPS 05 FAFPS

Vesting period1 2 Years. 2 Years. N/K

Defined benefit based on

Representative pay for substantive rank.Best 365 days consecutive in last 3 years.

N/K

Retiring age 55. 55. N/K

Preserved Pension Paid at age 60 for any portion of service prior to 6 Apr 06 and 65 for any portion of service after 6 Apr 06.

Preserved Pension paid at age 65. N/K

Reckonable Service

Pension starts to accrue from age 18 (ORs) and age 21 (officers), or date of joining if later. The maximum number of years to count towards pension:

• Officers 34 years.• ORs 37 years.

Pension starts to accrue on date of joining regardless of age.40 years is the maximum to count towards pension.

N/K

Accrual RateUneven accrual rates; benefits accrue at a slower rate beyond the Immediate Pension Point (16 yrs service for offrs and 22 yrs service for ORs).

1/702. N/K

Resettlement Grant (2010/11 Rates)

Officers: Resettlement Grant payable after 9 years reckonable service (£14,686).ORs: Resettlement Grant payable after 12 years reckonable service (£10,038).The Grant is only payable to individuals who are not entitled to any other immediate payments, e.g. pension.

Both Officers and ORs:Resettlement Grant payable after 12 years reckonable service (£10,302) to individuals who are not entitled to any other immediate payments, e.g. Early Departure Payment (EDP).

N/K

Early leaver benefitsImmediate Pension (IP) payments for officers who complete 16 years service and ORs who complete 22 year’s service.

An EDP scheme gives a tax-free lump sum of 3 x preserved pension and monthly income to those leaving who reach age 40 and have completed 18 years’ service.

N/K

Pension Lump Sum Tax free lump sum of 3 x IP.Tax free lump sum of 3 x preserved pension.

N/K

Resettlement Commutation

Available. Not available. N/K

Dependants’ Benefits

Death-in-Service lump sum of 3 x representative pay. Spouse/civil partner pension of 50% of the member’s pension entitlement.Short term pension payable for up to 6 months.

Death-in-Service lump sum of 4 x pensionable pay. Spouse/civil partner/eligible partner pension of up to 62.5% of the member’s pension entitlement.

N/K

20

with function room facilities.

Regular Entertainment in the Club Bar, check with the club.Families are always welcome, we only ask that you keep your children supervised.Non members always welcome for a small charge on the door.Memberships are available. (Ask at the Bar.)Renewable annually in October.3 full sized snooker tables in our Snooker Room, available to members.

Celebration Suite & Conference RoomLift to 1st floorFully licensed bar facilities and professional catering up to 140 in our Celebration Suite.Also conference room available for smaller meetings and training sessions.Town Centre location with adjacent car parks. Please call for availability.

Royal British LegionSt Mary Street High Wycombe Bucks HP11 2HETel 01494 448800 highwycombelegion@btconnect.com

Royal British LegionFamily Friendly Social Club

VETERINARY HOSPITAL AT23 Wellington Street, Thame, Oxon, 0X9 3BWTelephone: 01844 212000

BRANCH SURGERIES ATWellington House, Aylesbury Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 OJPTelephone: 01844 345655

3 Hill Farm, Keens Lane, Chinnor, Oxon, OX39 4PF Telephone: 01844 212000

SPRINZ & NASH VETERINARY SURGEONS

FOR ALL YOUR VETERINARY REQUIREMENTS - LARGE AND SMALL

w w w . s p r i n z a n d n a s h . o r g . u k

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elaine.boyer@talktalk.netwww.felinesandfriends.co.uk

Felines & FriendsPet Sitters & Dog Walkers

Felines & Friends caring for your dogs, cats and other small pets in their own

homes whilst you are away.

6 Furlong Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5DGTelephone: 01628 529688

website: info@lavenderandstonebeautyrooms.co.ukemail:info@lavenderandstonebeautyrooms.co.uk

Treatments at Lavender and Stone Beauty Rooms are inspired by our passion for

excellence. Our desire is that your experience goes beyond your expectations.

tO aDvERtisE

HERE CaLL

taMMiE On

(01536) 526667

Support Our Servicemen &

Women P. B. Motoring Services30 Years of looking after Domestic,

Commercial and Agricultural Vehicles.

