Issue 4 2011The RAF Coningsby Journal

THe greeN edITION

aWard WINNING CaTerers

REMEMBERING THE ORIGINAL TYPHOON FORCE

ELLAMY UPDATE

�

4 5onetooneStn cdr’s Foreword • gp Capt sammy sampson

editor’s Foreword • sqn Ldr gareth Howellseditorial & distribution Team

editorSqn Ldr Gareth Howells

deputy editorFS Tony Gordon

distributionLead: Sgt Keith Park (EOS)Deputy Lead: Cpl Gareth Thomas (LS)Distribution Team:SAC Alison Calderwood (LS)SAC Liam Hopcroft (LS)SAC Iain Skelton (LS)SAC Paul White (LS)

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Issue 4 2011

24

coNTeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

Welcome to the fourth edition of onetoone for 2011, a lot has

happened since the last edition but it is good to see that some of the fruits of the labour of our people have been recognized at the highest level. The Secretary of State for Defence stated in his RUSI speech in mid-July, that, “For some time now we have relied on Typhoon to defend the UK and our dependant territories”, (but as

Op ELLAMY has demonstrated), “Now Typhoon has truly come of age”.

He also observed that it is, “the human underpinning of the RAF - the commitment, talent and technical understanding of the men and women who serve”, that gives us our competitive advantage. This edition underlines some of the commitment, technical understanding and talent that our people show on a regular basis.

The XI Squadron article gives some ELLAMY highlights and I look forward to an update from 3(F) Squadron for the next edition. Other articles covering things such as, Parky’s MBE, PC Smith’s Commendation, various other awards, charity successes, community engagement activities, our top chefs and youth awards, add colour and weight on the same theme.

It is certainly undeniable that RAF Coningsby continues to be a vibrant and exciting place to serve. I am currently working with the publishers to realize an online publication of the magazine; this will be a complement to rather than a substitute for the hard copy version.

As a reminder for anyone considering submitting an article, they can be up to 8000 characters in length but most seem to fi t in the 1000 – 4000 characters bracket (200 – 800 words).

As a guide for comparison, this Foreword is approximately 2,300 characters long. Ideally a word document is the best format to use although hard copies sent through the post to me will be accepted.

Photographs should be separate of the articles as I need to send separately to the publisher. In order to meet the publishing deadline for Issue 5,

articles should ideally be sent by e-mail to CON-BSW 121 Editor by 16th September 2011. The address for postal submissions is: OC Forward Engineering Squadron, RAF Coningsby, LN4 4SY. Please keep the articles coming to make sure that, within our extremely busy working lives, we continue to fi nd time to highlight the achievements of our people. I look forward to your submissions.

SQUADRON NEWS

No 7Fp wg 06xi Sqn 08�9(r) Sqn 10

CHARITY

armed Forces day 1�raFa 13Synchro pair painting 14rainbow Trust 14

SPORTraF Sailing �0

raF waveriders ��

PEOPLE & ACHIEVEMENTS

award winning caterers �4primary School visit to the Stn �7dependants win youth awards �7padre’s piece �8crl update �917 (coningsby) Sqn air cadets 3�original Typhoon Force 34honours for coningsby personnel 35

Welcome to issue 4 of OnetoOne for 2011 which, by the time

it reaches your crewroom or doorstep, will see us past the halfway point of 2011. Whilst I cannot speak for everyone, I am sure there are many of you who feel like me - that this year has raced by in a blur of activity, challenges and the occasional impossible task! I do hope that August gives you all the opportunity to stop for a while, spend some time with family, friends and loved ones and recharge your batteries - please take every opportunity to do so as each and every one of you has more than earned it.

As I travel around your station and talk to your friends and colleagues I am constantly impressed by the professionalism, good humour and keenness of everyone to make life at RAF Coningsby as rewardable as it possibly can be. We could easily fi ll this magazine with twice as many articles highlighting the sporting, charity, personal and professional achievements of our team and I never lose sight of the fact that everything you

read here is in addition to an incredibly demanding and busy day job both here and deployed.

All of this is against the backdrop of some large scale changes in Defence with fi nancial constraints, a drawdown in personnel and a re-organisation of many parts of the RAF and whilst I cannot guarantee that we will be protected from many of these things, what is clear is that the RAF wants RAF Coningsby to lead the continued development and size of the Typhoon Force. Great news as the future for RAF Coningsby is bright but of course, it does mean that our days will continue to be busy and challenging.

It has taken a herculean effort to make RAF Coningsby’s contribution to Defence and the local community so strong and impressive - I know it doesn’t come easily so a huge thank you to all our friends and family who support us constantly as well as all our Service, civilian and industry colleagues who, as you can read in some of this issue’s articles, constantly go that extra mile to make things happen.

6 7onetoone7 Fp wg updaTe ISSUE 4 2011

First to escape is Flt Lt Paul (Rats) Ratnage, the 7 FP Wg Air Liaison Offi cer.

Having provided air control and managed airspace for numerous incidents in and around KAF during our deployment, Rats has moved down the road to assume his new position as OC Regt Flt at RAF Waddington where he will be kept busy providing force protection training in support of operations. Flt Lt Avril Porter, 7 FP Wg’s resident Security Offi cer, fulfi lled the role of OC KAF Security Squadron during Op HERRICK 13, responsible for maintaining the internal security and policing at KAF. Co-ordination and management of several hundred Bulgarian, Slovak and US personnel, as well as a 20-strong dog unit kept her immensely busy, so after 2 tours at RAF Coningsby as both OC RAFP and as part of 7 FP Wg, she departs to take her force protection experience into her new role as OC Force Protection

Threats Team at the Air Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington. Flt Lt Charlie Lynn is one of 7 FP Wg’s founder members and ran the Operations Room in KAF while fulfi lling the role of OC Joint Defence Operations Centre. Responsible for the co-ordination and management of the multinational Signallers, Watchkeepers and Battle

Captains planning and responding to a constant stream of on and off base incidents and operations, Flt Lt Lynn leaves RAF Coningsby after 5 years, (another RAF Coningsby “Double Tourer” – OC Regt Flt and 7 FP Wg Ops Offi cer) to be part of the instructional staff at RAF Cranwell. Flt Lt Chris Morrill and SAC Mike Stallard,

who formed the core of the Intelligence Cell responsible for analysing local and regional threats and liaising with numerous personnel around the base, are both departing the Wg to return to the roles back in their branch. Flt Lt Morrill is posted to the JFACC at RAF High Wycombe and SAC Stallard is commencing Phase 3 training at Chicksands.Another pair of 7 FP Wg founder members, Sgt Jason Griffi ths and Cpl Phil Kenny,

aFTer much Needed poST operaTioNal deploymeNT leave,

iT iS dowN To earTh wiTh a bump aNd The

iNeviTable chaNge iN perSoNNel aT No

7 Fp wg hQ. aFTer a buSy aNd eveNTFul

Tour To kaNdahar (kaF), iT iS wiTh much

SadNeSS ThaT we Say goodbye To a

Number oF The Team who go oN To bigger

aNd beTTer ThiNgS.

deployed as the Wg Infl uence Team integral in shaping and reconstructing over 60 villageswithin the KAF Ground Defence Area depart the Wg for pastures new, with Sgt Griffi ths becoming a senior instructor at the Stn Regt Flt, JSSU Digby and Cpl Kenny heading to DCAE Cosford, as a JNCO Instructor on the Stn Regt Flt.We wish them all well and thank them for their efforts while at Coningsby and in Kandahar.Back on the HQ, remaining members of the Wg continue

with preparations for a period of standby prior to starting Pre-Deployment Training again in the New Year. With ranges, exercises and conversion to the new radio systems continuing over the coming weeks, it is shaping up for yet another busy 12 months for the HQ. With Wg Gunners preparing for career courses it is left to the Wg Chief of Staff, Sqn Ldr David Capel and the Wg Clerk, Cpl Louise Bolt to keep the Boss supplied with chocolate!

