winter 2015 ycombe world€¦ · become a member for just £23 per year. call 0800 018 2361 or...

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OIC: Fg Off Rhiannon Morris Ext 6748Editor: Cpl Daniel Phillips Ext 4526Deputy Editor: FS Brian Innes Ext 5251Mailbox: HWY-EditorWycombeWorld@ mod.gov.uk

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ForewordStation Commander’s

Group Captain Shaun Harris CBE RAF

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All articles for the ISSUE 1 2020 Edition to be sent to the Editor no later than 5 Feb 20 to [email protected]. Please send all articles as a word document with all photos and images imbedded with in the article.

S o much has happened since the last Wycombe World that the Editor

has had to save some content for the next edition! Of course, that is not just a reflection of how much is going within the RAF High Wycombe community, but also of people giving up their time to write about it – thank you everyone. Amongst many excellent contributors, I want to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge WO George Parish, who gives up a huge amount of his own time to photograph community events, bringing articles to life and never seeking praise or reward.

The pages that follow document only a very small number of the charitable activities that our people get involved in throughout the year; giving up their time to help others, despite the demands of busy jobs and other

commitments. Similarly, the sporting achievements of personnel from RAF High Wycombe continue to grow, with numerous station team victories throughout the summer and individual successes up to international level. It is great to see people from across our community taking part and making the most of the facilities available, like the Air Finance Team’s alternative sports day captured on Page 22, or the article on RAF Sports Parachuting. Taking some time out of the office to do something different, as an individual or with work colleagues, is good for your mental health and invariably helps you to do your job better in the long term.

In September, I was delighted to be able to accompany Mrs Kate Wigston and AVM David Murray as they opened our new Community Hub in Greenwood. The transformation of part of an old building into an excellent facility for our personnel and their families was made possible by a substantial grant from the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF). As the charity reaches its 100th Anniversary of supporting the RAF Family, we definitely have a lot to thank them for. I am not sure if I am supposed to tell you yet, but RAFBF have also just approved funding to refurbish a number of our children’s play areas next year. The Fund is always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in raising money for them, so why not commit to an event in 2020 – even

I managed to stagger across the finish line of the Great North Run 2019 sporting the RAFBF logo!

Another thank you goes to everyone who helped to bring the MOD’s Black History Month launch event to RAF High Wycombe in October. Success in charitable or sporting endeavours, and throughout our broader communities, comes from including everyone and harnessing their skills and talents. The same, of course, is true throughout Defence and this fascinating event brought together a diverse group to reflect on past successes and challenges, and to look forward to the Next Generation RAF.

As the end of 2019 fast approaches, my final thank you is to everyone who serves at RAF High Wycombe; civilian, contractor, regular, reservist and your friends and families. In terms of operational output and support to our communities and broader RAF Family, you have made a genuine positive difference this year that you can be justifiably proud of. Take extra care over the next few weeks, especially on the roads as the weather and light levels deteriorate. Look after each other and help those around you not to make bad decisions when they have enjoyed the festivities a little too much! When you finally get away, whether it is for the whole holiday or at a later date for those on duty, enjoy the time with your friends and families – you have earnt it.

Non Sibi

WYCOMBE WORLD ISSUE 4 2019WW: 4

CONTENTS ISSUE 4 2019

WelcomeEditor’s

T his is the final edition of the Wycombe World magazine for 2019.

During my absence, I would like to thank FS Brian Innes and Fg Off Rhiannon Morris for all their help ensuring that the previous 2 issues were managed and delivered to a high standard. I would also like to thank everyone who submitted an article for this edition of the magazine. Due to all the large number of articles submitted and shortage of space within the magazine a hard decision was taken to leave some articles from this edition and carry them over to the first edition of 2020.

We have been able to include a vary diverse spread of articles from RAF Legal Services article with regards the last Royal Air Force unit to withdraw from Germany, station personnel helping to celebrate Black History Month, to RAF High

Wycombe’s superbly organised Total Safety Day. I would also like to congratulate all the success to the station sport’s teams with special mention to SAC Isabell Petit who took part in the World Championships Ironman in Hawaii.

I think everyone would agree that it’s been a great year for personnel across station both on and off the sporting pitches and office FD events. Let’s take the success achieved this year and continue to build upon it for 2020. We would like to remind you that all article submissions where possible are to be written in word with all photos provided embedded within the article. Deadline for edition 1 2020 of the magazine has been set for 5th February 2020.

Can I just take this final opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year see you all in 2020.

Cpl Daniel Phillips

14

1006 The Royal Air Force’s Recruitment and Selection Mission

07 The Last Formed RAF Unit Leaves British Forces Germany

08 Celebrating Black History

09 Padre Introduction

10 Wycombe Remembrance 2019

12 RAF High Wycombe in Bloom 2019

13 JFAC Force Development Visit To HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Victory Din

14 Ex BERLIN HORIZON 19 - A Shared History Revisited

16 Picture Board

18 Community Hub

19 100K Charity Walk

20 Veterans’ Care Home Finds Community Friends

21 WW2 @ 80: Veterans Remember Day War Broke Out and How ‘Life Would Never Be The Same Again’

22 Tug of War

23 British Sportwear Brand Iffley Road Show Their Support to the Armed Forces

24 AFPC 2019

27 Ironman Izzy Smashes Qualies for Worlds

28 PTI Blog - Welcome to the First of Many Health and Fitness Blogs!

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.

WYCOMBE WORLD ISSUE 4 2019 WW: 5

The Royal Air Force’s Recruitment and Selection Mission is to

‘inspire candidates from across society to join our Service.’ The RAF has over the years attracted personnel from diverse backgrounds and communities including the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups. These groups however, still make up a relatively small percentage of the entire RAF family. One of the organisation’s aspirations is to continue to attract youngsters from these diverse communities in order to enhance and enrich the organisation’s talent pool and overall culture. Station Commander RAF High Wycombe, Gp Capt Shaun Harris is currently the Deputy BAME Advocate for the Royal Air Force. In this capacity, he has and continues to support the RAF’s BAME community, engaging with activities that promote and recognise the contribution of personnel of BAME background. On 3 Jul, he accompanied a small team of personnel to an awards ceremony at the Landmark Hotel in London, the Rising Star Awards.

The RAF has Specialist Engagement Teams (SET), who work across various regions to support the RAF’s mission in attracting personnel from various background; cultural, education, race and many other attributes that make up the monitory groups across the UK. Sgt Shevonne Bramley, is employed within the Regional Engagement Team, London & South East. This year, her work

within the RAF Engagement space earned her a thoroughly deserved nomination for the Rising Stars Awards within the Defence category. This awards ceremony is in its fifth year, and designed to focus on the achievements of women below senior management or Director Level. The awards aim to represent the female talent pipeline and the next generation of great leaders. One of the directors from the Sunday Times, a key sponsor of the awards this year, summed the purpose of these awards very aptly, saying that gender politics and female empowerment continue to dominate discussions in the media space, therefore supporting women in the work place was of significance to every organisation. Sgt Bramley has been a pivotal character in the RAF’s efforts to engage with minority groups. She has been a key member of the London & South East Team, attending various school career days and organising events that highlight the career opportunities open to youngsters and in a bid to attract them to join the RAF. She has been an inspiration to many, not just within the BAME space but across the board. The respect she has earned for her work extends to many external organisations, with whom she constantly has to engage in order to achieve the objectives of the team in support of RAF Recruitment and Selection. The team also had a light-hearted moment, dancing on stage with Lemar, the British singer, songwriter, who performed live at the end of the event. All in all a successful event that enabled the team to engage with people from various organisations, some of whom knew very little about the RAF and were indeed enlightened on the day.

Stat

ion

New

s THE ROYAL AIR FORCE’S RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION MISSION

O n 19 Sep RAF High Wycombe welcomed Air Cdre Mark Jeffery, Head

of RAF Safety, to be presenting officer at the Station Honours and Awards Ceremony.

Air Cdre Jeffery presented five Commendations, two Royal Warrants and four medals and clasps to 11 personnel from across the whole Station. Notably, the Air Cdre had the rare opportunity of presenting a United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of outstanding achievement to Wg Cdr Gerry Doyle, for his service whilst on deployment in Qatar.

Air Cdre Jeffrey, said: “It is an honour to present personnel with awards on such an occasion, it is so important that we recognise how hard our people work and in turn the support they receive from families and friends.”

Station Commander, Gp Capt Shaun Harris added, “Honours and Awards ceremonies are such a great opportunity to recognise the great dedication and effort that our people make, and we rightly do that in front of their families and friends, who often make just as big sacrifices to help our people do amazing things. Congratulations to all, it is richly deserved.”

PERSONNEL RECOGNISED AT HONOURS AND AWARDS CEREMONY


I t is true when they say, ‘all good things must come to an end’ and on the 28th

June 2019 we said goodbye to RAF Legal Services (Northern Germany). The closing ceremony was attended by AVM Tamara Jennings (Director of Legal Services) and Air Cdre Kevin Sanders (Deputy Director of Legal Services) who joined us from Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, to witness the lowering of the RAF Ensign for the very last time.

The history of RAF Legal in GermanyThere has been an RAF legal presence in Germany for many years, dating back as far as 1923 when it formed part of the Judge Advocate General’s office. However, after the Legal Branch’s establishment in 1948 and following the end of the second world war; our first official Germany office was opened in Bad Eilsen. The main role was representing RAF personnel at locally convened courts martial and advising on disciplinary cases. The office relocated in 1954 to RAF Rheindahlen and the work continued in the same vein until the 1970s when RAF legal officers started to represent Army personnel where Army Legal Services had a conflict of interests. It was the extension of the rights of persons being interviewed by police under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to Service personnel and

THE LAST FORMED RAF UNIT LEAVES

their dependents in January 1986 that first sowed the seeds for the establishment of RAF Legal Services Northern Germany. By 1996, RAF Legal Services (Northern Germany) was officially formed and, we were based in Herford alongside 1 (UK) ADSR, as well as maintaining the office at Rheindahlen. The office in Rheindahlen eventually closing in 2001 following the withdrawal of a number of RAF units from Germany. In addition to representing at Police Station Interviews and Court Martial hearings, we also provided legal advice and assistance to entitled personnel on several different areas of domestic law, such as divorces, employment matters and UK small claims. In 2015, as a result of the wider British Forces Germany drawdown and the impending closure of Herford, the office moved to Sennelager (near Paderborn) where it continued to support Army personnel and their dependents until it’s closure on 28 June 2019.