Thinking outside the box keeps you on the road.Call us on: 07766 935 129

GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME..www.pbmotoring.com

supacoley@hotmail.com www.coleyscaricatures.com

• Wedding and Ball entertainment

• Event or Ball entertainment organising

• Portraits• Magician

• Events• Henna • Real tattoos• Paint on Body Art• Massage therapies on site or home visits

21

JAFLONGBalti & Tandoori Cuisine

Award winning Indian Cuisine

in Princes Risborough

01844 274388

20% off for serving RAFpersonnel

jaflongbalti.com

The Shop for ChildrenFunky designer children’s wear from UK designers

for that something a little different and special.

Our toy room also stocks traditional and educational toys including a pocket-money range.

We also boast a superb Christening range from Sarah Louise

www.gorgeousgiggles.co.uk

Rookwood, Frith Hill, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0QS

Tel: 01494 868607 Mobile: 07813 198161Email: andrew@cyclefleet.com

The Bicycle Workshopwww.cyclefleet.com

GreatMissenden

Amersham

A413

Chesham B485SalesServicingCycle Maintenance Courses

M Hutchison Cleaning01494 564170 0797598388176 Thriftfield, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5YJ

• Domestic and business• Affordable• High standard• Reliable, friendly and flexible• References available

CROSSROADS VETERINARY CENTREwww.vetswycombe.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR DOGS,

CATS, RABBITS & ALL OTHER SMALL PETS

Consultations By AppointmentOperating Facilities At All BranchesGood Car Parks & Online Pet Shop

Main Surgery54 West Wycombe RoadHigh Wycombe HP11 2LP

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Branch Surgery36c Couching Street

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Branch Surgery351 Amersham RoadHazlemere HP15 7HL

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22

Riding alongside Emergency Co-Responder scheme co-ordinator, Corporal Emma nixon (Medic) and

Corporal nick Harrison (driver), the team were assigned by South Central Ambulance Service to the first job of the evening, and after a quick blue light run, arrived in Bledlow Ridge.

Group Captain Heffron witnessed the crew taking basic observations, administering oxygen therapy and reassuring the patient, an 87-year-old female, who was having difficulty breathing. They then assisted the ambulance crew, who had arrived to back up the Co-Responder team and transfer the patient to the ambulance.

Just minutes later, the crew were allocated to their second job of the evening. A quick dash through

BY: MCO, fg Off pauL BEvan

StAtiOn COMMAnder in blue light drAmAThe sTaTion commander was recenTly involved in a dr amaTic blue lighT ride over bledlow ridge in order To reach an 87 year old paTienT suffering from breaThing difficulTies.

Aylesbury to Aston Clinton brought the crew to a 29-year-old, pregnant female, suffering abdominal pains. After arriving on scene, the crew took basic observations and administered pain relief using Entonox, until, once again, an ambulance crew arrived to back up the team.

Group Captain Heffron said:“It is amazing to witness the

dedicated professionalism these volunteers display whilst completing life saving tasks, all in their own time, after their normal day’s work for the Royal Air Force”.

The Co-Responder team at RAF High Wycombe are actively looking for more volunteers. If you could spare some time to learn new and exciting skills that benefit the whole community please contact Cpl Emma nixon on Ext 4027.

raf high wycombe is lucky enough To siT ‘slap-bang’ inside The designaTed chilTerns area of ouTsTanding of naTural beauTy. The sTaTion siTs on The 85-million-year-old chilTern chalk escarpmenT and mosT of The camp is proTecTed by law, as a siTe of special scienTific inTeresT.

T he RAF High Wycombe Conservation Group is a reinvigorated Station club, that will be looking at the

biodiversity across RAF High Wycombe and looking into ways to protect, improve and manage it. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of an ecosystem – the number and diversity of species present in an area.

The RAF HWCG wants to identify the variety of flora and fauna species, that are found on 1, 2 and 3 site and around the married patch. Once identified the RAF HWCG will develop a Station Conservation Management Plan to protect and encourage biodiversity in this precious part of the county.

The RAF HWCG will be liaising with local conservation agencies and authorities and will be participating in some local ‘green volunteering’, to help forge new links with the area. If you fancy giving up a little of your time to help clear a pond, hack back some foliage or help produce our newsletter then this might be the club for you…

Although our numbers are growing, the RAF HWCG is still finding its feet and we are looking for Service and MOd Civilian personnel who are passionate about Wildlife and its protection, to help take the group forward towards its aim. If you are interested, please contact Chris Anderson, the RAF High Wycombe SEPO, for more details.