■ 7 FP Wg HQ on return from Op HERRICK 13

■ A look forward to next year’s preparations

7Fp

wg

8 9onetooneonetoone 98 xi SQN ISSUE 4 2011

I can hardly remember the Station Dining-In Night on March 18th (OC XI’s Dining-Out Night) when the Stn Cdr

stood on a particularly wobbly stool and decreed (in a scene similar to that from Top Gun but without the swimming pool and white uniforms) that the festivities were over, the bar was to be shut and all Typhoon pilots were to report for duty at 0900L the next morning. Within 18 hours of arriving in Italy XI Squadron was fl ying operational missions over Libya and within 3 weeks of the start date, they were fl ying mu l t i - ro l e Operational missions.

Even the fi rst Operational day with Duzza walking to his aircraft without his helmet is but a haze.

It has been a rollercoaster of a ride, an exciting time for all, and an Operational deployment of fi rsts. XI Squadron has only just returned from Theatre to begin some well earned leave, only to get ready for deploying back to Italy again in mid-September.

On Apr 12, an XI Sqn Typhoon on patrol with a Tornado GR4, dropped two Enhanced

Paveway 2 1000lb GPS guided bombs on two Libyan pro-regime main battle tanks and in doing so completed the fi rst ever Typhoon weapons release ‘in anger’. The Sqn continued trail blazing with some other notable Typhoon fi rsts. These included the fi rst ever Typhoon self-designated laser attack using the LITENING 3 laser designation pod in combat and also the fi rst ever mixed Typhoon/GR4 and Typhoon only

air interdiction missions. Countless targets

have been struck by Typhoon

i n c l u d i n g n u m e r o u s types of v e h i c l e s and armour,

headquarters buildings, and

the guard towers of Col Gaddafi ’s

compound in central Tripoli (and so far they’ve all been successful!).

The Headquarters Building in Gioia Del Colle named ‘Hotel Gioia’ started off as an empty shell housing rotting beds and holes in the walls, only to become a hub of slick operational activity with a rations cupboard the size of Wales, superb planning facilities courtesy of Iestyn’s team, an espresso coffee

machine as temperamental as an Alfa and a Medics facility more akin to that in MASH.

Over the 3 months the engineers and many support staff have worked tirelessly to provide virtually 100% serviceability and 24/7 air power over Libya, an achievement that cannot be underestimated. In 3 months XI Squadron pilots, bolstered superbly by pilots from 3(F), 29(R), STANEVAL and 6 Squadron, fl ew a remarkable 1420 hours which is enough to fl y around the world 24 times; we dropped many weapons, fl ew hundreds of Operational sorties and OC XI still has not been Dined-Out!! The Sqn handed over the Operation to the capable hands of 3(F) during June who undoubtedly will continue the fantastic work of XI Squadron and we wish them all the very best!

Despite Op ELLAMY stealing the limelight, we must not forget to welcome some new faces and say goodbye to some slightly older ones. We have a new junior pilot in Flying Offi cer Alex ‘Thorney’ Thorne (another fantastically original

RAF nickname!) an ab-initio straight from RAF Valley. Our new OC Mission Support Flight is Sqn Ldr Bob Jones who joins us from Linton-on-Ouse where he’s spent his last few months handing out Kleenex. With heavy heart we say goodbye to the Wing Ground Liaison Offi cer

Major Tom Marsden ‘Chief of Trivia, Indian interpreter and Scouse humorist extraordinaire’. He must have done something right because he’s off to Staff

College on promotion. Good luck Maj errr…. Lt Col Tom - we wish you all the success for the future and thank you for your tireless processing of the other Execs work! A warm welcome to his replacement Capt Paul Weston who joins us from……the Army! We also have a

brand new addition to the XI Sqn extended family in the form of Charlie Adam Cooke, Cookie and Laura’s latest edition – Congratulations! And

last but by no means least it’s a fond farewell to (Dr) Flt Lt Jonny ‘the narcoleptic’ Hynes. He’s fi nally realised that fl ying jets is a younger man’s game and that it will never give him the sizable bank balance that he craves. Jonny is off to pastures fresh, blowing the cobwebs off his old stethoscope and joining the RAF medical branch as Dr (Flt Lt) Hynes. Good luck Jonny and Lisa and we hope to stay in touch in the future, even if it is to sign off a civvie medical or persuade the other more cynical docs that we are ‘fi t to fl y’! Thanks Jonny for all your sterling efforts and thank you all our leavers for your hard work and humour.

So as this article goes to press XI Sqn will be regenerating the south east corner of the airfi eld and reinvigorating front-line Multi-role training, just in time to go back out to Libya in the autumn– if it’s still going on that is! Until next time, remember we’re ‘Ociores acrierosquaquilis’.

it seeMs a long tiMe ago since xi squadron deployed to italy to Fly Missions over liBya in support oF

the un security council resolution 1973.

XI SQN LEADS THE

TyphooN STorm over libya

these included the First ever typhoon selF-designated laser

attack using the litening 3 laser designation pod in coMBat and also the First ever Mixed typhoon/gr4

and typhoon only air interdiction Missions.

Flt lt J a peterson

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�9 SQN ISSUE 4 201110 11onetoone

The ‘ma’ NoTaTioN iN The TiTle will be explaiNed laTer. For Now, Though, imagiNe your reSideNT rear-echeloN TyphooN SQN (rreTS) – �9(r) SQN, ocu – iN mid-march, goiNg abouT iTS core buSiNeSS oF TeachiNg New TyphooN piloTS, while makiNg a TokeN coNTribuTioN To The TyphooN Force’S operaTioNal commiTmeNTS oF uk Qra aNd The air deFeNce oF The FalklaNd iSlaNdS.

Then, suddenly, following a Stn call-out on 18th March and the ensuing announcement that RAF Coningsby’s

Typhoons were to deploy south (to a location yet to be determined) to enforce a no-fly zone (NFZ) over Libya, your trusty RRETS dutifully supported the men and women of the Front Line by helping to prepare their ac, planning routes to several possible destinations, delivering packed lunches, etc – all pretty standard RRETS stuff…

…All right – enough of this ‘RRETS’ nonsense. 18th March 2011 saw 29(R) Sqn become 29(R, ma) Sqn, whose participation in the Libya operation involved much more than just drawing lines on other people’s maps. The Sqn was involved at the sharp end of Op ELLAMY right from Day One, with several of its personnel assigned to the initial deployment to IAF Gioia del Colle.

29(R, ma) Sqn’s pilots have been fully and continually involved in ops over Libya from the very early air-to-air sorties flown to enforce the NFZ, to the later (and more demanding) missions in which bombs have been dropped, with remarkable precision, on Col Gadaffi’s forces. Furthermore, 29(R, ma) Sqn’s practical

support to the Front Line has extended to trebling the number of pilots, and doubling the number of engineers it sends to the Falkland Islands, while increasing its pilot and groundcrew commitment to the QRA mission at home (by ninefold, in the case of the groundcrew). Before Op ELLAMY, 5-10% of the Sqn’s staff pilots and groundcrew were detached overseas, compared to the current figures of about 25% of the staff pilots and 17% of the groundcrew.