From the outset, RAF Legal Officers represented Army personnel all over Germany to include Rheindahlen, Osnabruck, Munster, Hamelin, Gutersloh, Hohne and Fallingbostel to name, but a few. These were in addition to representing at interviews further afield in locations such as the Balkans, Canada, Kenya, Belize, Bahrain and Brunei. However, following the attack on the twin towers in 2001, the tempo in the office increased significantly and representing at interviews in operational theatres became the norm. The lawyers were worked hard and were frequently flying in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Other destinations which were less common included Nepal, Bavaria and most recently - Estonia.

However, as has been said many times in the past; the beauty of being in Germany is ‘you work hard, play hard”. Germany is a country steeped in history and has endless beautiful and interesting places to visit. The Germans really embrace outdoor living too, and in the summer, you are never far away from a lake or outdoor pool to enjoy the sun. And of course, it’s two most important German traditions – bratwurst and beer. In addition, and probably most importantly – British Forces Germany is without a doubt, a fabulous place for meeting new people and making friends for life. Indeed, some of our Legal Officers met their future husbands and wives there. It is true to say that many of us in the RAF Legal Branch all have our favourite haunts and stories to tell of days gone by – so hopefully the memory of such a wonderful place will live on.

ClosureWith the planned drawdown of British Forces Germany, came the inevitable drawdown and eventual closure of the RAF Legal Services Germany office. However, this was not an occasion to simply pass us by and it was only right to say goodbye in style. On 28 June 19, members of the RAF Legal Branch including

the Director, Deputy Director, Gp Capt SPA, Gp Capt Ops Advisory and DLS Business Manager attended the closing ceremony, having travelled from High Wycombe. In addition, 6 other RAF Officers came to commemorate the closure.

On that day, we had the pleasure of hosting the Commander of British Forces Germany – Brigadier Clements, along with the Paderborn Station Commander, Lt Col Wells. Working with the Army has been a fantastic experience for all who have served in Germany, and we have maintained a great relationship with all the stations we have visited during our tenure – both in Germany and overseas.

At the time of closure - our Office Manager, Sgt Jo Clarke, was detached to us from RAF High Wycombe. We were honoured to lower the RAF Ensign for the final time and present it to the AVM - a symbol of the closure of the office. It was a moment of reflection for all of us who had served in Germany and a reminder of how lucky we had been to enjoy the experience. The ceremony was followed by a fantastic buffet lunch and glass of prosecco.

The ceremony marked the end of an era; not just for our Branch but for the military as a whole. At its height the military had over 80,000 personnel based in Germany alone. It is a sign of the times and an ever-changing British Military.

Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland – it was an absolute pleasure.

Sqn Ldr Sian Davies OC RAFLS Northern Germany

BRITISH FORCES GERMANY

All those present for the closure ceremony, L-R: Capt A Leah, SSgt J Clibery, Sqn Ldr C Belam, Flt Lt G Davies, Sgt J Clarke, Wg Cdr T Allen, Sqn Ldr S Davies, Gp Capt M Phelps, AVM T Jennings, Air Cdre K Sanders, Gp Capt T Billingham, Wg Cdr P McEneaney, Brig R Clements, Mrs J Kerns, Col Nurse and Mrs Clibery.

Sqn Ldr Sian Davies and Sgt Jo Clarke folding the Ensign

Sqn Ldr Davies presenting the Ensign to AVM Jennings



CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

Royal Air Force High Wycombe plays host to MOD Race Networks Black

History Month’s 2019 Launch Event.

On 3 October, the MOD Race Network brought the Black History Month Launch Event to the home of Air Command for the first time. Opened by the Chief of the Air Staff and the MOD’s Race Champion, Director General Finance, Cat Little,

the event brought Black History to the forefront of the Ministry of Defence, welcoming speakers and guests from across the whole force.

An annual event, previously hosted at other Defence locations was this year brought to the home of Royal Air Force, highlighting Black History’s importance to the Royal Air Force of today and what we strive to be in the

future. The Chief of the Air Staff said: ‘Throughout our history it is natural talent and potential that has mattered much, much more than where somebody came from or what they looked like’.

2019’s launch event focused its attention on migration, honouring the past and driving progression to the future. Highlighting the Windrush generation and their contribution to British economic, social and cultural life, as well as the multitude of personnel who drove the way for diversity and progression in the military. An inspirational real-life account from the Army Bame Network’s Lt Col Sulle, made for humbling listening, speaking of his experiences as a young black man in the 1980s/90s, overcoming adversity, social mobility and bullying. Lt Col Sulle

added: ‘Knowing our history is how we understand the world’.

The events Keynote speaker, Nicola Williams, the Service Complaints Ombudsman and Chief of Defence People, Lt Gen Richard Nugee took the audience through the afternoon, discussing the importance of the diversity of thoughts and perspectives, emphasising why we need to attract from all corners of society. Nicola Williams said: ‘Our future force needs to protect and reflect the society that we defend’.

Hailed a success, the event explored black history and the impact it has today, while still highlighting the amount of progression that is still needed. Cat Little said: ‘We need to be constantly challenging our ambitions, this is a wonderful foundation to build our future on’.

PADRE INTRODUCTION

Hello! Thanks for turning the

page to this article, or, for pausing your flicking through the pages to read this…and if you are still reading even bigger thanks! I’m new here so wanted to introduce myself, to you, and to as many people as possible on the station. ‘Why’, you may ask, ‘surely that’s a bit arrogant to want lots of people to know you!?’ Well, yes, I guess in a way it is, but the reason behind me introducing myself to you is for you, not for me. The whole reason I am here is for you.

My name is Chrissie and I am the new Station Padre here at RAF High Wycombe. As a Padre I do admit, I am into the God stuff and the traditional Baptisms, weddings, funerals, Bible studies and other God focused activities. However, one of my main roles here is to serve the community and the individuals in the community in ways which can enable life to be lived to the full. So, if anything is bugging you, bothering you, burdening you in anyway I want to be available to help if I can. And if I can’t I will endeavour to signpost to places or agencies which might be able to help. As a Padre, I am here for you.

Now, I know it can be hard to come and chat with someone who is a stranger, and more than that has the title ‘Reverend’, I mean, does that mean I will try

and wallop you with a Bible and judge or condemn the situation you are in or the burden you are wrestling with!? And that’s the point of this article and also for me getting out and about on the station to STL (Share The Love) with cookies. I invite you to get to know me a little bit so when life might get a bit sticky you know me vaguely enough to come and have a chat and see if I can help you to be free from the stickiness, to be able to live life to your full potential. Or, if life doesn’t get tough then sharing in the good times is great too! So, here goes, this is a bit about me:

I’ve just come from RAF Marham and have been in the RAF for three years. Before that I went through Vicar factory and have been involved in ministry for 15 years (I know I don’t look old enough!). My time in ministry has involved lots of work with young people, working in schools and colleges and the usual church stuff. I’m a mum of two (13yr old and 9yr old) and am married. I enjoy circuits and running, crocheting and parachuting (not at the same time). In my spare time as well as doing the phys and crocheting I like to do creative projects, watch movies/box sets and reading (if I can keep my eyes open long enough!). I am passionate about enabling people to learn more about themselves (myself included) so that life can be lived to the full and with an attitude of gratitude. I try to see things positively, which my faith helps, but I am also real about life and that sometimes the positives are really good at playing hide and seek! Oh, and I like baking too…especially for other people.

There you, go, that’s a bit about me. But please, when you see me out and about stop and say hello and remember I am here for you. By the way, there will be no walloping with Bibles, judging or condemning in any interactions with me, I just want to be here to serve where I can.

Padre Chrissie


RAF HIGH WYCOMBE TOTAL SAFETY DAYT he RAF High Wycombe

annual Total Safety Day was held on 1 Site on 3 Sep

19. The aim of the day was to get people thinking about being safe in all activities, whether this is in the office, home or during leisure activities and covered topics on functional safety, online safety and mental wellbeing. There were lots of demonstrations and activities to see and do throughout the day which included; a road safety simulator, fire and first responder display, drone safety, safe lifting/back care, safe circuit training, weapon safety, electrical safety, cyber safety, cycle safety, office safety and horse rider safety, to name a few. All personnel were welcome to attend and this year this also included dependants. Children were invited to sit in the fire engine and learn to fly a drone. One of the highlights of the day was a display from the RAF Police Dog Unit. This was a chance for the dog unit to show off their skills in sniffing out explosive materials, using training samples that had been hidden around the show ground.

The RAF Road Safety Team attended with their road safety simulator. This is an excellent opportunity for drivers to feel the experience of driving, for example, whilst under the influence of alcohol and how their decisions can effect other road users. Mental health and stress awareness is one of the main issues that RAF High Wycombe wanted to highlight, so everyone was invited to come and sit in the relaxation room and take a bit of time out of their busy day. Personnel got to have a go in a massage chair, eye massager and a foot massager whilst sipping on a cup of herbal tea.

Personnel were also invited to speak to the Combat Stress Team who showed up with a very impressive vintage vehicle. Combat Stress is a registered charity in the UK offering

therapeutic and clinical community and residential treatment to former members of the British Armed Forces who are suffering from a range of mental health conditions; including post traumatic stress disorder.

The RAF Model Flying Association attended with some of their drones giving an example of them flying against the clock. Personnel were invited to have a go and see what their best time is. Children were also welcomed to have a go. Information was given by civilian and military specialists regarding owning and flying your own drone. Personnel were invited to step back in time and look around the office of the Chief of Bomber Command, Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris. This guided tour explained Bomber Harris’s influential role as one of the high ranking Allied air commanders who continued to believe that massive and sustained area bombing alone would force Nazi Germany to surrender.