BY: fLt Lt aDaM BOOtH

rAF hIgh WyCombE ConSErvAtIon group

iMa

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© H

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originally imported to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire at the turn of the century,

there have been numerous escapes of muntjac over the years and, since then, it has rapidly expanded from South and Central England and Wales, and can now be seen in most English counties. It is often seen in areas of woodland, hedgerows, scrub, and even in gardens and parks in urban areas.

Barely the size of a large dog, the stocky russet coloured muntjac stands approximately half a metre at the shoulder. The male (buck) has visible ‘tusks’ (downward pointing canines), one protruding from each side of the mouth, as well as short antlers on long pedicles, which re-grow each year. Their facial markings include two dark stripes running up the forehead to the pedicles on the male, whereas the female facial markings consist of a dark ‘diamond’

shape running from between the eyes to the top of the forehead. Both male and female have highly visible scent glands on their face; the buck uses his to mark territory. The muntjac has a ‘hunched’ appearance as a result of their haunches being higher than their withers. When disturbed, their short tail is held erect, showing a flash of white fur underneath, which can be seen from afar as they run away.

The Muntjac is also known as the ‘Barking deer’, resulting from the repeated loud barking noise it makes, for various reasons, some of which are not entirely understood. This barking can and does continue for long periods and can be very loud! Their diet consists of a wide variety of vegetation, including coppiced shoots, brambles, ivy and much more. After feeding they will often spend a period ‘lying up’, whereby they lie down, under cover, to ruminate (part of the digesting process

The munTjac (Muntiacus reevesi) is one of The mosT common species of deer found in The chilTerns Today. named afTer john reeves, a briTish naTur alisT, who was also an inspecTor for The briTish easT india company, The munTjac is a naTive of souTh easT asia and is The oldesT known species of deer.

THE MUNTJAC

also known as ‘chewing the cud’).Although habitually solitary, they

can also be seen as a family unit, with both the male and female and their young together. The deer are capable of breeding year round, and the female can give birth every seven months. I have witnessed this cycle first hand when a female decided to choose a quiet part of my garden to give birth to a single fawn. Seven months later, she returned to do the same thing all over again. When very young, the fawn will be left alone for long periods in a quiet, well-camouflaged spot (in undergrowth or long grass), and visited daily by the mother to feed. The fawn will stay close to the mother for a few months, and by the age of 6 months it is usually completely independent. If you have any local wildlife photographs, questions or stories to share with us, please send them to Wycombe World, and the best ones will be published in the next issue.

BY MRs HELEn OLivE

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s ©

HE

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TOP-LEFTMale Muntjac

MAINFemale with

young Muntjac

BOTTOM Female Muntjac

24

25

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty high in the chalk hills above Loudwater, Wycombe Heights Golf Centre has something for everyone – golfers and non-golfers alike.

Whether you are taking your first steps in golf, an experienced player or simply looking for somewhere comfortable to dine and drink, the public pay-and-play venue – part of Burhill Golf & Leisure, UK’s leading golf course owner and operator – has the first-class facilities to ensure your visit is a memorable experience.

Wycombe Heights’ outstanding 18-hole Main Course was designed by former Ryder Cup captain and golf legend John Jacobs.

Beautifully laid out in The Chilterns the high-quality course provides a golfing challenge that is every bit as enjoyable as the panoramic views across the hills. The course is maintained to the highest standards all year round, with immaculate greens, and offers an enjoyable test of golf for players of all abilities.

Not content with designing an amazing full course, Jacobs also carved a stunning short Par-3 layout into the land, providing a great place for regular golfers to sharpen up their scoring skills and an ideal, relaxed environment in which families and beginners can gain confidence.

With holes ranging from 77 to 157 yards, riding the hills, the fun course is maintained to the same high standards as the Main Course offering excellent conditions from tee to green.

They say practice makes perfect, and Wycombe Heights has the ideal place for you to hone your skills with an all weather, 24-bay, covered driving range. It is also heated and floodlit with the latest automatic Power Tees, so you can enjoy hitting purely struck shots all day long, whatever the weather, all year round.

Unlike most range facilities there is also a dedicated short-game area where golfers can practice those all-important chips, pitches and lobs to help shoot lower scores, as well as a putting green.

Away from the course Wycombe Heights has just had a £40,000 facelift in the clubhouse with the bar area and function room given a makeover. The clubhouse is now even more vibrant and the perfect place for wedding receptions, private parties, formal dinners or a quick working lunch.