Not surprisingly, our increased involvement in operations has resulted in a temporary reduction in our training output however, we have still managed to send some newly qualified pilots on their merry way, ahead of schedule in some cases. So we bid good-bye to some of our RSTF friends. Farewell also to RAT and ROB, who are off to Leuchars, while VET remains on 29(R, ma) Sqn to join the staff. A very warm welcome to CO (des) RAF Leuchars. OC (des) XI(F) Sqn, EDD, GED, GORDY, NOZ, ED, PUKEY, CRIC, GAZ and all the pilots of RSAF(5). On the staff side, we bid farewell to Ali (who was posted to RAF Waddington at the end of July) and Sinner, who is posted back to his native USA to attend Staff College,

which lies in an area even further south and more humid than Sinner’s place of birth. Best wishes to them both.

And finally: 29(R, ma) Sqn is more formally written as…No 29(Reserve, my a*s*) Squadron.

UPDATE

�9 SQN(r, )

Flt lt rich watts

ma

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chariTy ISSUE 4 20111� 13onetoone

The Grimsby and Cleethorpes Royal Air Force Association invited local Service organisations, including personnel from Royal Air Force

Coningsby, to take part in an Armed Forces Day event in Cleethorpes on Saturday 25 June 2011, where thousands of people turned out to show their support for current and former Service personnel.

Squadron Leader Ian Heath was amongst Service and ex-Service representatives who laid wreaths at the RAF North Coates Strike Wing Memorial. Survival Equipment Flight personnel took along a display of photographs, a mannequin dressed as a pilot and survival aids, which they used to explain their role to members of the public. The Typhoon Display Team contributed with their PR trailer containing posters, t-shirts and badges etc for sale and they raised over £400 for charity.

above:

Survival Equipment Flight

Personnel talking to young

members of the public about

survival equipment and aids.

right:

Sqn Ldr Ian Heath laying a

wreath at the RAF North Coates

Strike Wing Memorial.

below:

Members of the public

purchasing Typhoon

memorabilia.

armed ForceS day CLeeTHOrPes

a Teddy bear dreSSed iN a miNiaTure raF FlyiNg

SuiT, compleTe wiTh Two geNuiNe 3(FighTer)

SQuadroN TyphooN paTcheS (aS worN by

The piloTS ThemSelveS) haS clocked up over �0

hourS iN The air. JuST like all raF aircrew,

‘air bear’ had hiS FlighTS logged iN aN

aircrew log book aNd SigNed by The piloTS.

The bear’s adventures took place between September 2010 and May 2011 and

included a fl ight in a glider, a Typhoon and a Chipmunk. ‘Air Bear’ also managed to fl y down south to the Falkland Islands, before being raffl ed off to raise funds for the

Royal Air Force Association (RAFA).

Chief Technician Phil Furness of 3(F) Sqn, who is also the Royal Air Force Association Liaison Officer (RAFALO) for Boston, came up with the idea, he said: “I thought it would be a great way to raise funds - luckily

Officer Commanding 3(F) Squadron agreed.” He added: “I asked Squadron Survival Equipper SAC Neil Ratclif fe to kit the bear out with an appropriately sized flying suit, scarf and RAF beret prior to his flights; I thought this would add to his appeal!”

The Royal Air Force Association is a RAF Charity that is dedicated to the RAF family. The charity helps serving members of the RAF, veterans and their families in times of need. They can provide families with housing, counselling or even simple things like phone cards when people are being deployed Out of Area (overseas operations).

SAC Sharleen Merritt from the Mechanical Transport Training and Standards section is Secretary for the RAFALO’s monthly meeting and deputy RAFLO for the Boston branch. She toured the Station promoting ‘Air Bear’ and raising funds for

this worthy cause. The bear was also taken to a monthly RAFA meeting in Boston where he generated a lot of interest.

Flight Lieutenant David Bell (Senior RAFLO), Chf Tech Furness and SAC Merritt took ‘Air Bear’ on his fi nal journey to the Annual RAFA National conference in Eastbourne, where they sold raffl e tickets to delegates.

A Raffl e was held on Thursday 19 May 2011, when Offi cer Commanding 3(F) Sqn, Wing Commander Dicky Patounas, pulled out the winning ticket belonging to Mrs Ann Balsom of the Boston RAFA branch. A total of £387.42 had been raised.

Chf Tech Furness also added: “We would welcome potential new RAFA members to assist us with supporting three local RAFA branches and also our ongoing fundraising efforts, if you are interested in joining us please contact me on telephone number: 01526 347334.”

‘air bear’ clockS up over �0 FlyiNg hourS aNd raiSeS FuNdS For raFa

14 15onetoonechariTy ISSUE 4 2011

In 2010, Squadron Leader ‘Dunc’ Mason from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight joined his colleague,

Flight Lieutenant ‘Rich’ Walton of 29(R) Squadron to display the “synchro-pair” as a tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The painting of the combination was completed by Neil Higgs, a freelance artist from Harlow, Essex. Neil based his 27 by 27 inch oil on canvas work on a photograph he took at Waddington Air Show in 2010.

Neil, accompanied by parents Barbara and Ken visited RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on Thursday 9th June, where both the pilots and aircraft are based, to meet them and have the artwork signed.

Sqn Ldr Mason said, “It was a privilege to fly the Spitfire element of the pair. Neil’s artwork has captured the experience

magnificently; I’m delighted to add my signature.”

Mr Higgs said, “I first came up with the idea for this painting last year at the Bournemouth Air Festival whilst speaking with the members of the Typhoon Display Team on their stand and decided the synchro pair combination would be the way forward. I have the utmost respect for the pilots that fly these aircraft and feel honoured that both display pilots have agreed to add their signatures to the painting. I hope it raises a good sum of money for the charities”.

The painting will be displayed at air shows throughout this summer, where visitors will be able to make bids for it. The item will be auctioned and the proceeds raised will be shared between the charities supported by the BBMF and the Typhoon Display Team.

a painting, entitled “Battle oF Britain triBute”, depicting a royal air Force typhoon and Battle oF Britain MeMorial Flight (BBMF) spitFire is set to Be auctioned, aFter Being

signed By the pilots oF the two aircraFt depicted.

FlyiNg high PAINTING TO AID CHARITIES

Corporal Chris Hepple decided to raise funds for the charity when his

friend’s nephew was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Cpl Hepple said: “Getting to know my friend’s nephew Luke Collins inspired me to raise funds for Rainbow Trust.” He added: “I know the whole family appreciate the tremendous support they received from the charity.”

Luke’s father, Mr Martin Collins said: “After Luke’s devastating diagnosis of visual pathway glioma, when he was just seven months old, we have received help from many charities, including the Rainbow Trust.” He added: “With the fundraising by Chris which we are really grateful for, this enables charities like the Rainbow Trust to continue their work by helping families in need.”

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Rainbow Trust’s Family

Support Workers join the family in their own home and are there to provide practical support. They are contactable 24 hours a day for families in crisis, from diagnosis, through treatment and even after bereavement. Rainbow relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and through the generosity of their supporters they are able to help around 1,000 families a year.

During a visit to Newcastle on Friday 11 March 2011 to see Luke Collins and his family, Cpl Hepple presented the money to Miss Lisa Corfield, Rainbow Trust Regional Fundraising Manager.

Miss Corfield said: “On behalf of the families we support, I would like to say a huge thank you to Chris. Without his support and that of the local community we simply could not help the families we do. The money Chris has raised from his marathon will pay for 8 day visits from a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker to help an exhausted parent cope with the demands of a sick child.”

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WE MAKE OUR OWN ICE-CREAM& CAKES ON THE PREMISES

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Cosmoor Farm,Lodge Road,Tattershall07867 633038

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appointment to view the accommodation.

EBRINGTON ARMSMAIN STREET

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A family run traditional pub/restaurant, serving good home cooked food with a large selection of 15 cask and keg ales

(CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2008/9) 3.5 miles from Coningsby. Families, children and dogs welcome. The bar has an open coal fi re ensuring a warm friendly convivial atmosphere in which to

enjoy your meal with friends, family or that special person.