A competition was run during the day for personnel to win safety related prizes. The main prize was a Proviz jacket purchased from Proviz Sports. The winner of this prize was Sarah MacPherson. Sarah won this prize by visiting all of the attractions on the day and answered a question related to that attraction. Lisa is pictured on the left receiving her prize (which she is wearing) from Mr Steve Moore the Station Safety, Health and Environment Adviser.

There was other smaller prizes to be won on the day, by answering questions related to a specific safety topic. These included: a mini drone and drone pilot Hi-Viz jacket, a daylight alarm clock, a set of 3 clip on bike lights, a fitness tracker and a Hi-Viz quarter sheet for a horse Lisa Welsh (pictured on the left) won the Hi-Viz quarter sheet but as she does not have her own horse or know anybody that does, she kindly donated her prize to a local horse charity.


WYCOMBE REMEMBRANCE 2019

This year RAF High Wycombe was involved in many Services and Acts

of Remembrance across the country. Whether people went back to their home town to be with family or went to places requested by the station, the remembrance weekend is a time when the words ‘we will remember them’ are echoed across our nation and in our

hearts. As Station Padre I began my remembrance weekend with children who have little context within which to place remembrance and ended the weekend with a generation who had been involved in the conflict of the second world war. Across the spectrum of generations, I have been struck by all who held that silence, who shed a tear, who stilled their hearts and minds just

for the briefest of moments to remember. In that moment we stand together, united in our awe and respect, humbled by those forwent their future to enable us to have ours. For me, standing to shun in the foyer of the Royal Star and Garter with a veteran of the conflict in Burma two minutes didn’t feel like enough. And two minutes, no matter how many times we may hold it across the

remembrance weekend, is not enough to convey our gratitude and recognition of all who have died fighting for the lifestyle we now call ‘normal’. So, as the flashes of red poppies fade from our uniform and highstreets, may those words continue to echo in our hearts as we live a life with an attitude of gratitude…we will remember them.

Padre Chrissie Lacey

RAF High Wycombe Chaplaincy Christmas 2019

You know the drill…shopping, decorations, the adverts, advent calendars, family, parties, cards and well wishing…Christmas is hectic, as a Christian I apologise for the manic-ness that has become wrapped (pun intended) around this time of year. If you want a chance to go back to your childhood, or to those traditions from times gone by…or to give your children the gift of different memories then you’re welcome to come along to the Station Church on 3 Site. It may be hectic getting here…but once there, I pray you find peace and out of the possible mess find the message.

Every Sunday Morning services 9.15-10.15am (from 1st Dec)

Mon 16th Dec Carol service 4-5pm (with mince pies & mulled wine)

Tues 17th Dec Medmenham Carol service 4.30-5.30pm (Danesfield’s Arms with mince pies & mulled wine)

Sun 22nd Dec Christingle service 4.30-5.30pm

Tues 24th Dec Crib/Nativity service 4-5pm

Tues 24th Dec Midnight Mass 11.30pm-12.15am

Wed 25th Dec Christmas Day service 10-11am For more info contact Padre Chrissie on ext4469 or [email protected]


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tsRAF HIGH WYCOMBE IN BLOOM 2019

RAF High Wycombe in Bloom was inspired by an over indulgence in watching

Gardener’s World, Britain in Bloom and the 3 flower pots outside the RAF Safety Centre on 1 Site, in the dark days of February and March 2019. As the daffodils bloomed so did the plan to enable the Whole Force at RAF High Wycombe to transform their outdoor areas into colourful breakout areas and recreational planting.

Entrants were teams of military, civil servants and children, with

everything ranging from whole garden areas to pots and raised beds across all 3 sites. In all there were 11 teams and over 60 direct participants, although the number of indirect beneficiaries is, and will continue to be, many more.

Teams had about 2 months from submitting their proposals (noting that OC SSS and SHEA were keen to make sure we didn’t dig up any pipes or create any unintended hazards!) and all achieved their primary aims – namely to inspire team cohesion, incur the benefits of working outside in the fresh air and brighten up the working day as well as trying to provide wildlife friendly elements.


Importantly, all entrants committed to continued upkeep of their projects and they have all noticeably matured in the months since judging. In fact, they have also inspired some equivalent adhoc initiatives – pink flower pots were spotted outside the cleaner’s office the other day!

We were honoured that the Mayor of High Wycombe agreed to join the judging panel of the Station Commander, SWO and OC SSS on 2 July 2019. Fortunately, the weather was fair, despite somewhat suboptimal conditions (wet and cold!) for much of the preparation period. All the entries were universally judged to be excellent, with honourable mentions to:

- the Ben Club for their outstanding range of bug hotels- A6, as the only entrant to write anything in flower- And the Dental Centre for their tropical and dental themed topiary.

The winners of the main categories were:

Best in Show – Safety Centre’s ‘Leisure’ gardenBest Garden - Finance Team’s Upcycled garden

Best Raised Beds and Boarders – EBTA’s Alpine garden

Best Pots and Planters – HRBP’s Bloomin’ pots

Congratulations to everyone – as Hd CS, Ruth Jackson said in her blog “seeing such beautiful flowers has really brightened up the working day”. Lets start thinking about what to do with our outdoor spaces over the winter months…

P repared by a comprehensive Admin Order and armed with

our own food and drinks, our hardy band of A6 office heroes met at RWC Danesfield. It was to be a Force Development (FD) day on the River Thames. The objectives of the day included working together, developing our team spirit and enjoying some wellness practices along the way.

Five members of the office attended and we seconded the FD holding officer on his first day in the role. The team of six were a good spread of the force. Two were military and the remaining four were civilians, two of whom were ex-RAF.

Sgt Mike Nicholson delivered the briefing about safety then there was an issuing of equipment. We weren’t weighed down but you never realised how much kit it required to keep you safe in situ. You are protected from head to toe with a buoyancy aid in between to stay afloat.

The first exercise was a raft building venture. The team had to identify a lead who would be briefed by our trainer. The person chosen for our group was a former drill instructor. The person paid by Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force to shout at people appeared to enjoy a reprise of their former role.

There was a time limit on the build. It was generous but, once completed there was no going back. With the barrels and planks lashed together, the moment of truth came. It floated and accepted passengers without capsizing. All that’s left was to smash a bottle of prosecco against the hull and sacrifice a bull to Neptune for safe passage. The maiden voyage across the Thames passed without incident for the three passengers. Our little improvised craft conveyed the team back and forth amongst the leisurely traffic on the river. The passing boats and passers-by on the far shore made up our audience for the day.

Spoiler alert: Don’t take four people. If you’re feeling lucky, you could try it. For the benefit of your experience, I won’t say why it didn’t work for us.

It is important while ferrying people from one side to the other, to mix the crew manning (or staffing) the oars. Also, when leaving people unsupervised on the far bank, it is vital not to leave people of adjacent grades. It is fine to leave the E1 with the C2. Leave the D, however, and the fox will eat them.

Once we were all safely returned, it was time to dismantle and wash down the kit with the hose. After that we enjoyed an early lunch on the balcony. We were lucky with the weather on this early August day. Sunlight from the blue sky

RWC DANESFIELD FORCE DEVELOPMENT DAYbestowed its warmth upon us as we settled down for three quarters of an hour. The weir to our left, the curve of the river away to our right and green fields on the other side. It was a glorious view.

After lunch it was into the canoes. Not those single seater ones you may have seen broad-shouldered Olympians operating. This was a team building day and we were issued with the two-seater open variant with a seat each towards the prow and stern. It works best when the heavier member of the pair sits at the stern. It is worth mentioning the back-seat driver should understand the concept of rear wheel steering. Otherwise, and this is purely an academic point, you will see a lot of vegetation up close.

As part of the wellness element of the activity, we were led to a quiet part of the river. Sheltered by an island, we took a few moments to meditate on the moment. Relax, take your mind away from the frenetic workday and spend some time in the present. After a few minutes, we were back into the mainstream and heading home. Once returned, the hose was once again in action to clean the boats and paddles.

If you think you have balance, poise and elegance, try paddle boarding and join us in the Thames. As stated

previously, it was a dry day. Until this part. We few, discovered the water of the River Thames wasn’t cold at all. Repeatedly. A fundamental part of this process was to learn how to recover ourselves to the board. This first encounter with the water wasn’t included on the tally of unscheduled dismounts.

Two of our crew found the bank a safer, more stable, environment. One of whom, unfairly, decided here lay an opportunity to record the remainder as they came to terms with their poor balance. Pushing the limits helped us to know what could be done and find the edges of our comfort zones. Plenty of error after trial and we were on the boards armed with our paddles. Once the boards became self-propelled, there were no further impromptu encounters with the river.

As an exercise, it ticked the boxes. We worked well together especially in the raft building and ferrying one another from one side to the other and back.

The debrief read like the critics review of a summer blockbuster (one that wasn’t Jaws).

“Loved it.” “Awesome day.” “Well organised.” “Fantastic day.” “Started off dreading it but loved it.”

T he UK Joint Force Air Component (UKJFAC) accompanied by some from

the Air Battle Staff (ABS), travelled to Portsmouth to experience 300 years of the Royal Navy ruling the seas. The plan, to tour the brand-new HMS Queen Elizabeth (QE) and to enjoy one of its oldest ships, HMS Victory.

The HMS QE is Britain’s newest aircraft carrier, capable of projecting Air Power in every corner of the globe and strengthening the nation’s reputation as a player on a world stage.

She will soon carry the F-35B, the UK’s 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, with the Royal Navy receiving a considerable quantity of the capability in addition to the RAF. With the jet shortly due to be in service, it is crucial to learn what the capability offers and how best to exploit synergies between the services.

‘An airfield in the sea’… Inside, it certainly doesn’t seem to come with the acres of open fields and blue sky. After some steep staircases and a few dozen corridors and junctions, we were taken into the ship’s main briefing room, seemingly in the bowels of this steel labyrinth. The HMS QE can carry up to 36 F-35Bs however will routinely carry 24, in order to cater for other supporting aircraft. At 280 metres long and with all elements of a flying station on board including engineering, weapon storage, accommodation and medical centre, the 65,000-ton vessel is enormous. It provides the UK floating sovereign territory, and with the ability to push some 500 miles beyond the shoreline via the air, it means the UK can influence virtually every inch of the globe. With the capability to resupply at sea, the ship is extraordinarily capable and infinitely flexible.