With a large decking area overlooking an area of outstanding natural beauty you can enjoy drinks or dine al fresco taking in the beautiful views, making you feel as though you are deep in the countryside, a world away from the humdrum of metropolitan life.

Well hidden in a secluded area just off the main London Road, Wycombe Heights is the perfect place to enjoy an hour away from the workplace with a relaxing lunch or post-work drink.

Expert chef Gary Burton and his team have drawn up an excellent menu featuring everything from fresh and tasty baguettes to succulent sirloin steaks.

Russell Stebbings, Wycombe Heights Golf Centre General Manager, said: “The doors at Wycombe Heights Golf Centre are open to everyone. Whether you are an experienced golfer, beginner or non-golfer, you will find something to your taste.

“We have everything a golfer could need – two outstanding golf courses set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and first-class practice facilities and expert PGA Professionals on hand for coaching tips or to advise you on equipment in the retail shop.

“If golf is not to your taste I am positive our food will be. With everything from quick bites to sit-down meals, sandwiches and burgers, and with 10-minute turnaround times, you’ll be able to enjoy a quick meal at any time of the day.”

For further information visit www.wycombeheightsgc.co.uk

On a high at Wycombe Heights

To take advantage of this special discount just quote P999 when booking and produce your Service ID proof when you check in at the Pro-Shop.

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BY Dani BOWMan CDO

Let’s face it; you may have known you would be on the move for many months but, when the time comes, there is often a last minute panic as to what to do with

all your possessions. What to take, what to sell, what to dump and what to store? Of course, part of the remedy may lie in a visit to the local tip or car boot sale but, more often than not, you are hanging on to items for a reason; you just don’t need them for a few months. Even if you are leaving behind a house or flat, which you can rent out, you might not want your valuable or cherished possessions to be used and damaged by your tenants.

Clearing out your home, partially, before you are posted you can significantly improve your chances of a hassle free relocation. Look around your spare bedroom or garage and ask yourself “how much of what you see is used now, or next week for that matter..” It doesn’t just need to be furniture; think about all the

spare clothing clogging up your wardrobe, Christmas decorations, files, bikes, fitness machines, games tables; the list can be a long one. Putting some of your possessions into temporary storage for the few months it takes to move can make a huge difference. No-one wants to incur additional expense but having the time to decide what fits in, what needs to go, and what you will need in a few months, can avoid a lot rushed decisions.

Many choose to use a storage unit even if they are not about to be re-posted. If you are already tight on space in your accommodation, having 24 hour access to a safe “spare room” just up the road can work out considerably cheaper and more convenient than moving home.

For a quotation that will never be beaten, in a state-of-the-art storage facility close to you; call Ray or Gary on 01494 449528. All readers of Wycombe World will receive a 10% discount.

POSTING PANIC?

27

‘Probing’ interviews conducted by SAC Jo ‘Pulitzer Prize’ Telford.

SAC Kenroy Mitchell, a qualified dental nurse, was posted to RAF High Wycombe in Feb 2012. Posted from Germany, kenroy has also served at RAF Brize norton and RAF Coningsby. He joined the RAF in 2008. Originally from Grenada, he now lives at RAF High Wycombe with his wife Octavia.

Joys of the job?Seeing a patient at ease during and after dental treatment.

Pressures of the job?dealing with irritable, selfish or angry customers and having to stay professional.

Favourite thing about High Wycombe?It’s close to church. Also High Wycombe gets the worst of the winter but the best of the summer due to it being on the hill.

Dream patient and why?The Queen – I would like to see how well she cleans her teeth!

Nightmare patient and why?keith Lemon – he is so irritating!

Dream boss? Apart from Sqn Ldr Marsh!?...Reginald Joseph Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire. Do you believe in the tooth fairy?no! (kenroy has since undergone thorough and arduous ‘remedial training’ and now fully believes in the tooth fairy).

Do you know a good dental joke?Male dental professionals are the only men who can tell a woman to open or close her mouth and get away with it!

Do you know a good dental fact?dental implants can last for 20 years (whereupon the tooth fairy kindly takes them away, no doubt).

Who is your favourite celebrity smile?not Simon Cowell, for sure – it’s so fake! definitely J Lo!

Miss Dionne Reid, a SERCO contractor and dental Receptionist, has worked at RAF High Wycombe since July 2011. Originally from Preston she now lives at RAF High Wycombe with her mum, dad and little brother.