Food is served Tuesday to Sunday between

noon and 2pm and 6pm – 9pmSunday Lunch available noon – 2pm

All year round a great place to eat and drink!

(Always advisable to book ~ Telephone: 01526 354560)

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�1onetooneSporT ISSUE 4 2011�0 onetoone �1

An early morning start saw five members of RAF Coningsby set off to the Joint Services

Adventurous Sailing Training Centre (JSASTC) in Gosport to take part in the RAFSA Sailing Regatta. Unable to source a Coastal Skipper (minimum requirement) the RAFSA organised one for us who we were to meet at Gosport. The team from Coningsby consisted of SAC Tom O’Neill, C4I (Day Skipper), Sgt Si Smith, LS (Competent Crew), Sgt Ian

Wright, MAC (Competent Dingly sailor), Chf Tech Simon Price, TSC (been out the weekend before!) and SAC Luke Perryman, 11 Sqn (complete novice). After a 5 hour drive to Gosport we met up with our skipper for the week, Flt Lt Alastair Watson from RAF High Wycombe and were introduced to our Victoria 34 yacht for the week, ‘Mitra’. The next couple of hours were spent with the formalities you would expect from a Training centre; yacht inventory checks, safety briefings

and signing out wet weather clothing. During the safety briefs Luke amazed the instructors in being able to wear the life jacket every conceivable way, apart from the right way much to the amusement of everyone else. The afternoon was going to be spent getting familiar with the yacht for those who hadn’t been on board before, practice race starts for the following day and practicing how to rig and fly the spinnaker. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very co-operative and there was hardly enough wind to maintain any forward movement without assistance from the engine. We managed a couple of practice starts before heading back into Gosport for the night. Accommodation for the week was our yacht which had all the amenities you need, including 7 beds, although 2 were more like shelves, cooker and toilets, more commonly known as ‘heads’ by our seafaring friends.

Race one was due to start at 0900hrs just outside Portsmouth harbour in the Solent, so another early start beckoned. Tom, the skippers mate and navigator had to get the race course from the Committee boat and quickly start plotting our course for the race. Race one was a passage race and would last most of the day. The wind was a lot fresher and the race got underway without any incidents and we managed to get into 3rd place. After the 3rd mark we had taken 2nd spot and were chasing the leaders out to the east end of the Solent. As the morning progressed the wind was increasing, but we stuck to our original sail plan. At the next mark the lead boat all of a sudden went for a foresail change and we took the lead. We rounded the next mark just off Bembridge bank and the chasing boat missed the turn and had to put an extra tack in, increasing our lead. We held the

lead for the next two marks before we had to pull our foresail down due to an impending squall. Not having a smaller sail at hand, the change was rather slow; we lost the lead and eventually second place. After nearly 7hrs of racing we crossed the line in 3rd place, a good effort for our inexperienced crew. That night we moored up in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and had a crew debrief and discussion over our strategy for the following day over a couple of drinks in a local hostelry.

Wednesday and Thursday was a series of shorter races, 3 or 4 a day with the first race starting at 0900hrs. The wind was forecast to be even stronger and was already blowing hard before we left the marina. Our sail plan was discussed and sails rigged and Al said that we would stick with our sail plan as we didn’t have time to change sails in a short race. The race duly started and within half an hour the skipper

made the decision to change sail! By now we were in a Force 7 and trying to change sail was easier said than done. Stuck in the bow of the boat, frantically trying to hold on whilst changing sail, (a two handed job), quickly focussed the mind but after a lot of hard work and commitment we actually managed a very quick sail change. Despite all this effort we came in 7th out of 7. With only 15 minutes between races, just about enough time to get the new course over the radio and plot it on the chart, we were off again. The wind hadn’t eased up but we were now on the correct sails for the conditions. There was plenty of ‘tacking’ and ‘jibing’ going on and it was extremely hard work for all on board. If you weren’t winding winches you were throwing yourself across the top of the boat, trying to miss the boom from taking your head off, to get back on the opposite rail to try and straighten the boat out. By the end of the day, with everyone exhausted and black and blue, we headed back into Cowes as the weather had prevented us from reaching our planned night stop of Yarmouth. Following another debrief over a few nerve settlers, Ian rallied the team and we decided we would give it everything the following day to try and improve on our best finish of 6th.

We woke up on the Thursday still feeling exhausted and with the wind not so strong. It was looking good for some s p i n n a k e r action so we readied the s p i n n a k e r pole and sheets just in case. The first race started at 0915hrs in order to de-conflict with another race and after a good start we were up there fighting with the others. We had made the decision that on our final downwind leg that we would fly our spinnaker. Si Smith and Ian readied themselves for action on

the call from the skipper, we had a near faultless hoist first time and we steamed for the finish. We had managed fifth place. At the start of the second race of the day the wind just suddenly died and it took nearly all the boats about 20 minutes to cross the start line before the wind started to pick up again. The racing was a whole lot closer now with yachts in very close proximity to each other and skippers were becoming very vocal in shouting warnings to other yachts. Unfortunately our spinnaker ropes got tangled in the second race and the call came to take it back down and we lost a place on the run for the line. With the wind now getting back up in the region of a Force 7, the final race of the day would take us over towards our night stop in Hamble. With the wind blowing in excess of 20 knots the work rate picked up once again with 4 of us at times hanging

over the edge. With the yacht leaning over at around

30° - 40°, the top rail on the leeward

side was in the water. At one stage we m a n a g e d to swamp the cockpit

much to the annoyance of our

skipper, Al, who got his feet wet! Behind us

in the race, two yachts touched each other while fighting to turn a mark and as stated in the rules, the two yachts had to return to Gosport for inspection by the JSASTC staff. The last race saw us get our best result of the short

race series with 4th place. We finished in 6th place overall, a bit disappointing, but considering our inexperience and the weather conditions we felt we had achieved masses. After arrival in Hamble marina for our overnight stop on the Thursday, prize giving took place at the RAF Yacht Club followed by a meal. RAF Valley took first place in both the passage race and the series race.

With the racing all over, all that remained for the Friday was a leisurely return to Gosport. As we hadn’t had much chance to fly our spinnaker all week we decided to fly it on our way home as we would be travelling with the prevailing wind. However, on the Friday morning things were pretty still and we ended returning back to Gosport under engine power. It was much more relaxed and everyone chilled out trying to nurse their bruised and battered bodies. On arrival in Gosport the yacht was thoroughly cleaned and kit handed back before heading back to Coningsby. On return, everyone agreed that it had been an extremely hard but really rewarding trip which, despite being a sports event, was definitely more along the lines of Adventurous Training. Despite the hard work and comments like “I am never sailing again”, Si Smith and Simon Price have both been accepted onto Leg 2 of Exercise Caribbean Wings in October sailing from the Canary Islands across the Atlantic to Grenada in the Caribbean on a 4 week adventure. A full report will follow on their return.

with the wind Blowing in excess

oF 20 knots the work rate picked up once again with 4 oF us at tiMes hanging

over the edge.

Between the 6th and 10th June 2011, 7 teaMs took part in the royal air Force sailing association (raFsa) sailing regatta in the solent. sailing the Joint services Fleet oF victoria 34’s, teaMs varied in experience, FroM coMplete novice to yacht-Masters. sgt si sMith, logistics sqn, organised a teaM FroM raF coningsBy to take part.

RAF Coningsby TeAm aT raF SailiNg regaTTa

�� �3onetooneSporT ISSUE 4

The course was organized and run by ex-RAF Cpl Mark Wright who

undoubtedly went to extra lengths to ensure the week was a real success. The week-long surfi ng course, held at RAF St Mawgan, enabled fi ve complete novices with no surfi ng experience to be introduced to a new, challenging and demanding sport, in a controlled and safe way. This was achieved through structured land based lessons, in water

analyses, de-briefs and most importantly, a lot of practice.