The F-35B and the HMS QE should not be thought of as 2 different entities from a Naval perspective. The ship is entirely designed around the former, as we see from standing in one of the two control towers. Looking down onto the deck shows the entire operation – the huge lift raising the aircraft from the hangar, the weapons loading bays and the ‘ski jump’ runway. Walking out on to it really demonstrates the scale and resilience of this fighting system.

After an impressive lunch in the Ship’s Wardroom, a tour of the hangar and the ship’s bridge, it’s time to vacate this impressive weapon in the Royal Navy’s inventory and move on to the next serial of the day.

Seeing the invasion plan for D-Day sprawled out on the wall is a sobering sight. A purpose-built map of the Southern UK and Northern France, cluttered with ship routes, landing sites and minefields, it spans from floor to ceiling. Southwick House, the current Officers’ Mess at MOD Southwick Park, was Eisenhower’s former HQ during WW2, where Senior Officers fought to co-ordinate 7000 vessels, 3 million troops and get them all to Normandy. A ‘Logistical nightmare’, as described by the Curator, the operation had to be kept secret from the Germans, meaning the mountains of supplies had to be hidden and decoy operations run in tandem to the main effort. Despite profound challenges and adversity in the face of a powerful enemy, the plan paid off and the war was won. The map room, now a museum in part of the main Officers’ Mess, serves as a relic to ingenuity and determination in adverse times.

A quick trip down to our Naval accommodation in Gosport and a change into Mess Dress. What followed was the grandest spectacle of the day; HMS Victory. Launched in 1765, an extensive operation has been underway for years to try and restore her to her former glory, however crouching into the hull, it seems to be in immaculate condition already. Once the team were informed of the myriad of means to bang their head, we embarked on a tour of the ship with the Officer of the Watch. And indeed, the ceilings were low; simply designed as such to fit an extra deck in. More real estate = more guns.

A subtle plaque marks the spot where Admiral Lord Nelson fell during the Battle of Trafalgar. The guns in place as would have been during the great battle, as were the methods of punishment for those taking more than their fair ration of 8 pints of beer (a day). Those sailors that did were made to fabricate their own ‘Cat of nine-tails’, a whip with the ends sharpened to a point and inspected by the Ship’s WO prior to administering a discrete quantity of lashings. Sure, the ship was made of wood but the men made of steel.

The Ship’s complement could fire and reload one cannon in around 60-90 seconds, far less than the 6 mins time from the French. A crucial lesson carried forward to today’s forces is that being prepared and proficient in your role means promise of victory in battle.

Settling down to an excellent dinner on board a 300-year-old Ship is a truly humbling experience none will forget lightly. Some warm leaving speeches followed Dinner and most importantly, the issuing of fines for various misdemeanours……

A marked contrast in technology and capability from HMS Victory to HMS QE, but one thing remains constant – the skill and steely determination of its people in adverse conditions. ‘Be ready and have a plan’ – it’s a lesson seen repeatedly through British history.

The F-35B will bring the UK a remarkable capability; able to conduct almost any mission anywhere in the world. The RAF will continue to adapt to the times and the technology and JFAC will remain flexible to maximise the opportunities that arise in this Joint Battlespace. As the UKJFAC take on NATO Readiness Force duties in 2020 it’s our people that will offer the most potent capability, no matter what the conditions.

A MartlandFlt Lt

UK JFAC

JFAC FORCE DEVELOPMENT VISIT TO HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH AND HMS VICTORY DIN



EX BERLIN HORIZON 19

T he ability to forget painful memories is built into human psychology. We do

it to protect ourselves or create capacity for new memories and experiences. Yet, even those generations who were not present to bear witness to the horrors of the Second World War should never forget the turmoil it created. For Berlin, being on the ‘wrong’ side of history created a divided city only unified with fall of the wall in 1989. Berlin’s Nazi history can shatter your faith in humanity and then slowly, piece-by-piece, reunification builds it back up again. You just have to watch a newsreel showing the relief and joy on the faces of Berliners as they tore down their wall to see this.

But there is a catch. You have to go there. You have to physically experience it to understand how a whole country could succumb

to Nazi ideals. You need to walk through the infamous gates at Sachsenhausen concentration camp, as some RAF POWs did, and feel the watchtowers bearing down on you. You need to understand the momentous task the West had to sustain the Berlin population for over a year during the early Cold War. You need to stare up at the wall that divided Berlin and observe the graffiti simply stating the word, “madness”.

Flt Lt Kenny Murray, of the UK Joint Force Air Component (JFAC), did this by leading 16 of his colleagues on a Staff Ride, Ex BERLIN HORIZON 19. His extensive knowledge of the city’s RAF relevance, combined with his respect for the sensitive topics involved, made him the perfect Staff Ride Facilitator and guide for the group.

Eight weeks prior to departing the UK, we were assigned different ‘stands’-(15 min presentation followed by a 15 min discussion) to analyse, prepare and deliver at historical locations around the city. We were encouraged to be creative in our delivery methods and bring the history to life. Before flying to Berlin, at the RAF Museum Hendon, Kenny gave us an introduction to set the scene. Then under the nose of one of the first Lancasters ever built, Wg Cdr Byford described the development of tactics during the bombing of Berlin and the effect on morale. After the visit to the Soviet Cemetery at Treptower, Flt Lt Martland issued ID papers for East Berliners containing a hyperlink to an interactive “Stasi” interrogation ‘Quiz’, using it to test our knowledge retention and ultimately party loyalty, under threat of detention! During her stand, Flt Lt Sirley used a speaker to deliver a

radio broadcast from an ex 30Sqn Dakota pilot, whilst standing under the wings of the very same aircraft type at RAF Gatow. This was one of three main airfields used during the Berlin Airlift.

Aircrew involved were working shifts of ten hours on then ten hours off, for months on end to supply the city, with aircraft landing every 30 seconds. Describing the birth of NATO, Wg Cdr Powell used a moving human map made of his JFAC personnel to highlight the changing allegiances of Soviet Bloc countries after the collapse of the USSR. Each person would rotate until Kaliningrad and Belarus were left standing side by side with Russia.

Ethos plays heavily on all Staff Rides, and the history and importance of remembering our fallen was sympathetically delivered by Cpl Alex Cairns at the Berlin 1939-45 Commonwealth cemetery. This was followed by Flt Lt Crosthwaite, who focussed on the ill-fated mission of a crew who perished during the bombing offensive.

Before visiting the former Reichstag, Flt Lt King, the JFAC

A Shared History Revisited


Info Ops Officer, described how a flawed democratic vote led to Hitler becoming Chancellor. Assisted by Goebbels, he used the power of propaganda to whip the country into frenzy. The current day rise of the far right around the world goes to show the power of propaganda and how history can repeat itself in varying forms. Winston Churchill wrote that the Holocaust was “the most horrible crime ever committed in the whole history of the world, and it has been done by scientific machinery by nominally civilised men.” The question is why do we need to physically go to Berlin to learn this when museums and the Internet can provide the same information from the UK? In a US study consisting of 1,500 interviews reflecting all age groups, it was found that on the whole, the population are becoming disconnected by time from the events that shaped Europe and desensitised to human suffering thanks to information overload.

The lessons learnt by the JFAC in Berlin are not pinned to a certain era in time, but Berlin from 1933 until the fall

of the Wall. The development of the RAF’s lessons gained over these years, are relevant to our current operations. Op RUMAN in the Caribbean was based on years of experience delivering humanitarian aid stemming from techniques honed initially during the Berlin airlift. The impregnable Berlin Humboldthain flak tower (a similar example seen in a painting hanging in the HWY Officers’ Mess ante room) shows the importance of avoiding/destroying strong air defences and attacking the enemy’s centre of gravity. More recently, during the rise of Da’esh, Coalition forces showed sensitivity and care when dealing with persecuted populations and human security issues that arose during the Mount Sinjar crisis.

Berlin has come to terms with its past and the city is doing a marvellous job at preserving its history for two reasons: remembrance and education. The RAF history is so closely linked to Berlin that we would highly recommend this Staff Ride to other units. If you wish to organise a similar visit, please contact Flt Lt Kenny Murray at the UKJFAC.

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Kings Hotel,Oxford Road,Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 3TA

Members of RAF High Wycombe Fire Section attempt to fight the

recent tractor fire outside 3 Site on the main road. Photo by WO Parish

Members of RAF High Wycombe Fire Section and station personnel help members of the public while attempting to fight the recent tractor fire outside 3 Site on the main road. Photo by WO Parish

A moment of reflection during the recent Battle of Britain function held

at the WO’s & Sgts Mess. Photo by WO Parish

Members of the WO’s & Sgts Mess attending the Battle of Britain function. Photo by WO Parish

Members of the WO’s & Sgts Mess attending the dinning in night held for the Battle of Britain function. Photo by WO Parish

Members of the WO’s & Sgts Mess on parade during the recent Battle of

Britain function. Photo by WO Parish

Lone Spitfire takes to the sky above the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess to perform a solo fly by as part of the Battle of Britain function. Photo by WO Parish

Reopening of the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess after a recent refurbishment.

Photo by WO Parish

Reopening of the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess after a recent refurbishment. Photo by WO Parish

WO’s & Sgts Mess dinning in night held for the Battle of Britain

function. Photo by WO Parish


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1st responders display during the recent Air Safety Day.