Joys of the job?Going home – because I get to go back to bed.

Pressures of the job?dealing with customers who are angry or upset because I have to cancel their appointments…don’t shoot the messenger!

Favourite thing about High Wycombe?The pub? It’s closeness to nando’s?

Dream patient and why?Somebody beautiful…Johnny depp…Brad Pitt…no…Jude Law!!

Nightmare patient and why?Scott Mills because I have to listen to his radio programme everyday – I refuse to turn over to Radio 2, as that would mean I have finally succumbed to Cpl Mitchell’s nagging!

Who would be your dream boss and why?Cpl Mitchell (it just so happened that Cpl Mitchell was standing behind her at the time!)

Do you believe in the tooth fairy?Yes!

Do you know a good dental joke?A lot of people think that the Chinese dentist (tooth-hurty) joke is funny – it’s not when you hear it every day!

Do you know a good dental fact?no – but I do know that all crisp packets expire on a Saturday. Who is your favourite celebrity smile?The girl from ‘Friends with Benefits’…Mila kunis.

YOUR DENTAL CENTREgeT TO kNOw

sunday Specials have proved very popular, especially the latest trip to The Living Rainforest, where families

had the opportunity to see what life is like in the rain forest, complete with birds, animals and butterflies. Following a very informative guided tour, families took advantage of the lovely weather and enjoyed a picnic in the grounds of the play park.

Back at The Oakeshott Centre, everyone enjoyed coffee and cake while the children played in the Airplay Playspace. Families were given the information about the new Families deployment dvd, ‘dEPLOYMEnT – FOR THOSE LEFT BEHInd’ and the link to the RAF Community Support website, where they can access the dvd as well as a range of information and resources. www.raf.mod.uk/community

HOme Base DeplOymeNT sUppOrT

raf high wycombe’s communiTy supporT Team provide a wide range of acTiviTies To supporT families of deployed personnel, ranging from social evenTs, informal briefings and off-siTe visiTs To boosT morale.

Everyone then had the opportunity to use a ‘Talking Tin’ to record a short message to send to their loved ones who are away. The lucky recipients can then record a message and send it back. The ‘Talking Tins’ were kindly provided by the RAF Charitable Trust www.rafct.com

For more information about Sunday Specials please contact Tracey Clark, HIO, on 01494 497831, or dani Bowman, CdO, on 01494 494470. If your partner is out of area ask to be added to our email social list so you won’t miss out on any of the events.

BY Dani BOWMan CDO

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due to the Local Initiative Grant Works were able to deliver the Offrs’ Mess Scruffs bar work in

collaboration with the Offrs’ Mess Committee, Oakshott Centre dance floor and bi-fold doors, Smithys BBQ, new kitchens in Craig Courts A, B and C, removal of the old stage and disco booth in Café @3, new blinds and re-decoration in the Sgts’ Mess Ante and dining rooms, new kitchens for Medmenham Early Years, Red kites and Pooh Corner and the creation of a new outdoor gym near Spitfire.

Other successes included revamping the 2 Site squash courts, installing the new 1 Site pavilion, a complete overhaul of Smithys, a new path next to Typhoon block, a new boiler at Medmenham and the re-surfacing of the 3 Sites roads.

ThroughouT 2011 raf high wycombe managed To achieve quiTe a loT of works projecTs

despiTe The budgeTary cuTs.

Works, Works, Works!

Of course the major success of 2011 was the completion of the new JRs’ dining room and Combined kitchen, so finally the JRs have their own Mess back and 3 Site finally has some more car parking spaces.

For 2012 we are looking to try and complete works to the Sgts’ Mess ladies toilets, Offrs’ Mess main bar, the Church, Medmenham Early Years, danesfield Arms and the JRs’ blocks as well as many other jobs.

The Minor new Works programme for 2012/13 will hopefully deliver a new respirator testing facility and weapons training facility as well as outdoor gyms for both 2 and 3 Site and the installation of a pitched roof and brick cladding on the Battleship.

Here’s to a 2012 full of lots of new Works!

BY fLt Lt sasHa LiLLEY OC sER

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‘If You Go Down In The Woods Today’ is a free event offering fun for all the family within the beautiful surroundings of Chiltern Woodland Burial Park. All

are welcome to come and enjoy the varied exhibits and attractions throughout the weekend of 7–8 July, as part of the London Funeral Exhibition 2012.

