RED KITE UPDATE on ThE PUll nAPhIll school goEs Eco

WYCOMBE WORLD

T h e M a g a z i n e o f R a f h i g h W Y C o M B e

WYCOMBE WORLD

W Y C o M B e W o R L D i S n o W o n L i n e : WWW.WY COMB EWOR L DON L I N E . C O . U K

BIKE SAFERAF hIgh WycombEcomes to

Autumn

2012

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Contents

BY: HELEn JORDan

editor’s

Foreword

station commander’s

ForewordBY: gROup Captain MaRk HEffROn

editorial

TeamOIC: Flt Lt Paul Bevan Ext 4456 EdItOr: Mrs Helen Jordan Ext 4355dEp EdItOr: Mrs Helen Olive Ext 6763On-lInE EdItOr: Flt Lt Chris Jacob Ext 4814dIstrIbutIOn: WO Stu Redpath Ext 4270MaIlbOx: HWY-Editor WycombeWorld

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

dEsIgnErs: ROWENA WILSON ANd ROSALYN PARRYtel: (01536) 521126 Email: rowena@lancepublishing.co.uk

advErtIsIng: tAMMIE RIdLER tel: (01536) 526667 Email: tammie@lancepublishing.co.uk

publIshEd by: LANCE PuBLISHING Ltd1st Floor, tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, NN16 8NL tEl: (01536) 512624 Fax: (01536) 515481Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.ukwww.lancepublishing.co.uk

prIntEd by: LANCE PRINt Ltdtel: (01480) 492183

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.

lIFE aFtEr thE MOdWhat happens after working in the MOD?

sCOnEs and bubbly MOrnIngSSAFA Forces Help

raF hIgh WyCOMbE taKE a bOW FOr CharIty

raF hIgh WyCOMbE MIlItary WIvEs ChOIr

bIKE saFE COMEs tO raF hIgh WyCOMbE

aIrplayLatest update

naphIll sChOOl gOEs ECOPresentation of an eco shelter

MOtOrClub JaCKEd up by nuFFIEld trust

raF aMbulanCE CO-rEspOndErs savE buCKInghaMshIrE Man

aIr CadEts Round Up

raFa rOund - upLatest news from the RAFA

rIdE arOund thE sOuth EastCharity cycle ride

FrEE ICE CrEaM at aIr COMMandIce cream to cheer up the personnel

hIgh WyCOMbE shOOtIng tEaMShooting competition each June/July

raF hIgh WyCOMbE EMbraCEs OlyMpIC spIrIt

hIgh WyCOMbE On thE pullTug-of-war

FOrCE dEvElOpMEnt dayVisit to the Churchill War Rooms

2012 What a yEar!Events from 2012

MEdMEnhaM patChGarden news and recipes

rEd KItE updatEYoung Red Kites have flown the nest

6 21

14 34

8 23

10 24

11 27

12 29

13 33

14 33

18 34

In the next

Issue...We would love to hear about any of your experiences in supporting the Olympic and the Paralympic Games. What was your role? After seeing the lovely cake recipe from the Medmenham Patch we are looking forward (hopefully) to a winter warmer recipe or two

submissionDeadline...All articles for the WINTER 2012 edition to be sent to the editor no later than 19 Nov 2012 to HWY-Editor WycombeWorld. Please send files as word documents with separate photos in the Jpeg format.

14

10 37

20 36

WELCOME tO tHE autuMn EDitiOn

T here is just about something for everyone this time, from singing, quizzes, recipes,

gardening through to poetry and not forgetting many interesting articles. I am grateful to all for their inputs; it just shows what we have been up to over the past 3 months and just how much we do for others. I am particularly inspired by the outstanding

What a summer it has been and What a superb edition of the Wycombe World!

work of the RAF Association Liaison Officers’ team, 53 new members from the Station and much money raised for one of our own charities. It is also fabulous to see one of our ‘married patches’ contributing so much to the community - well done Medmenham! Finally, did you spot a certain retired Commander-In-Chief on the front cover? He is still supporting us - thank you sir!