Photo by Fg Off Morris

Members of RAF High Wycombe attending the RAF Champs Photo by WO Parish

RAF Air Safety Benson’s Road Safety display during the recent Air Safety

Day. Photo by Fg Off Morris

Cpl Terence Kynaston (Med Centre) receiving RAF Colours for Hockey




SAC(T) George Mather (ISW) receiving RAF

Colours for Swimming

Stn Cdr, Mrs Wigston and AVM David Murray opening the RAF High Wycombe Community Hub. Photo by Fg Off Morris


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Mrs Wigston talking to members of the community during the recent opening the RAF High Wycombe

Community Hub. Photo by Fg Off Morris

Inside the RAF High Wycombe Community Hub. Photo by Fg Off Morris




Char

ity

COMMUNITY HUB DISABLED RAF VETERAN RECEIVES FLYING SCHOLARSHIP

SAC HUW PATEMAN AT THE RAFA STAND AT THE HENLEY

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

O n 13 Sep RAF High Wycombe’s brand-new Community Hub

Welfare Facility was officially opened by Mrs Kate Wigston and AVM David Murray.

The Station’s new facility, located in Greenwood, Walter’s Ash was officially opened by the Chief of the Air Staff ’s wife, Mrs Kate Wigston and RAF Benevolent Fund Controller, the Honourable Air Vice Marshal David Murray CVO OBE. Addressing the team who co-ordinated the opening Mrs Wigston, said: “The quality and accessibility of the provision to the wider RAF High Wycombe family is so impressive, it's clear how much hard work has gone into its set up.”

Started as a project in 2016, the new Hub will provide space to access youth clubs, a community space meeting room, a consultation room for local clinics and a sensory room. RAF High Wycombe’s Community Development Officer and Community Hub Project Officer, Dani Bowman, said: “Without the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund all

of this wouldn’t have been possible, it now enables the Community Support team to enhance the welfare service that we provide our people.”

Air Vice Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, added: “This is exactly the kind of facility we want to see supporting RAF communities, with facilities for all age groups. The Fund’s £95,000 grant has enabled the transformation of this building into a place for young people to join in our flagship youth programme Airplay, young families to receive advice and serving personnel and their partners to seek support. I’m excited to see how it evolves to meet their needs.”

The Community Hub opened its doors to its first visitors on 19 September when the Ben Club and Airplay hosted an RAF 100 celebration, to invite children, young people and families to experience the new facility. Dani added: “We’re hoping the Community Hub will be a new focal point for our families.”

As one of RAF High Wycombe’s

supported charities this year, Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) were delighted to invite Station Commander, Group Captain Shaun Harris - accompanied by Sergeant Michelle Coupar of Number 11 Group, to attend their annual Presentation Ceremony. Held at the Royal international Air Tattoo each year, the awards are normally presented by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal of Jordan and Chief of the Air Staff. This year, that honour was afforded to Mr Tim Prince OBE, one of the charities founding fathers, and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson. The ceremony sees scholarship certificates presented to those scholars who have been chosen following a gruelling selection process and Pilot Wings presented to the previous year’s scholars. It was truly humbling to hear the stories of each scholar, all of whom had overcome adversity to “Reach for the Sky”.

The recipient of this year’s RAF Charitable Trust scholarship was RAF Veteran Jonny Harvey. Jonny served in the RAF as an Air Traffic Controller and was also a volunteer gliding instructor. However, in 2008,

following a tour of Iraq, Jonny was diagnosed with PTSD and was told that he would probably never fly again. In 2015, Jonny was further diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia – taking away any chance of ever flying again. Except that wasn’t so…

Whilst on holiday, Jonny booked a trip in a PA28 with an instructor. He found his previous training was still firmly stuck in his head and managed to complete a full flight from engine start to shut down. At this point he felt a glimmer of hope that the old Jonny was not lost and decided to apply for a scholarship with FSDP. Jonny will commence flying training with Turweston Flying Club in September and said, “Being awarded a scholarship is the final building block in my recovery. It’s proof that I am just as capable and probably more resilient than I ever was prior to my health diagnosis”.

O n a scorching September Saturday the station’s RAFA

media representative SAC Pateman turned out to raise money for RAFA at the Henley show. The public rallied to the cause and the end of the day saw £275 in the collecting buckets. This money will go to helping those who have served, who are serving and who will serve in the future.

The RAFA committee welcomes new members so why not volunteer your services. Contact FS Helen Penny on x 5240.


100K CHARITY WALK

O ver the weekend of the 7th – 8th September over 6,600 adventurers

walked, jogged, ran and in extreme cases crawled; the iconic River Thames Path Challenge. Of the 6,600 brave participants, five individuals from our very own station HQ dared to accept this challenge on behalf of the charities they hold dear.

The gruelling Thames Path Challenge 100km route heads from Putney Bridge past Hampton Court to Runnymede of Magna Carta fame at 50km, then on past beautiful historic scenery all the way to Henley-on Thames.

The challenge tested our steel, spirit and determination and resulted in us raising an astonishing £2715 with donations still coming in.

This year’s occasion was made even better by the tremendous support received by family, friends and colleagues. Without the generous support of our donors, friends and family this event would have continued to be a dream and not a reality.

Some of you may think, how hard can It be to walk 100km? Is it really that hard?

I can do that! Well from my experience I can tell you it is no easy feat, a challenge not for the faint hearted. If whilst reading this you find yourself thinking any of the above, I extend the challenge onto you and say why not join us next year on the River Thames Path Challenge?

Sqn Ldr Sarah Lobbedy – Breast Cancer Care ‘Already looking at next year’s event!’

SAC Danielle Northwood – Mind Mental Health‘Challenging yet rewarding’

WO Charly Jones – Alzheimer’s Society‘I now UBER everywhere!’

Flt Lt Braysher – Alzheimer’s Society “This was the first challenge of this type that I have done and it was certainly a challenge. Hitting the halfway point was, for me, quite crucial and was the point at which I had previously decided there was no turning back. Despite losing a few toenails, there was nothing that was going to stop me completing the challenge in memory of my grandma; I know she will be looking down on me shaking her head and laughing at my hobbling both during and after the walk. I’m already considering which one to do next year…”

Wg Cdr Akyildiz – Cancer Research ‘Amazing tough challenge that tests your commitment, mental strength and ability to consume your body-weight in pick & mix. Doing it for a great cause – and with fabulous team mates makes it all worthwhile.’


T o mark its centenary, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is calling

on RAF personnel, current and retired, to help find the huge number of RAF veterans who need support but are not coming forward for it.

In 2018 alone, the RAF Benevolent Fund spent more than £5.8 million supporting serving RAF personnel and their families. However, research undertaken by the Fund estimates that there are at least 300,000 members of the RAF Family in need of support but not seeking it, with the majority in older age. The charity found potential beneficiaries don’t come forward, or come forward too late, due to feelings of pride, or a belief that ‘someone else deserves the support more’.

In a bid to break down that barrier, the charity launched a new campaign in June with the aim of doubling the number of beneficiaries it helps. The Join the Search. Change a Life campaign encourages the public to help find RAF veterans and their families in need and put them ‘back on the radar’ so they can access support that is rightfully theirs.

The campaign was launched with a spectacular lights display at RAF Odiham, More than 1,000 RAF personnel and their dependants wore illuminated wristbands called Xylobands to create a Human Radar which began the search for those in need.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We know they’re out there.

Men and women who once served, or did their National Service in the RAF, and now need our help. No veteran should be left fighting alone, whether that be in the face of financial, emotional or health problems. We have life-changing support available for all members of the RAF Family. “So, in our centenary year we are launching a major campaign to get people to think about who they know who may be eligible for and in need of our support. They may be your friends, neighbours or relatives. They did their duty – now we, as a society, must do ours before it’s too late.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund offer serving RAF personnel access to mental wellbeing support including subscription to the mindfulness app Headspace, free relationship support via Relate or the Listening and Counselling service. In addition to this, the Fund provides financial grants to individuals and RAF stations to meet all kinds of needs, from the cost of hospital parking to visit a sick child, to home adaptations following injury to support during the transition from military to civilian life.

If you would like to get involved by fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund, there are a number of events you can participate in. For more information, contact your regional fundraiser, Heather Kemp on 07525 800138 or email [email protected] .

To refer someone to the RAF Benevolent Fund, visit www.rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.

VETERANS’ CARE HOME FINDS COMMUNITY FRIENDS

T he 74-room Home will provide 50 activities each week for residents, who

will also have access to in-house therapies. There is also a specialist dementia care house, and the Home boasts a large garden with raised beds, greenhouses, and a water feature. Residents are regularly taken by minibus on outings to local pubs, garden centres and other attractions. We are also able to provide care for younger veterans.

Since announcing the opening its third Home in High Wycombe, The Royal Star & Garter Homes has been busy getting to know the local community.

Staff and residents have enjoyed meeting with sea cadet groups, businesses and many other organisations. The Charity also had a stall at the Armed Forces Day Parade in Wycombe Air Park. Local schools have been keen to show their appreciation of residents – High Wycombe CofE Primary raised nearly £700 for the Home in a sponsored run, and Wycombe Abbey School sent in pupils to volunteer as part of their community work experience.

For Home Manager Chelle Daly, a close relationship with the local community is important in delivering exceptional care. She said: “All of these wonderful relationships will enhance the lives of residents and keep them connected to the local community.

The sense of belonging is crucial for the residents we care for. We want them to feel part not only of the veterans’ family, but of the fantastic neighbourhood they live in.”

Local Military Heroes HonouredConnections with the community were also made through the Who’s Your Hero competition. The Royal Star & Garter Homes asked members of the public to help name the floors of the new £25 million Home by inviting them to nominate the names of men and women with close links to the area who lived in or near to High Wycombe.

As a result the Home has floors named after Anthony ‘Bugs’

Bendell AFC OBE, a former resident at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, from High Wycombe, who was regarded as one of the finest RAF pilots in the Cold War period, and Wycombe Wanderers’ legend Frank Adams, who served his country in both World Wars. Other floors are named after First World War soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Edward Brooks, and Lettice Curtis, who flew in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the Second World War. Both lived close to High Wycombe. In May, the Charity hosted a Naming Day ceremony, where relatives of the four heroes were invited to the Home for a tour, and viewed plaques and photos dedicated to their loved ones.

Good NeighboursThe Home has fostered an excellent relationship with its neighbours. Buckinghamshire New University supported the Charity while the Home was being built by allowing staff to use office there. Plans are now underway for student nurses at the university to gain valuable work experience as part of their studies at the state-of-the-art Home. The Thread & Spindle pub is holding quiz nights to raise money for the Charity, while supermarket Morrisons has donated craft material.