You could have a ride around the woodland in a horse and carriage, enjoying tranquil views of

the summer flowers, or take part in the Bear Hunt in the Woods and see if you can find any of the teddies hiding amongst the trees! For those who like a bit of magic and mystery there will be a magician performing tricks and a range of storytelling workshops to inspire your imagination, or if you just fancy a bit of light entertainment there will be face painting, a traditional puppet show and live music to amuse children and adults alike.

There will be something for those with an interest in history too; in Beyond 2000BC – A Prehistoric Experience you can try your hand at the skills of our prehistoric ancestors such as flint-knapping, while learning about these ancient techniques from an experienced craftsman. Alternatively, explore the literary tradition of poetry writing with the London’s Poetry Library exhibit.

Parking is free, toilet facilities are available and there will be a range of refreshments on offer – including ice cream, cakes and a barbecue – enabling you to take your time and have a relaxing and enjoyable day.

‘If You Go Down In The Woods Today’ forms part of the London Funeral Exhibition 2012, an event with a difference showcasing the wide variety of funeral options available. There will be a range of beautiful hand-made coffins and caskets, as well as examples of some quirky funeral options such as a motorcycle hearse,

and an interactive ‘Things To Do Before I Die’ exhibit. Other attractions include woodcarvers demonstrating their craft, hand-made yurts and a dove release in memory of those we have lost. There will also be regular screenings of the award-winning short film Dying for a Laugh, in which comedians such as Ricky Tomlinson, Jenny Eclair and Ardal O’Hanlon share their interesting and often humorous insights into the little-discussed subject of death.

More and more people are starting to think about making their own funeral plans in advance, and this is a perfect opportunity to learn about the wide variety of products available and discuss any questions you may have with industry professionals, while enjoying a fun-filled family day out in the peaceful setting of Chiltern Woodland Burial Park.

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We have made every effort to keep this pub part of village life. We are a small country pub

with a great new menu which will keep you coming back, best to book at weekends!

Large garden from which you can watch local cricket matches at weekends. Call in whilst walking the hills

locally for a hearty meal to set you on your way again.www.thehampdenarms.co.uk

BBQ’s 24th June, 22nd July & 26th August from 5pmCream Teas 29th July & 19th August 3.30-5pm cup of

tea & scone with clotted cream & strawberry jam

Great Hampden, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9RQ

Tel: 01494 488255louise@thehampdenarms.fsnet.co.uk

The Hampden Arms

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BY CpL stEvE aMBROsE-LEigH

classes were initially held in the old Community Centre on kilnwood, but due to its closure and the popularity of

the classes, they are now held twice weekly in the Oakeshott Centre on Site 3, on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings.

due to the high turnover of military personnel from both the Station and from HQ Air Command, we have seen hundreds of ladies arrive and depart our classes. All levels of ability are accepted and members always leave us positive feedback and have told us that we provide a great opportunity to have fun, keep fit and to make new friends.

Showing our respect and support for members of the Armed Forces, we are now working towards our second charity show, the “Burlesque and Beyond Charity dance Show”, raising funds and support for the Help for Heroes registered charity. We intend to offer a celebration of our Armed Forces personnel in the best way we can, with a lot of dance and a little cheeky fun!!!

Performing on the 1st & 2nd of June 2012 at the Wycombe Swan Town Hall stage in High Wycombe, “Burlesque and Beyond” will be an evening of high class Burlesque entertainment, with fabulous dances, dazzling costumes and amazing singing, promising to be an evening you will never forget.

Set in the cabaret style seating arrangement, well received at our previous show, we will be using some modern themed and traditional music. Our performers offer not only their dance talents but their vocal talents

too. With a mixture of male and female cast members who come from all areas of society, ranging from Armed Forces to hairdressers, university students and even professional performers.

Please show your support to this worthwhile charity by coming along to enjoy these evenings of excitement and entertainment, sure to titilate the senses and bring the importance of this charity’s work to the forefront.

You can book your tickets online at the official Wycombe Swan website

https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online, by clicking on their “What’s On” link for the month of June 2012. If you are military and book in person at the Wycombe Swan box office, we are offering a discount to military personnel who produce a valid military Id card when purchasing their tickets.

We have also produced a Help For Heroes 2012 Calendar to help raise more funds for the charity (all profits go directly to Help for Heroes) and these can be purchased from Cpl Stephen Ambrose-Leigh in SHQ on Site 3, with some available on the performance evenings as well.