The facilities provided by the Waveriders Association really did exceed all expectations. Comfortable rooms to sleep in, along with a games room with table tennis and a pool table made sure we were never short of anything to do. Along with the high quality equipment (surf boards and wetsuits), which had been very well maintained, morale was at an all time high. This was

sure to be one of the best AT expeditions available.

After taking to the water on the fi rst day (experiencing numerous falls), we were under no illusion that surfi ng was a lot harder than it looked. Fortunately, through the exceptional and professional instruction of Mark, the hard work, encouragement and will of everybody in the water, each man achieved their goal of standing on a surf board and riding some waves, improving our fi tness and expanding our comfort zones along the way. All this, whilst looking out for each other in an inherently diffi cult environment, resulted in an overwhelming sense of achievement.

Running In tandem with the surfing were afternoons of Downhill Mountain biking which again introduced us to more physical challenges to overcome. There were some endless steep inclines, rewarded with technical and fast downhill sections, which

required the highest level of concentration just staying on. However, the sense of achievement getting to the top of the inclines, followed by the fear of falling and the sheer adrenaline rush of navigating our way downhill more than made up for the physical pain. Thanks to our mountain bike expedition leader, who made sure we knew the basics, we all had some thoroughly enjoyable afternoons resulting in an increased confidence in overcoming extreme physical challenges.

Overall, the week was a great success. So much so that the there is already scope for a repeat next year to allow more RAF personnel the chance to learn some exciting new skills. A special thanks to Cpl McMillan for organizing the mountain biking. Thanks again to Mark Wright of the WRA for his professionalism and patience throughout the week.

senior aircraFtsMan coyle

iN JuNe, The raF waveriderS aSSociaTioN (wra) kicked

oFF The Summer SeaSoN by iNTroduciNg Five

mSc perSoNNel To The challeNgeS aNd rigourS

oF oNe oF The world’S moST exhilaraTiNg SporTS.

SurFiNg aNd mouNTaiN bikiNg iN corNwall

At Tattershall Primary School we work in close partnership with parents and carers to help all children achieve their full potential in a happy and caring learning environment.

We set high expectations for learning and behaviour and continually strive to raise standards through providing a relevant, varied and stimulating curriculum.

TattershallPrimary School

Tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4QZ Tel/Fax: 01526 342045Headteacher: Mrs H Sandy

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact the administrator Mrs A Porter or the headteacher Mrs H Sandy who will be pleased to show you around the school, answer your queries and give you a copy of our latest prospectus.

Email: Heather.Sandy@clinton-park.lincs.sch.uk

High standards of behaviour and academic achievement within a happy

caring village school environment.

Small classes, high percentage of Teaching Assistants, many out of school activities,

good links with the community.

Enquiries and visits welcome. 01507 568304

www.mareham.lincs.sch.uk

MAREHAM LE FENP R I M A RY S C H O O L

�4 �5onetoonepeople aNd achievemeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

In 2008 Royal Air Force Coningsby funded PC Pete Smith, their Defence Community Police Offi cer, to

be trained as a Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Ambassador. This enabled him to cascade training to other offi cers and agencies whose staff work with children at local schools or youth groups. The ‘ThinkUKnow’ internet safety training programme is part of an ongoing national initiative by the CEOP centre.

The majority of Ministry of Defence Community Police Offi cers from across the UK and Northern Ireland; approximately 30 Police Offi cers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Horncastle, and colleagues from the Community Support Team at RAF Coningsby have all now been trained by PC Smith.

Among those to take on the training role at Coningsby have been Tina Proctor from the HIVE Information Centre; Police Community Support Offi cer Alison Evans and PC Chris Redfearn from Lincolnshire Police; as well as Sergeant Steve Cambers and Corporal Craig Bentley from the RAF Police.

PC Smith said: “We have now taken this package out to many local schools, as well as to all visiting Air Cadet Groups who spend their summer camp at RAF Coningsby. In all, we have

ASSISTANT CHIEF coNSTable commeNdaTioN

reached just short of 2,000 young people with this presentation.”

The CEOP programmes are regularly updated to take in to account changes in the habits of young people on-line as well as the changing trends in ‘on-line’ threats to young people by either computers or mobile phone technology. Subjects such as Cyber-bullying, Sexting, Spim and on-line grooming are all covered in the programme.

PC Smith received his commendation at the MOD Police Headquarters at Wethersfi eld in Essex from Assistant Chief Constable Dave Allard.

“I was surprised and delighted to receive an award for my work delivering the ‘Think U know’ programme,” PC Smith said. “But I think it is recognition for all of those colleagues who have helped deliver the CEOP programme in both the RAF Coningsby and local communities.

“The internet is here to stay and will no doubt get bigger and bigger. There will always be people looking to use the opportunities it presents to exploit children. But this presentation goes a long way to help protect them. It covers many areas explaining the risks to young people while using the internet on computers and mobile phones as well as how to report abuse on-line.”

an Mod police oFFicer Based at raF coningsBy has received a coMMendation For helping to educate thousands oF youngsters aBout staying saFe whilst on-line.

The event is held each year to try and find the best possible Chefs and Caterers

within the RAF to represent us at the Annual Combined Services Culinary Challenge held at Sandown Park. This is a highly prestigious event and is judged not only by Service judges but some of the best chefs and Front of House Managers in the country.

The annual RAF Competition is a highly fought over event with each Station vying for the right to represent the RAF, the event is spread over two days and becomes a very charged atmosphere with competitors trying their best to beat fellow team members and often close personal friends. RAF Coningsby entered into three categories at this year’s proceedings, the classes entered: RAF Open Caterer of the Year – SAC Nicola Hargreaves RAF Junior Caterer of the Year– SAC Christopher Hodkinson Senior Caterer Flambé – SAC Lois Winders

The team was mentored by Cpl Michelle Thomas and managed by FS Bruno Brooks who took the team and moulded them, only 4 days prior to the competition, into a very professional and determined outfi t. Practices were held and deliberations given, more practices ensued and with very valuable comments coming from the diners selected to taste the food on these occasions, we quickly achieved a level of competitiveness needed for

us to be a very good effective competition team. Cpl Michelle Thomas must take the lion’s share of the credit for this.

The fi rst to compete was SAC Nicola Hargreaves. Nicola had to set a table for 2 covers (table layout to include 2 napkin folds) and accompanying cutlery for a fl ambé dish of her choice with accompanying wine, fi nished off with a specialist liqueur coffee all to be completed within 40 minutes. Nicola chose a dish of medallions of fi llet steak Diane served with dressed green salad with a wine of her choice. She greeted her diners explaining the dish she was going to prepare and presented her dish, along with her choice of wine and then proceeded to make her speciality coffee.

This was the time she dreaded most, as she had problems getting it right (just ask her mentor) in the practices and was worrying about the fi nal outcome. However, the coffee was a major success and looked picture perfect as she fi nished her competition with 3 minutes to spare. The judges deliberated hard, a decision that was to be one of the closest over the two days of competition; the fi nal result for Nicola was the award of a Silver Medal Best in Class - a fantastic result.

The next to compete was SAC Lois Winders. She had to cook and serve a classical steak Diane fl ambé dish, lay her table and serve appropriate wine within a 30 minute time frame; Lois displayed a very mature attitude throughout

and the dedication she showed earned laudatory comments from the judges. She produced an excellent meal and was awarded a Silver Medal.