Staff have also taken part in a clean-up of Hughenden Stream, which was part of a Chiltern Rangers and Thames Water River Wye Restoration project designed

to return several parts of the waterway to a condition which can be enjoyed by people and wildlife.

Shortly after opening, the Home welcomed its neighbours as part of an Open Day, allowing the local community to enjoy the amazing facilities.

Another way it has brought the community into the Home is through its volunteers, who help with activities and outings. The Charity has received several applications from servicemen and women from RAF High Wycombe, and Air Cadets and welcomes any community support.

Day CareLater this year, the Charity will be launching its Day Care service from High Wycombe, which will bring major benefit to individuals and their families in the area. The Star & Garter Club will allow the Charity to provide activities and therapies to disabled aged veterans – from the surrounding area – who are not currently in need of residential care. Day Care will aim to tackle social isolation encountered by older people by providing social contact, activities and structure to the week. It also allows for the families of club members to benefit from respite.

For more information about The Royal Star & Garter Homes – including volunteering, occupancy and the new Star & Garter Club, call 01494 927455 or email [email protected]


The new Royal Star & Garter Home in High Wycombe cares for ex-Servicemen and women and their partners living with disability or dementia. The Home

welcomed its first resident – an RAF veteran – in April this year.

Ex-Servicemen and women from The Royal Star & Garter Homes have

been remembering the start of the Second World War.

Britain declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, two days after Hitler’s forces had invaded Poland.

Now, as the 80th anniversary of that declaration approaches, veterans at The Royal Star & Garter Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, have spoken about their memories of that fateful day.

The Royal Star & Garter Homes is a Charity which cares for ex-Servicemen and women living with disability or dementia. It was formed in 1916 to care for severely injured men returning from the First World War battlefields and went on to care for Second World War veterans.

Solihull resident

Joan SpriggJoan was a

15-year-old at

the time and remembers hearing of the outbreak while with her parents.

She said: “We learned the very grave news on the radio, that Hitler had given no undertaking that he would withdraw his troops from Poland and Czechoslovakia, so consequently the Prime Minister said this country is now at war with Germany.

My mother cried and said, ‘life would never be the same again’. My father looked very grave and serious. He served in the First World War and all those memories were very fresh in their minds.”

In 1942 Joan joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and served in the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Group Command at RAF Uxbridge.

Solihull resident

Margaret RobertsMargaret’s mother was

running her a bath

when they learned of the war.

She was only six at the time, but remembers: “Someone came to the door – I don’t know who it was or what was said but I know my mother came back and she was crying and she called across the next door’s garden to the women next door about the news, and for a little while, while my bath water went cold they were very distressed. The actual day itself was a trauma. I can’t even remember finishing the bath. There was an atmosphere that things were different and going to be different.”

Margaret’s husband Charlie served in the Army.

High Wycombe resident Peter ChapmanPeter served in the RAF for his National Service and is now a resident at the Home in High Wycombe. He was born in the City of London in 1930 and was nine when Britain went to war.

He recalls hearing about the outbreak: “I was at school, I came back and then we talked about it, but I was only nine.”Peter soon found himself evacuated and remembers: “I lived on and off in London because I wasn’t very far out of there, and consequently I was able to go backwards and forwards. When the raids were severe, I seemed to pick those days to go back home again! I went through two or three quite severe raids. It was very terrifying, very very terrifying indeed.”

Surbiton resident

Betty DawsonBetty was 17 years old on 3

September 1939 and

recalls hiding in an unusual place when the air raid sirens sounded that day. She said: “I was at home in Leeds with my mother and the siren went.

We had a big grandfather clock in one of the recesses. She made me stand on one

side. I don’t know why, she thought we were safe. War had been declared and in no time the siren went.”

Betty joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in 1942, aged 20, serving until 1946.

Surbiton resident

Phyllis HalesPhyllis was 17, and heard

of the war on the

radio with her parents and two brothers.

She said: “I remember sirens going and we were all a bit concerned. We thought there was going to be an air raid. It was something new and we thought that could happen, but it didn’t. I was at Home in Acton. We heard it on the radio. I was 17 and I did feel scared. My parents were there.”

At 19, Phyllis decided to take an active part in the war effort, joining the WAAF in 1942. She served until 1946.


WW2 @ 80: VETERANS REMEMBER DAY WAR BROKE OUT AND HOW ‘LIFE WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN’

• Residents from The Royal Star & Garter Homes in Solihull, High Wycombe and Surbiton remember outbreak of Second World War

• Moving video features residents recalling the moment they learned Britain was at war• They were speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of start of the war

AIR FINANCE ALTERNATIVE SPORT DAY

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE FC REACH LONDON LEAGUE

5-A-SIDE CUP SEMI-FINALS

On Tuesday 20th August, the Air Finance Function held their first “Alternative

Sports Day” Force Development event. The PTIs had set up the various stations including 2 different team building tasks which were designed to get teams to work together and problem solve, work on communication across the team, show leadership and working in harmony. One team had to try and lower a magic cane, an impossible task but very funny whilst the other team were having to cross the lava river using tiles. All activities were completed

with great enthusiasm, laughter and a little competitiveness, with a chance to compete against and encourage colleagues from other teams within the function that we might not get a chance to in the day to day working pattern. The Red Team were the overall winners on the day!! Huge thank you to the PTIs for all their hard work in designing the day and setting up all the activities! We look forward to the next one!

O n 4 September, RAF High Wycombe FC entered a team into the London

League 5-a-side tournament held at RAF Northolt. Wins against Northwood HQ and AIDU was enough for High Wycombe to progress into the quarter-finals where they were drawn against a Brize Norton team. A resilient defensive display including some excellent saves by Sgt Paul Stones and a counter-attacking goal from Flt Lt Nick Brocklehurst led to a 1-1 draw. This resulted in a penalty shoot-out where SAC Griffiths, Cpl Dawson, Sgt Catchpole and Flt Lt Brocklehurst kept their composure by scoring penalties to win the game 4-3. High Wycombe progressed to the semi-final where they were defeated by a strong Halton side. Halton went on to draw 1-1 with Brize Norton A in the final, with Brize Norton winning on penalties to claim the trophy.


Spor

ts

T he Oxford English Dictionary says that the phrase "tug of war"

originally meant "the decisive contest; the real struggle or tussle; a severe contest for supremacy". Never has a description been so applicable as for the Princess Royal Military Tug of War competition, held at Gatcombe Park as part of the Festival of British Eventing on 3 August 2019. The competition had not been held for over 10 years; HRH The Princess Royal agreed to host it this year, inviting tug of war squads from across the military family to pull for trophies across a number of weight divisions. Clearly a prestigious event, the Army sent out their strongest teams to compete in front of a sizeable crowd. Squads from 1RHA, 3RHA, 11 Sigs, 6 Bn REME and the Mercian Regt were matched against teams from Air Cmd and

RAF Cosford. Encouragingly there was a fair mixture of experienced hands and novice pullers and each one of the Ends were fiercely contested. Flt Lt Gareth Davies, RAF Cosford, the Sec of UKAF Tug of War, said “It is great to be back at Gatcombe Park to compete for this historic trophy. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase military Tug of War, the ultimate team sport.”

The HQ Air Cmd Men were decisive in winning Gold in the 600kg class and valiantly fought for their 3rd place in the Blue Ribbon 640 kg. The mixed 4 x 4 contest saw 9 teams compete in the 600kg category. Made up of 4 men and 4 women, the AIR team surprised many by delivering silver against a very strong mixed team from 3 RHA. The upset of the day however lay with the RAF Women’s 560kg team. Made up with predominantly novice pullers and only one athlete with more than 2 seasons experienced battled into the final to face

RAF High Wycombe FC are actively recruiting new members of all abilities. Training takes place Monday evenings 1715-1830 on the football pitches behind the gym with league games starting in September on Wednesday afternoons. If you’re interested in getting involved, please e-mail your interest to [email protected] or [email protected].

Cpl Lofthouse receives her Gold Medal from HRH The Princess Royal

RAF Women prepare for the battle on the rope. Success and Smiles!

TUG OF


WAR

O n 30th July 2019 luxury British sportswear brand Iffley Road pledged

their support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, at the home of Air Command, RAF High Wycombe.

The signing was conducted by Iffley Road Co-Founders Claire Kent and Bill Byrne alongside RAF High Wycombe Station Commander, Group Captain Shaun Harris on the original desk used by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris during World War 2.

Speaking at the event, Group Captain Harris commented “I am delighted to welcome Iffley Road into the Armed Forces Covenant Family and we are extremely grateful for their support. Shared beliefs in an active and balanced lifestyle, and helping everyone to be the best that they can be, make Iffley Road and the Armed Forces a strong partnership.”

Co-signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Claire Kent stated “It is an honour to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we are looking forward to seeing and meeting personnel at a number of upcoming events.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by Iffley Road, ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. A voluntary pledge from businesses, charities and other organisations, it is designed to show their support for the armed forces community.

It commits businesses to employing service leavers and families, giving them appropriate training and support, as well as ensuring Reserves also receive support in their commitment.

Iffley Road have signed this pledge, alongside additional commitments of providing bespoke vests to the RAF High Wycombe Cross-Country team and a 15% discount on products for all service personnel through Defence Discount Service.

Born out of a desire to design, produce and wear sustainable, high quality products crafted in Britain and Europe, Iffley Road are now well established as a luxury sportswear brand. Their items are designed to last the tests of an active lifestyle, moving away from the “fast-fashion” trends we have seen creeping into our activewear. With a British heritage and a desire to promote an active lifestyle, the partnership between Iffley Road and the Armed Forces is one of shared values and a desire to be the best you can be.