Alternatively, if you would simply like to contribute a donation to the Help for Heroes charity after reading this article, please do so via our direct link:

http://www.bmycharity.com/ambroseleighdance.

our classes, focussing mainly on The unconvenTional dance forms of belly dance and burlesque sTyle, have been running aT raf high wycombe for nearly 4 years.

Ambrose-Leigh Dance Performing Arts

BURLESqUE & BEYONDHigh WycombeWARGAMING

Cpl stephen ambrose-leighOIC ambrose-leigh dance

performing artswww.ambroseleighdance.com W e received this letter from Heather from

Merseyside and just couldn’t let it pass us by. Thanks Heather for supporting the RAF from all here at RAF High Wycombe.

LETTER FROM HEATHER

t he High Wycombe Wargaming Club, where tabletop battlefield games, set in the eventful past or

unknown future, take place! Where hordes of men, super-enhanced beings and alien species battle to dominate their realms! This is a chance for all members, from the newest to the seasoned veteran, to test their strategic skills against each other.

With no apparent wargaming clubs within easy access of RAF High Wycombe, I have set up a club in the Oakshott Centre and already have a couple of members. So, if you fancy coming along then get in contact via the details on the poster. See you there! If interested contact – SAC Greig Stensland on x4619 or via email (jfac-hq admin spt 3)

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aiR CaDEt ROunD up BY JOCELYn taCk anD tHE CaDEts Of 332 sqn

air caDeTs round up

a few cadets and I went on a trip to RAF Waddington during February half-term for 4 days. It was a

really long journey, but a few songs seemed to make it shorter. When we arrived, we had a brilliant time and everyone seemed to find it very interesting, whilst being fun. My personal favourite part had to be the corps band – they were incredible!`

Cdt Soni

This year was my first camp with my Squadron, and it was to RAF Waddington that I wanted to go, as I had heard so much positive feedback from the group that went last year. We had a long 4-hour journey to Lincoln, but it was well worth it! I had the most fun in a long time, the best part of the camp, in my eyes, was visiting the Sentry (E3d). I learned a lot about what goes on in the plane and how the radar works. Another favourite part was visiting the fire crew at the end of the runway. We saw

them perform a training exercise, and also had a go with the fire hoses. I’m sure the other cadets agree that it was a very enjoyable camp.

Cdt Tack C

Confessions of a Camp Commandant!Cadet Camps and other activities seem to run like well-oiled machines (well sometimes), so how do you learn how to do all the things the cadets expect you to do? I’m a Civilian Instructor (CI) with 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron ATC and recently visited RAF Waddington with another CI and 7 junior cadets, over the February half-term break. The short camp is part of the cadets’ introduction to the Service; it was also my introduction to running a cadet activity away from home!

Waddington Camp was my first experience as Camp Commandant! unfortunately the CO was unable to attend and so he asked me to take charge. I was keen for the cadets to have their camp, but I was worried

about how things should be done. Working with Regular ‘Big Blue Suits’ at Air Command is quite different from being put in charge of ‘Little Blue Suits’. I was never a cadet myself (I went down the Girl Guide route as my father was posted away from home, so I was unable to attend the local ATC) and being a CI on an ATC Sqn, you are not taught things like drill or how to do inspections. Thankfully, the programme was already organised and it was literally a case of turning up and meeting the Stn ACLO, a very enthusiastic Sgt.

The cadets were kept occupied from the minute we arrived at the unit! Luckily, 2 of the cadets have been to a camp before and knew the drill - this made it easier for me and my accompanying CI. The programme started with a relaxed social evening of 10-pin bowling in Lincoln. Each morning the cadets were immaculately turned out in their uniforms and proudly marched around the Stn with their heads held high, whether it was to the mess or to where the next presentation serial was; it was an impressive sight. After breakfast the packed programme started with 8 Sqn – Sentry. We got to go in the plane and were shown the equipment which the cadets were fascinated by, plus that you sat backward in it!

i wenT flying aT raf benson. iT was greaT fun. we flew in The TuTor plane and did some basic manoeuvres.

afTerwards, some of us did some aerobaTics, like ‘loop The loop’. i felT a biT sick Towards The end,

buT oTherwise iT was a greaT experience and i would recommend anyone To go along.