SAC Christopher Hodkinson was last to compete and had to prepare and present a classical dish of Caesar salad with a bread roll and appropriate non-alcoholic drink of his choice. A descriptive menu card was to be displayed, he also had to show his folded napkin skills and set up a table setting for 2 diners. Christopher had 20 minutes to complete his class; he quickly got into his stride and produced a very tasty and well presented dish and along with his drink and napkin folds his efforts earned him a very creditable Silver Medal and importantly Best in Class. He also picked up the trophy

for the Best Student at 3MCS during 2010/2011, which is an outstanding achievement.

The competition over and results awarded, it became evident that as a team we had e x c e l l e d beyond all

expectations. We achieved Best in Class in two of the hardest categories which, without doubt, shows the professionalism and high standards of the Catering Flight here at RAF Coningsby and also the plethora of talented individuals we have here on Unit. Not only were some of them fi rst time competitors, but also very young candidates,

who displayed all the attributes associated with excellence over this period and the dedication shown within the team helped in the very successful outcome of the competition.

Cpl Michelle Thomas deserves a massive mention as she has been an inspiring mentor and has spent many long days & nights of her own time in mentoring the team. Using her prior competition experience, professionalism and patience she has used these skills to excellent effect achieving outstanding results in preparing the three competitors.

As team manager it was a pleasure to take such a dedicated and driven team to this competition, as not only did they excel in every department, but the team spirit shown by this talented team of Caterers ensured that the Catering Flight here at RAF Coningsby are still held in such high regards not only by Coningsby personnel but by RAF Caterers in general. They achieved such exceptional achievements over the two days.

I would like to express my thanks to all the Catering staff at Coningsby for the help, enthusiasm, drive and determination shown by its members over this very busy period and this set of results is down to you all for putting

up with the constant disruptions and

often late working days. I thank you whole

heartedly. The team

is currently practising to

try to emulate this achievement

when they represent us and the Royal Air Force at the Annual Combined Services Culinary Challenge to be held at Sandown Park 27 – 29 Sep 11.

FS Bruno Brooks

three MeMBers oF raF coningsBy catering Flight gained recognition and success at the annual royal air Force culinary coMpetition in May; the coMpetition was held over two days at raF halton catering training school.

cpl Michelle thoMas deserves a Massive

Mention as she has Been an inspiring Mentor and

has spent Many long days & nights oF her own

tiMe in Mentoring the teaM.

SAC Lois Winders, Cpl Michelle Thomas, FS Bruno Brooks, SAC Christopher Hodkinson, SAC Nicola Hargreaves.

RAF CONINGSBY caTeriNg Team SUCCESS aT royal air Force CULINARY COMPETITION

�6 �7onetoonepeople aNd achievemeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

This year’s winners are both dependants of RAF Coningsby personnel and were presented

with their awards at the Gartree School Summer Fete by Mrs G Shaw, Mayor of Tattershall with Thorpe Parish Council and Mrs R Sharples, Mayor of Coningsby Parish Council.

Josh Brewster received the Junior Youth Achievement Award. Nominated by two people from the local community, Josh received his award for the strength of character he has shown and the positive personal development strides he has taken since moving to the area last year. Josh assists in caring for his disabled grandmother, is a pleasure to be around and is a great friend to many.

Gareth Bates received the Senior Youth Achievement Award. Gareth was nominated for the award by the Coningsby and Tattershall Branch of the Royal British Legion. Gareth is an active member of 17 (Coningsby) Air Training Squadron and, in addition to the duties he carries out with

YOUTH achievemeNT awardS 2011

the ATC, Gareth has taken on the role as Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion, taking part in Remembrance Parades and acted as escort for funerals.

In addition to the presentations made to Josh and Gareth, three other young people received certifi cates in recognition of their contributions to others. Emily Walker has raised funds for a school in Malawi and is an ambassador for the work she undertakes. Nathan Haywood helps look after his disabled sister and baby brother and Harrison Harvey was presented a certifi cate for the support he provides to a disabled neighbour.

The Youth Achievement Awards are a positive step towards recognising the good things that young people do within their own and other communities. If you would like more information or would like to nominate someone for an Award then please contact the Community Development Offi cer on 07799273033 for more information.

in 2010 the coningsBy and tattershall with thorpe parish councils Joined together and developed the youth achieveMent awards. the award is presented to young people FroM the local area in recognition For the outstanding contriButions they have Made to others. Judged By a panel oF local people the awards are presented in two age categories and noMinations can Be received FroM anyone.

The children started the day with a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF)

and a guided tour of the hangar giving them a close up look at a Hurricane, Spitfi re and Lancaster aircraft; they also learned about the roles of the people who fl ew them d u r i n g World War II and also the pilots who fl y them today. The youngsters also had an opportunity to complete some fact fi nding projects using the BBMF Visitor Centre displays for information.

XI Squadron was the next venue, where the children witnessed Typhoon aircraft taking off and landing, before

SCHOOLCHILDREN VIEW MARVELLOUS MACHINES

Visitors from Barnby Road Academy in front of a Typhoon aircraft.

settling down for their packed lunch. The fi nal part of the day was spent learning about and viewing a Typhoon aircraft from the outside and inside the cockpit.

Year two teachers Mrs Linda Barbuti and Miss Emma

Ferris arranged the visit to the Station.

Miss Ferris said: “For our topic, Marvellous Machines, we thought a trip to a

Royal Air Force Station

would make our curriculum as

exciting as possible, and we were not disappointed!”

Visit host, Chief Technician Steve Rollin said: “The children had a thoroughly enjoyable time and asked lots of questions throughout the day.”

on wednesday 16 March 2011, raF coningsBy hosted two classes oF children FroM BarnBy road acadeMy, newark on trent, who visited the station to support their current curriculuM topic oF Marvellous Machines which is looking at Machines and how they have developed over tiMe.

the Final part oF the day was spent

learning aBout and viewing a typhoon aircraFt FroM the outside and inside

the cockpit.

wiTh Some �000 vacaNcieS ThiS year, The raF iS STill very much

recruiTiNg!

The Sky iS STill The limiT!RAF offers a varied and exciting career. Recruiting from all academic and community backgrounds, the RAF is a genuine equal opportunities employer. The Head of RAF Recruiting, Group Captain Ian Tolfts said: “If you think you have what it takes to be in the RAF, then come and talk to us. With very few exceptions, the RAF is recruiting to most trades and branches this year. But with the drawdown of the RAF and a recent lack of advertising, many people think the RAF is closed for business. Nothing is further from the truth! I would encourage anyone that is interested in a career in the RAF to visit the RAF Careers website at www.raf.mod.uk/careers or fi nd more information on Facebook.com/rafcareers or even follow us on Twitter @rafcareers.”

Group Captain Tolfts added “While it is RAF Recruiting’s job

Following last year’s SDSR announcement that the RAF is to reduce in size to a

force of 33500 by 2015, many people assumed that recruiting would stop. Nothing could be further from the truth! Despite the drawdown, the RAF is still looking to recruit some 2000 people this year across a wide range of trades and branches – from ICT Technicians to Medics to Suppliers and Doctors and Nurses. Although this fi gure is lower than normal, it is still a challenging target.

With more than 50 different branch and trade choices, the

to lead the charge in attracting and recruiting new members of the RAF, everyone has a role to play. If everyone in the RAF and those associated with the RAF helped spread the message that the RAF is recruiting, public opinion would be changed. The message is simple – the RAF is recruiting now!”

To help re-launch the RAF’s recruiting campaign – ‘Be Part of the Story’ – the Director of Recruiting and Initial Training, Air Commodore Paul Oborn, joined Group Captain Tolfts at the RAF College Cranwell. Holding a ‘Be Part of the Story’ banner, Air Commodore Oborn emphasised that the RAF is open for business and said “The RAF has a constant need for new recruits – year in, year out. The sky is still the limit.”