Access to Iffley Roads Exclusive discount code can be gain at: www.defencediscountservice.co.uk

Iffley RoadWe’re a husband and wife team who’ve both been keen runners since childhood. In fact we met through running. However for a long time we’d felt there was very little kit available we actually wanted to run in.

the strong 3RHA women’s team. The battle commenced in the main arena in front of the host, HRH The Princess Royal and a sizable intrigued crowd. With each team winning an End apiece, the scene was set for a winner-takes-all deciding End. The odds were stacked against the RAF Women as they faced an experienced 3RHA team made up of at least 4 Army pullers and a number who had represented England at the World games in 2018. However, digging deep and drawing on their strength, aggression, tenacity and honed team work, the RAF women pulled off the shock of the day by beating 3RHA in a long tussle that saw balance of the End move back and forth for over 90 secs. On receiving their medals from HRH The Princess Royal, Cpl Lottie Lofthouse (1AMW RAF Brize Norton) said “It was an incredible feeling to deliver this result for the RAF in front of Princess Anne and the large crowd.” The team was coached by Cpl James Todd (RAF Waddington) who highlighted after the awards ceremony “I am immensely proud of all the ladies within the RAF Tug of War squad. It is a niche sport and these athletes have dedicated significant time to build their skills and build their strength. Whilst there were only the 8 ladies on the rope today, their success represents the successes of all the female athletes in the RAF squad this season. Each one contributes to the team performance and without any of them, todays victory could not have happened.” Wg Cdr Nick Robson, Head of RAF Tug of War and Chair of the UKAF Tug of War Assoc, stated “To have over 100 athletes come together to compete for the Princess Royal Trophy shows that the sport continues to grow in popularity. We are operating in a congested sporting environment and so for these Servicemen and women to give their weekend to deliver such a high quality display is impressive. I congratulate all the teams of their performances on the rope and their comradery off it.”

BRITISH SPORTWEAR BRAND IFFLEY ROADSHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO THE ARMED FORCES

We wanted to make running clothing that was both technical and stylish. Critically we also wanted to produce as sustainably as possible, sourcing and manufacturing in small batches primarily in Europe and the UK. All our clothes would be built to last – we were fed up with “fast fashion” and kit that is thrown out after less than a year’s wear.

Iffley Road is named after the Oxford track where Roger Bannister ran the first sub four-minute mile. There is so much about that feat that inspires us.

One of the great pleasures of running Iffley Road has been the ability to collaborate with other British brands we admire.

In 2017 we launched a range of pared back tops with iconic clothing brand Sunspel. In 2018 we developed a range of shoes and race kit in collaboration with minimalist footwear brand Vivobarefoot. We’re also thrilled to have found a great factory in the UK to make our base layers and beanies.This year we are delighted to have been selected as one of 150 Great British Brands by Country and Town House. We feel honoured to be featured alongside such great British talent such as Barbour, Mulberry and Aston Martin.So, at last we feel we’re truly up and running. And, although the kit we now make is perfect for a wide range of sports and anyone with an active lifestyle, our roots will always be in the sport we love most – running.

© MOD Iffley Road CEO Claire Kent & Group Captain Harris complete signing of the Armed Forces Covenant

AFPC 2019

T he Armed Forces Parachute Championships 2019 was held from 22nd – 26th JULY

at Netheravon Airfield, Wiltshire. It was blessed with blue skies and lots of sunshine. Fortunately for us the same week saw the UK record its hottest ever temperature, although this meant competitors would be extremely hot for each jump.

Everyone was looking forward to getting started but it was an extra buzz for me personally as it was an opportunity to represent the RAF for the first time following a service transfer from the Army. Due to a 2-year break from jumping prior to the competition, I had to familiarise myself again with my personal parachuting system and complete a few solo jumps to get back into the swing of things.

The competition is annually organised by the Army Parachute Association (APA), Netheravon. Mainly for Armed forces but have a few categories open for civilian or mixed service teams wishing to compete.

It involves several disciplines including 4-way Formation Skydiving (FS) Rookie, Intermediate and Senior), Accuracy, Canopy Formation, Wing suiting, Free Flying and Freestyle.

The Royal Air Force Sport Parachuting Association (RAFSPA) entered a team each for Formation Skydiving category, Accuracy, Freestyle and Free Flying in this

year’s competition. I was competing in the FS Rookie category with team RAFSPA Tempest where 8 other military teams were competing. I also competed in the Accuracy competition.

Each round of the FS competition (6 in total) consists of one jump from 14000ft where teams are given a set of 3 formations to carry out. These formations are to be repeated accurately as many times as possible within a 35 second period which is also recorded by an accompanying cameraman. The video is then judged by qualified judges from the British Parachute Association (BPA). It is therefore essential for teams to exit as a single unit saving precious seconds coming together and complete the formations within the allotted time.

In the 1st round, we managed to complete at least one full rotation of the 3 different formations and that got us excited. But after descending and getting back to the packing area, we learnt there was a camera malfunction leaving us with a scoring of 0 points due to no video to present to the judges. The team was a bit disappointed but decided to draw inspiration from that error hoping to gain enough points in the next five rounds to beat rival teams.

Despite the early setback round 2 saw RAFSPA Tempest pull off one of the best jumps of the competition by gaining enough points to go top of the table. We were extremely excited as it was the first points to our name and to top the table was an added bonus.

RAFSPA Tempest put in another solid performance in the 3rd round increasing our lead over our rivals and got all eyes on the team. Finally, our hard work was paying off even after an error in the first round. We felt good about ourselves and ended the day on a high.

After all the excitement of being top of the table and having a healthy lead from the day before, a lengthy hold due to a change in weather didn’t help. Round 4 saw a poor jump from the team. The exit from the plane flew beautifully but after the first formation, we lost our levels and spent much time trying to get back together until we broke off and tracked away at 5000 ft.

After a disappointing display in round 4, the other teams were gaining on us. The team knew all was to play for and we needed to try and keep hold of our slender lead. As the other teams were closing in, we produced another anxious low scoring jump in round 5. At this point, our lead was cut dramatically by the team in 2nd place and we began to look over our shoulders getting worried.

RAFSPA Tempest then managed to pull off a good jump in difficult circumstance in the final round to secure enough points to claim gold medal position!

Individually contested accuracy jumps began the following day after all FS jumps were completed. This 4-round category involves competitors exiting the aircraft a lower altitude of 5000 ft and deploying parachute system not long after. Competitors are required to pilot the canopies (parachute) and land safely in a designated area (“bull’s eye” rings) marked with figures indicating points gained. Gaining lower figures meant good accuracy skills.

I personally did very well on the first two accuracy jumps but lost it on the next two jumps which meant I was just having developmental jumps and gaining more experience in canopy piloting rather than hoping for a medal.

all teams entered got at least bronze medals to show the hard work we put in paid off.

RAFSPA achievements during the competition is as follows;

Rookie FS Team – Gold, Senior FS Team – Gold, Free Fly B - Gold, Intermediate FS Team – Silver, Freestyle A – Silver, Intermediate Accuracy – Silver

RAFSPA also competed in the British Parachute Association National Championships 2019 in Skydive Hibaldstow, Lincolnshire in August.

RAFSPA’s rookie team, Tempest could not emulate the success from the AFPC 2019 in this competition as preparation towards the competition was not the best and there were well prepared teams out there. Although not successful it was a good learning curve for the teams and the association as a whole.

RAFSPA Tempest FS Rookie team at the BPA UK Nationals 2019

Left to Right: SAC Boateng, Fg Off Cilvert, Sgt Stuart, Cpl Hocking,

Wg Cdr Laker & Flt Lt Holt

It has been a proud experience for me, by representing not just the RAF but also, DPHC and the Dental branch as a whole in both completions.

I would encourage all interested personnel to try Sport Parachuting for at least the experience and possibly stay in the sport and develop as I did.

Contact RAF Weston-on-the Green or the Joint Service Parachute Wing (Netheravon) for course dates and apply.


RAFSPA Tempest competing in Rookie category at the AFPC 2019

SAC Boateng with the winning trophy and gold medals for

Formation Skydiving (Rookie)

SAC Boateng exiting aircraft during an accuracy jump

at the AFPC 2019

Overall, this year’s Armed Forces Parachute Championships was a success story for RAFSPA as

RAFSPA Tempest FS team just before boarding an aircraft at

the BPA UK Nationals 2019


• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN PRINCES RISBOROUGH

No more winter worriesWhen the gales blow, and the temperature plummets, maintaining your home can become overwhelming. Wouldn’t you rather someone else take care of it?

At Churchill, with a Lodge Manager and your fellow Owners for company, your biggest worry will be deciding between putting your feet up in your nice warm apartment, or heading downstairs to meet friends in the Owners’ Lounge. Why wait any longer?

CHILTERN LODGE Longwick Road - Open Tues to Sat, 10am to 5pm. CALL TODAY TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

01844 319574 Visit churchillretirement.co.uk

With a move to Churchill Retirement Living’s new Chiltern Lodge development in Princes Risborough you get more than just a new apartment, it’s a whole new way of life. You’ll have a comfortable, secure place to live, with the option to socialise with other Owners as much or as little as you like. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is that you won’t have to worry about maintenance any more.

At this time of year, keeping the house and garden maintained is probably the last thing you want to think about. If you own a large house then it can be a year-round job, and it can be a real burden when you’d rather just relax and enjoy your retirement years.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way! With a brand new Churchill Retirement Living apartment, all the stress of keeping things in good order is looked after by a Lodge Manager, who is there to oversee the day-to-day running of the building so you don’t have to.

Low Maintenance Living with Churchill

Instead of worrying, you can sit back and relax with the peace of mind that any exterior work, gardening and other jobs are taken care of. No more maintenance means a real weight off your mind, giving you more time to do the things you want to do, and enjoy the retirement you deserve.

Churchill Owner Derek Holley has been doing just that since moving to his brand new apartment. Derek says: “My new apartment is ideal for my needs and I like the fact I’m living within a community of like-minded people. There are shared facilities, such as an Owners’ Lounge and Guest Suite, that I can make use of if I wish, and the location is perfect.”

If the idea of a low maintenance lifestyle appeals to you, you can find out more about moving to a new Churchill Retirement Living apartment in the heart of PrincesRisborough by calling 01844 319 583 or visitingchurchillretirement.co.uk.