33

We also saw a couple in the hangar having ‘MOTs’ and servicings, which was also interesting. From here it was to 5 Sqn – Sentinel. Again, very interesting, and as the plane had some of the equipment exposed, the cadets were sworn to secrecy. After that it was to the mess for lunch, then over to the Air Traffic Control where, from the tower, we watched a Sentry land and the pilots waved at us.

next was the RAF Regiment display. As you can imagine cadets, guns and the RAF Regiment are always a recipe for enthusiasm and it was something they were looking forward to. Our Regt Sgt was brilliant. He brought over so many weapons, from a Browning pistol to a ‘very big’ gun (I still haven’t learned the names) with bullets on a strip (that’ll be a GPMG then Jocelyne). The cadets were briefed on the role of the Regiment and each weapon was explained to them. They even got to handle them all and had a competition of who could throw the hand grenade the furthest! unfortunately, the cadets had to be dragged away from this to visit the Survival Equipment display, which consisted of the life rafts (mini bouncy castles for cadets) and trying to eat as many high energy sweets as they could (as if they weren’t hypo enough).

Thankfully, I re-arranged the swimming session, as we were pushed for time and had to have dinner, then visit the Fire Section for their presentation. The Fire crew put on a great show. We saw them carry out their training drill and then they allowed us all to experience the hose – feel how powerful the pressure was. They also explained their role in the RAF and what they do when deployed on operational duties. By the end of the evening everyone were beginning to feel tired. The cadets watched a dvd before hitting the sack, although some couldn’t stay awake!

Our final day was a trip to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. One of the exciting things we saw was a Hurricane being put though it paces outside. They had tied it to an anchor and had the propeller going full speed – you could feel the vibration of the plane and the sound was brilliant. After seeing a couple of Typhoons take off and a Red Arrow fly over, we headed back to base for a chill-out time in Lincoln, before going swimming and dinner. After

dinner, it was scrub-up time - the Cadet Cpl encouraged everyone to help each other out with their uniform and

shoes. They looked really smart in their working blues – we were

going to RAF Cranwell to watch the Air Cadet Corps

Band Concert. The concert was excellent, they play to such a high standard that you forget they are only cadets and not professional military

musicians! They were so good, only one of our

cadets fell asleep during the concert – he was absolutely

shattered! Back to Waddington after the concert and then it was

home on the Saturday morning. After such a busy few days, the

journey home was understandably very quiet – all but one fell asleep all the way! It was certainly an enjoyable few days, but tiring!

CI Tack

If the activities above interest you, maybe it is time for you to join the local Squadron. The next Recruits Course at 332 Sqn starts with an Induction Evening on Fri 4 May 12. If you would like to get involved please e-mail ross.gilbert689@mod.uk.

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How To Give Your Child A Head Start In LifeWith Bambino Day Nurseries in Aylesbury, Haddenham, Wendover / Halton and Two High Wycombe Locations

Bambino Nurseries provide high quality care in safe, secure and homely surroundings, where all adults and children are welcomed, valued and respected.

Every research study in Early Years Child Development indicates that this time of life is vitally important for your child. With Bambino Day Nurseries your child will develop solid foundations on which to build the rest of their life.

There are separate rooms for babies, toddlers and older children designed, decorated and equipped to suit each age group.

Tables and chairs are height appropriate for different sized children.Toilets and sinks are small enough and low enough to foster independence.Toys and equipment are chosen for their educational value and durability.

This enables your child to get the care, attention and learning which is right for them.

Staff

Bambino Day Nurseries in Aylesbury, Haddenham, Halton near Wendover and High Wycombe (Terriers and Booker) all have high staff to children ratios. All staff have relevant childcare qualifications and experience or are in

a training programme with a recognised training provider.

Curriculum

Each nursery follows the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage in all 6 areas of learning;

Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy,

Problem Solving, Reasoning and NumeracyCreative Development Physical Development

Knowledge and Understanding of the Outside World

Each of the settings is different and has a variety of outdoor play areas and activities to encourage play and learning such as:

Soft surface areas for see-saws, climbing frames etc.Grassy areas for picnics, nature study, sports etc.

Learning gardensHard standing for bikes etc.

Food

Menus and meals are planned to provide a well-balanced diet. Food is prepared fresh each day and special diets can be accommodated without difficulty. Breakfast is available at an additional cost if required.

Book your child’s place now by calling

01296 398 585 - Beech Green/Aylesbury01296 696 429 - Halton/Wendover

01844 292 678 - Haddenham/Thame01494 443 444 - Terriers/High Wycombe01494 769 185 - Booker/High Wycombe

Bambino Day NurseriesPeace of Mind