Air Commodore Paul Oborn and Group Captain Ian Tolfts in front of College Hall.

�8 �9onetoonepeople aNd achievemeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

I n this article we hope to deal with the key issues that have been raised by

our customers during the first month of CRL and offer answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we have received.

With regards to retail and leisure, CRL has actually reduced the prices in bars as well as offering a number of multi-buy deals.

crl – THE FIRST MONTH

The FirST moNTh oF crl haS ThrowN up maNy challeNgeS

aNd opporTuNiTieS. iN Some areaS The chaNgeS have led To very poSiTive Feedback whereaS oTher

areaS have NoT beeN QuiTe So well received.

The Heroes Bar has seen a widespread reduction in bar prices and enquiries are being made as to the possibility of putting Sky Television into the establishment.

However, there have been some questions about the impact of CRL in the bars on base; some of our customers have commented on the fact that CRL has reduced the size of spirits from 35ml to 25ml, however this is in conjunction with industry standards and is the measure for spirits that you will find in the vast majority of pubs, clubs and bars. There has also been some negative feedback relating to the temporary menu in the Heroes Bar. We are aware that this menu is far from ideal, however the food options at roll-out were constrained and the menu was introduced in order to maintain an option for food until the refurbishment takes place in August. The refurbishment will be accompanied by a new, significantly improved menu

offering freshly made food of a much higher standard than has previously been provided in this area.

In addition to the changes seen in the bars, there has been an increase in deals offered in the Spar shop which are proving to be very popular with our customers. There have been numerous reductions in the prices of individual items and there is now price parity across the CRL contract within the Spar shops. The prices for items are now set by Spar itself and not by the CRL contractor which results in a less aggressive pricing strategy for the customer.

With regards to the catering element of CRL, responsibility of catering delivery is still with the RAF until Saturday 1st October when PAYD comes into action. Up to now, almost all of the CRL queries we have received have been about PAYD. Other versions of PAYD have led to negative opinions of the concept, however ISS won the contract due to their approach being completely different to that of their rivals, because of what they promise they can deliver, and because of the numerous benefits these promises can bring to the customer, the Station and the RAF as a whole.

Most of the negative comments we have received have been based on examples of old examples of PAYD, but we have noticed that once the alternative offered by ISS has been explained, those who are sceptical about the concept soon begin to realise that this is a method that can work. However, it is never easy to convince everyone and the only way we will convince those that still doubt the project will be to offer them quality food at an affordable price.

To do this we have capped prices: some of our competitors charge in excess of £5.00 for certain dishes, however our lunch prices will be capped at £2.50 and evening meals will be available for a capped price of £3.50 (Prices are correct as of June 2011). On occasions there will be cheaper options, so equally there will occasionally be more expensive options up to the capped price as discussed. In addition tossed salads, squashes and condiments will be available at no extra

cost. The menus have been specially developed by ISS Executive chefs working side by side with RAF chefs. There has also been RAF involvement in selecting some of the ingredients used in these recipes. Once these menus have been implemented, there will be opportunities for RAF chefs on site to help develop our menus to make them unique to Coningsby. To maintain and further build skill sets there will not be a dependence on pre-made products. The ‘Freshly Made at Coningsby’ range will be just as its name suggests, and at the point of sale a 5p donation from every sale will be donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund from ISS.

So what changes can be expected in the near future? The Spar Shop will be doubling in size with a £140k refurbishment including a section of the shop dedicated to selling products that can be bought and cooked in SLAM accommodation. These developments will be complete by the end of August. Full refurbishments will also take place in Heroes and the Typhoon bar, with an extensive menu being introduced. A new ‘Bean to Cup’ coffee shop will be opened and a new loyalty card will be introduced to be used in these venues offering exclusive discounts for its users. In addition to this, the ‘Bapmobile’ will be launched on 1st August, delivering ISS products to sites around the base. If you are currently missed off of the designated route, then please email us and we will look to include your location on the ‘Bapmobile’s’ journey plan.

The Bapmobile will also provide a useful tool for interactive feedback with customers across the base.

Your feedback will be vital to us to ensure that we only sell what the customer wants and you will be given a daily opportunity to feed back to the CRL team, ensuring you can voice what you enjoyed and what you think might need to be changed. Once the wheels are in motion, you - the customers - will ultimately determine how CRL will look at RAF Coningsby.

Chaplaincy is about a parish without boundaries, a parish

that constantly changes. This means that Chaplaincy is about challenge and change with a message that doesn’t.

In a recent visit to the Station, some theological students were told that in a war environment many people find God. Over ten years ago an Army chaplain, who was at that time with a certain parachute regiment, said that although he may never see them in church, when the going got tough they would touch him on the shoulder and say we are glad you’re here padre.

I recently read an article about Padre Pugh who was posted to Takoradi and embarked on HMT Anselm carrying 1300 passengers for West Africa at the end of June 1941. The ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic in the early hours of the 5 July 1941. One torpedo hit a hold on Deck C, destroying the normal means of escape.

Padre Pugh came up on deck in a dressing gown and gave all the help he could. He seemed to be everywhere at once, doing his best to comfort the injured, helping with the boats and rafts and visiting the different lower sections where the men were quartered. When he learned that a number of injured airmen were trapped in the damaged hold, he insisted on being lowered into it with a rope. Everyone hesitated because the hold was below the water line and already the decks

were awash and to go down was to go to certain death. He simply explained that he must be where his men were. The deck level was already caving in and the hold was three parts full of water so that, when he knelt to pray the water reached to his shoulders. Within a few minutes the ship plunged and sank and Padre Pugh was never seen again. He had every opportunity of saving his own life but, without regard to his own safety and in the best traditions of the Service and of a Christian Minister, he gave up his life for others.

Chaplaincy means being among the people, living among the people, engaged in their daily lives, through good and bad, at home and OOA.

It was Field Marshal Montgomery who said ‘Padres are most important, because they remind us that we matter to God’.

We are in the people business, and from time to time we need to ask ourselves how is business, how are our people? For this to be effective we must be current in our thinking on the issues that affect our Service personnel and our pastoral work needs to be relevant to them. The people that come through our doors are looking for help and answers. Sometimes the right answer is not the answer they were expecting, or hoping for but the right answer may help them concentrate on the present while slowly building for the future.

Padre’s piece...

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Adam Carter is a local painting and decorating company based in Woodhall Spa. All domestic interior & exterior decorating projects welcome.

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3� 33onetoonepeople aNd achievemeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

Formerly a Detached Flight of 1265 Horncastle ATC, 17 (Coningsby) ATC became a sqn in

its own right in April 2011. Since its formation, the cadets have forged close ties with 17(R)TES, a Typhoon Sqn based at RAF Coningsby. This association was recognised when the cadets were granted 17 as their Sqn number.

The service and blessing of the new 17 Sqn ATC standard was c o n d u c t e d by Trent Wing Regional Chaplain, Canon John Thorold and RAF Coningsby Padre, Reverend (Flight Lieutenant) Jesse Holland. The service was attended by dignitaries and

families from the local and RAF communities.

Following the service there was a formal parade and a fl ypast by a Hurricane from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Flt Lt Leigh Withnall, Offi cer Commanding 1265 Sqn ATC, handed over command of

the Squadron to Flt Lt Phil Ellis, OC 17 Sqn ATC.

The parade was led by Sqn Ldr

Todd and the R e v i e w i n g Offi cer was Gp Capt Morrell, both

of Trent Wing. Flt Lt Ellis

c o m m e n t e d , “It was a massive

privilege and honour to be in command of the newest Sqn within the air cadet organisation”. Gp Capt Morrell said that he “was delighted to

attend the stand up parade of the fastest forming Sqn in the history of the ATC”.