ST TERESA’S PRE-SCHOOL

To see what your child could achieve, come and see us in action

To make an appointment please contact the School Office

www.st-teresas-preschool.uk Aylesbury Road Princes Risborough Bucks HP27 0JW

Tel: 01844 345 005 E-mail: [email protected]

At St Teresa’s Pre-School, we all love learning! At St Teresa’s Pre-School we offer :

High quality education and care tailored to the unique needs of your child

15 and 30 Hours Funded Childcare options

PE, French and Music lessons, taught by specialist teachers

Exceptional child to adult ratios A loving, supportive environment in which

your child will feel safe, confident and reach their full potential

Princes Risborough Bucks HP27 0JW

Tour with the Head Teachers Friday 29th November & Saturday 30th November

9.00am Reception 2020 11.00am Key Stage One & Key Stage Two

Visitors always welcome. Please call to make an appointment.

“Inspiring and achieving together, using our unique gifts given to us by God”

ST TERESA’S PRE-SCHOOL

To see what your child could achieve, come and see us in action

To make an appointment please contact the School Office

www.st-teresas-preschool.uk Aylesbury Road Princes Risborough Bucks HP27 0JW

Tel: 01844 345 005 E-mail: [email protected]

At St Teresa’s Pre-School, we all love learning! At St Teresa’s Pre-School we offer :

High quality education and care tailored to the unique needs of your child

15 and 30 Hours Funded Childcare options

PE, French and Music lessons, taught by specialist teachers

Exceptional child to adult ratios A loving, supportive environment in which

your child will feel safe, confident and reach their full potential

Princes Risborough Bucks HP27 0JW

Tour with the Head Teachers Friday 29th November & Saturday 30th November

9.00am Reception 2020 11.00am Key Stage One & Key Stage Two

Visitors always welcome. Please call to make an appointment.

“Inspiring and achieving together, using our unique gifts given to us by God”


IRONMAN IZZY SMASHES QUALIES FOR WORLDS

Sac Izzy Petit claims first place victory at Bolton Ironman qualifying her

for the World Championships in Hawaii this October.

28 year old Izzy, of Information System Wing, RAF High Wycombe qualified first place in the military division with a time of 12 hours and 28 minutes, smashing her sub 13 hour aim, qualifying her to compete and represent the United Kingdom and the RAF at the

Ironman World Championships in October. After crossing the line Izzy said: “I was ecstatic when part way through the race I realised I had enough of a lead to qualify, I was just so excited that I had the opportunity to compete in Hawaii.”

Being one of only 600 females from around the world to qualify for the event, Izzy will be undertaking a grueling 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike ride followed by a full

marathon. Izzy said: “I’m aiming for sub 12 hours but I’m hoping the heat won’t be too much of issue, it’ll be my first time competing in such hot conditions, so it’ll be new experience.”

Training every day, often twice a day and for 4-5 hours, Izzy’s training routine has stepped up a notch in preparation for the upcoming competition: ‘I’m lucky that I’m part of great group of people that qualified, we’ve trained together and it’s great that we can also travel and compete together, my mother’s also coming along for the trip and she’s so excited to support me!”

Competing alongside the world’s best, just qualifying has been a huge personal goal, Izzy said:

“I’m feeling comfortable and confident going forward but I’m also looking forward to having some time off to relax, enjoying myself and have some fun after the event”. Izzy’s next goal is to complete an Ultra marathon.

The Ironman World Championships centers on the dedication and courage shown by participants who demonstrate the Ironman mantra that ‘Anything is Possible’. The Championships will take place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on 12 October and can be watched LIVE at Ironman.com.

ENJOY LOCALLY MADE ALESIN PRESTWOOD, HP16 0HW

maltthebrewery.co.uk

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Get 10% off beer when you show yourMOD Form 90 in the brewery shop.

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NOT JUST HERE FOR THE BEER…LOCALS TAKE A STAKE IN TREASURED LOCAL BREWERY

maltthebrewery.co.uk

For their seventh birthday, Malt The Brewery in Prestwood, Great Missenden have just done something quite extraordinary. Forget Dragon’s Den or the many traditional online Crowd Funding platforms. This is crowd funding…The Malt Way!

The idea came about when a backdated hike of their business rates gave the business a huge debt.

Founder Nick Watson says “At first it looked like that was it, the end of the road, after almost 6 years and before we’d even made a profit”, but thanks to huge support from members of the brewery club, The Maltsters, a very understanding landlord, local MP, Dame Cheryl Gillan and Chiltern District Council, against all the odds they found a way through the crisis. In April they were once again Debt-free.

It was a turning point. They realised the premises were just too big to stay a small business and moving was out of the question. So it was time to go big or go home.

Co-Founder, Jenny Watson said “Having been 100% debt-free for our whole history, rather than go to a bank or institutional lender, we decided to bring our most loyal customers on the journey with us.”

So, Malt The Brewery audaciously announced its ambitious plan to raise £250,000 in return for 15% of the business, inviting only Maltsters to take part.

“It was a big-ask, given the economic climate and political situation, right in the middle of Brexit, so the stakes were high”, said Nick Watson. “We were confident that we had an extremely high level

of engagement with our customers... “The Malt” is not just about sharing great beer or ales. Lifelong friendships have been made here”.

Local Resident, Bob Scott agreed and told us “There’s a real community element to the brewery and Prestwood is richer for it”.

In the space of just 7 weeks, Maltsters raised a huge £225,000 to transform the brewery, create jobs for local people and build an even better community asset.

Investor, Graham Auld told us “They don’t just have exciting plans, they now have a hugely powerful team of engaged people from different backgrounds and with some extraordinary skills to share. Every investor will have an important role to play in growing the business and influencing the value of our investment”.

Photos taken at Investor Thank You Event 24/10/19

P T I B L O GI've never touched a

weight in my life!

Weights has a ton of benefits which you’ll find out in a short read time! However, for now, I want you to imagine yourself stick thin, not a pound of body fat on you, nor a pound of muscle on you, just skin, organs and bone. It’s not the look that’ll be in fashion for a while let’s say that.

By performing weights 2,3,4 or even 5 times a week isn’t going to make you the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was on a ton of external injections top help him get to the size he is today. So, don’t be afraid of lifting weights.

In fact, in recent studies, weights can burn calories up to 72 hours making them more efficient to burning than calories than that 30-minute walk on the highest incline you just performed on the treadmill.

1. Weights WILL make you less stressed: when you are stressed your body produces cortisol, The International journal of sports medicine found significantly decreased cortisol levels in people that weight trained for two weeks.

2. It’s beneficial for your joints and bones: Building up muscle and strength around your joints is important, especially as you get older and your bones and joints become more fragile! Your muscle will help them stay intact for longer.

3. Prevent Injury: training in the weights area will help to reduce injuries, by making them stronger you are also making them less prone to injury, so whether you’re a runner, cyclist, footballer, replace 1 session a week with weights.

Welcome to the first of many Health and Fitness blogs!

If you’re new to lifting weights, start on the machines, ask people for help, as scary as they look and lift 12-15 reps, if you think you can lift more than the weight isn’t heavy enough, think of this like only eating a starter in a restaurant and feeling hungry for the rest of the evening.


Under brilliant blue skies and temperatures in mid-high 20s, some

20 budding golfers took to Harleyford Golf Club near Marlow for the annual RAF High Wycombe golf Champs, as organised by WO John Sanderson. Harleyford G.C. is home of a top 20 golfer in the world (at the time), namely Tyrell Hatton, European Tour player and member of the victorious Ryder Cup. One of Buckinghamshire’s top golf courses, with the main feature being the undulating fast greens, similar to United States greens standards.

Based on a Stableford points system, for both Gross and Nett; where 2 points are awarded for a par, one point for a bogey and 3 points for a birdie. Overall Gross Stableford 1st and RAF High Wycombe

Champion Golfer for 2019 was won by Cpl Andy Parry of the JFAC, a magnificent total of 61 points, beating CPO Simon Storey of JDLMO, by one point only. As a result Simon won the Nett Stableford overall on 78 points, beating FS Brian Innes of A6 total of Nett 71 points, with second in the Gross Stableford being taken by Wg Cdr Adam Spear on 54 points. A great turn out, on a magnificent course and beautiful conditions was enjoyed by everyone.

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE STATION GOLF CHAMPS

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Top school in Oxfordshire for progress in the Sixth Form

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 21st November 2019

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Register your place

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Award Winning Traditional British Pub

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A quirky pub - it’s bigger than it looks! With 2 bars and a function/dining area.

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1450 pupils aged 7-18 with over 500 boarders

01527 [email protected]

bromsgrove-school.co.ukFLAIR • DISCIPLINE • ACADEMIC RIGOUR

REG I

Founded 1553

generous

forces’ bursaries

available

Individual Visits Welcome

Boarding for ages 7 - 18

Outstanding Education ISI Inspection 2016 - excellent in every category

Good Schools Guide 2017 says:

“The situation of the school is an asset – it is in a good central England location,

easy to reach from all corners of the country. “

Co-educational,

Day & Boarding


ATA MUSEUM & SPITFIRE SIMULATORat Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Discover a forgotten story of courage, skill and sacrifice

and then fly our superb Spitfire Simulator!Suitable for ages 9-90

Open Tues-Sat 1000-1600, Sundays 1200-160001628 780555 www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk

ATA MUSEUM & SPITFIRE SIMULATORat Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Discover a forgotten storyof courage, skill and sacrificeand then fly our superb Spitfire Simulator!

Suitable for ages 9-90Open Tues-Sat 1000-1600, Sundays 1200-160001628 780555 www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk

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 Teacher within its dedicated team of staff. With nurseries based in Naphill, Hazlemere, Flackwell Heath and Marlow Bottom.

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 THATJACK BUILT

Marlow Bottom - MarlowTel: 01628 481601

OVER THE MOONFlackwell Heath - High Wycombe

Tel: 01628 532169

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

Hazlemere - High WycombeTel:01494 713425

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

Excalibur Summer 2019.indd 24 21/06/2019 11:28Excalibur Summer 2019.indd 24 25/06/2019 10:57

winter 2015 ycombe world€¦ · become a member for just £23 per year. call 0800 018 2361 or...

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