Officer Commanding 17(R) TES, Wg Cdr Williams presented the new ATC Sqn with a signed print and silverware for their Trophy cabinet. He added that “The cadets will act as a beacon in the local community and that they should be proud

oFFicer coMManding

17(r) tes, wg cdr williaMs presented

the new atc sqn with a signed print and

silverware For their trophy caBinet.

on sunday 19 June 2011, no 1 hangar, raF coningsBy was the setting For the stand up parade oF the newest air cadet squadron in trent wing.

17 (coNiNgSby) SQuadroN air TraiNiNg corpS STAND UP PARADE

The blessing of the 17 Sqn ATC Standard

The Standard being paraded

The Cadets and Offi cers of 17 Sqn with their new Standard

to adopt the 17 Sqn motto, ‘Strive To Excel’”.

Mrs Yvonne Bates, Chair of the 17 Sqn ATC Civilian Committee thanked all those who had made the day possible, adding that 17 Sqn ATC “Should be proud to be a fully fledged member of an historic, well led, and trained national youth organisation”.

RAF Coningsby Nursery and Kids ClubWe only invite highly qualifi ed staff into our family to provide fi rst-class care and stimulating play opportunities for your child giving wrap-around care for 50 weeks of the year for ages 0-13. For

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Lincs LN4 4XHTelephone/fax 01205 280320

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• We already have secure links and positive relationships with many families who are in the Forces

• We have close ties with our local Nursery and Day Care offering extended provision and childcare from 2 years onwards

34 35onetoone

Flight Lieutenant Antony “Parky” Parkinson who flies the Typhoon as a day job, and the Spitfires

and Hurricane of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at weekends, has been awarded the decoration in recognition of his work on Typhoon and with the BBMF since 2005.

Flt Lt Parkinson said, “It is a complete surprise and a great honour to be recognised in this way”. he went on, “It has been a privilege to have been involved with the Typhoon Force from the early days and been a part of what it has now grown into, while at the same time flying the iconic fighter aircraft of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight”.

Warrant Officer Stephen Bowden, the Station Fire Officer, who was recently awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for an incident in Afghanistan, has now received the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). This medal is awarded to senior NCOs and reflects a long career of unblemished service.

WO Bowden said, “I’m proud to receive this award. It is nice

HONOURS FOR coNiNgSby perSoNNela pilot FroM raF coningsBy, who has Flown over BuckinghaM palace on several occasions, is looking Forward to visiting there on the ground soon, to receive the MBe FroM her MaJesty the queen.

to know that my work has been appreciated, over a lengthy period of time”.

Flight Sergeant Paul Maddock has also been awarded the MSM. Flt Sgt Maddock’s career has spanned more than 30 years, and he has worked on such diverse aircraft types as Nimrod, Harrier, and Tornado F3. Flt Sgt Maddock is currently an engineer with 29 (Reserve) Squadron and leads a team of engineers who maintain the Typhoon. Flt Sgt Maddock said, “I have had a very enjoyable and rewarding career to date and was extremely surprised and honoured to receive this prestigious award”.

Flt Lt Antony Parkinson who has been awarded the MBE.

WO Stephen Bowden at Buckingham Palace with the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

For the last few years, personnel from RAF Coningsby have accompanied them.

Unfortunately, this year, operational commitments prevented attendance but this article aims to give a flavour of the weekend. It is an excellent visit that combines so many different things: fascinating places, great people and incredible stories.

There is an opportunity to meet all sorts of different people who have a connection to the Typhoon. The group roams around the beautiful Normandy countryside to one place after another of momentous significance to the Typhoon Force. The original Typhoon was conceived initially as a fighter which served in the Air Defence of Great Britain before being adapted as a fighter-bomber and deploying abroad - just like its current namesake. At the time it was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, noticeable for its chin intake and enormous thrust. There were 18 Typhoon Sqns (now the present and the past begin to differ!) in the 2nd Tactical Air Force which formed for the

rememberiNg The origiNal

TyphooN Forceeach year, iN early JuNe, veTeraNS oF The origiNal TyphooN Force reTurN To

NormaNdy To remember Their FalleN comradeS

aNd The SacriFiceS ThaT were made duriNg The

SecoNd world war. squadron leader JiM walls

D-Day invasion and went on to fight their way to Germany. Aircraft were operating from temporary strips made of wire mesh just 3 days after D-Day.

In what is today a most peaceful and beautiful place you can imagine what it was like operating the mighty Typhoon from a dust blown airfield, living in tents and slit trenches, sometimes under fire from German artillery. Then you can turn to the elderly gentleman standing next to you and ask him what it was like. With a look as if it was yesterday he will tell you a story to widen your eyes. Such as the chap who was shot down and captured but persuaded his guards to head back to Allied lines with him and surrender. Or perhaps he will show you a scar on his hand that he received from a German bayonet while evacuating from Dunkirk.

It is not just the veterans who have stories to tell. This year the party was hosted to a dinner in the chateau of Baron d’Huart. His father had rescued a shot down Typhoon pilot and kept him hidden from the Germans. After the war he was accused of collaboration and the pilot returned to vouch for the kindness of the family. There is also an organisation devoted to remembering the aviators who helped to liberate Normandy from German occupation. The welcome from the local people to the veterans is truly impressive and respectfully consists of one Vin d’honneur in a local town hall after another. The organisation of the weekend is pretty haphazard, getting lost being a distinct possibility. This is part of the fun, trying to think what it was like driving a tank or truck through the hills of the Suisse Normande whilst actually following a convoy of French and British vehicles from the veterans group.

The main event of the weekend is a ceremony at

the Typhoon memorial in Noyers-Bocage. The memorial commemorates the pilots and ground crew who died during the battle for Normandy. The D-Day landings were a critical part of the strategy to defeat Hitler. Once the beachhead was secured the battle raged to throw the Allies back in the sea. The breakout from Normandy was achieved and German forces collapsed all the way back to the Seine and then to Paris.

The most enjoyable aspect of the weekend is realising that the previous Typhoon generation are the same type of people as the present generation. This is true, from the straight talking pilots, to the even straighter talking ground crew, who seem to most enjoy winding up pilots of any age; yes they are equally as good at it. They all appear proud that the modern generation is willing to stand beside them during remembrance, yet their feats of courage were quite remarkable. 151 pilots were lost in the battle for Normandy alone. Intense flak was the most numerous cause of casualties, with a high accident rate and the occasional enemy fighter as well. Unfortunately, there are no accurate figures for support personnel losses but it is known they suffered many casualties from aircraft and artillery attack. Standing beside them during remembrance and assuring them we will not forget is the least we can do.

If you would like to know more ask someone who has been on one of the visits (Cpl Bell, Sgt Clarke (XI Sqn), Flt Lt King (3 Sqn), Sqn Ldr Walls) or contact the Typhoon Entente Cordiale Trust through their website www.tect.org. Staff Ride funding can be made available so the weekend doesn’t cost too much. If you value history and ethos in the RAF, this opportunity is too good to miss.

people aNd achievemeNTS ISSUE 4 2011

36 37onetoone

Why not try two examples of Lincolnshire hospitality?Enjoy quality home-cooked cuisine from locally sourced produce;

well-kept traditional ales and a wide range of house wines all in a relaxed environment with roaring open � res, comfortable

furnishings, but above all, a warm welcome and friendly service

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Newsagent, Stationer,Bookseller

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ClassifiedsTo advertise in

the next issue

Please call Jo on

01536 526674

38 39onetoone

Situated on the top fl oor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

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

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 to place your advertisement.

Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

priceS:Nov to Mar £190Apr, May, Oct £255June & Sep £320July & Aug £395