W hatever the weather, I hope you managed to have a good break, and it was clearly not

a deterrent to the many activities that have been going on. Read about some great fund-raising efforts, including a bike ride around the South East, which not only sounds fun, but raised over £5,000 and Naphill School now has an ECO shelter, thanks to the SHEF team and Helen Knowles from CESO. With the escalating costs of car maintenance and repair, you might think about joining RAF Halton Motor Club, as, thanks to a Nuffield trust grant, they

What a summer! the Queen’s diamond Jubilee, the best ever olympics and paralympics have come and gone and it’s been the Wettest in 100 years.

have acquired new tools allowing members to carry out basic and even more advanced maintenance and repair tasks. A nice piece of news is that WO Phil Caswell has been awarded the National Presidential Certificate by RAFA, in recognition of his on-going support and dedication to the Association. Well done, Phil. We have lots of other great articles but I found it personally inspiring to read about an ex-MOd civilian who has followed her dream and made a satisfying new career for herself after taking VERS and I also appreciated the timely tips for my garden from our Lady Gardener.

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RAFA ROUND-UP

WO CasWELL OIC/SenIOr rAFALO

fLt Lt REuBEn Deputy OIC

fs atkinsOn ChAIrperSOn

fLt Lt BEvan prO

fs WEatHERiLL  SeCretAry

sgt BEvan reCruItment

sgt sMitH merChAnDISe

fs tHOMas FunDrAISIng

T he bond between the High Wycombe RAFA Branch and RAF High Wycombe has strengthened and it is my intention for this to continue with RAFALOs

having a more visible presence at Branch collections and events. Within ‘the wire’ station personnel have supported collections, fund raising initiatives and membership recruitment drives resulting in the total raised at the time of compiling this article to £2900 with 42 new members recruited, most of this being achieved since Mar 12.

While this alone is a great achievement, RAFALOs have raised money individually and this raises the figure to just over £10,000. With forthcoming Recruitment Events, RAFA Wings Week, Branch Collections, Fund Raising and support to the City of Westminster collection still to take place RAF High Wycombe will certainly have made a fantastic contribution to the Association during 2012. On behalf of the RAFALOs I would like to thank you for your donations, support and genuine interest in what the Association does.

Having attended this years National Conference it is clear that the RAF Association has many challenges to face and with the on-going recession all charities are feeling the ‘pinch’. This has resulted in a reduction in the funds raised to support the provision of welfare and it will be a challenge for the Association over the coming years to meet the needs of an aging population. despite the difficult financial climate serving members of the RAF raised more than £200,000 in 2011 to support the work of RAFA. The money was raised in a variety of imaginative ways including

cycle rides, aircraft pulls, marathons and via Stations who nominated the Association as its primary charity for the year. As already mentioned your RAFALOs have certainly embraced this challenge and have raised funds to support the RAF Family through various sponsored events, the Big Breakfast and the commissioning of a Station Sketch to name but a few.

I am often asked how those serving benefit from the money raised for the Wings Appeal. One of the key projects is ‘Storybook Wings’ and thanks to the generosity of those that donated money during 2011, over 500 children were able to listen to stories and personal messages whilst their parent was deployed. Fundraisers also enabled a further 3,000 20-minute ‘Miles More Minutes’ cards to be sent out to the RAF personnel serving on operations in Afghanistan. In addition RAFA helped to fund contact houses on stations, an important facility that offers a haven for the benefit of RAF families and RAF Service personnel.

Without membership, and support to the various fund raising initiatives, RAFA would not be able to provide the wide range of welfare support. At just £18.00 a year (£1.77 per month payable through the wages of those serving) membership of RAFA represents excellent value for money. Should you require more information regarding membership or more details of the work undertaken by RAFA please do not hesitate to contact me or one of my Committee who will be more than happy to assist where we can. Once again thank you for your support without which I and my Committee would not be able to achieve what he have thus far.

since the last Wycombe World your rafalos have continued to promote the aims of the raf association and raise its profile not only on station but Within the local community.

RAFA honouRs high Wycombe RAFALo With PRESIDENTIAl CERTIFICATE

Warrant Officer Phil Caswell of RAF High Wycombe has been awarded the National Presidential Certificate to coincide with The Queen’s Birthday

Honours List 2012, in recognition of his ongoing support and dedication to the RAF Association.

The award is yet another good news story for the High Wycombe RAFA team, whose successes have featured regularly in the RAF News since Phil took over the helm.

WO Caswell said, “to be recognised by the Association is a great honour and means so much...

the award of a Presidential Certificate is something that will now drive me on further to develop initiatives I have in relation to membership and fund-raising so that the tCW & 90Su Branch remain as relevant today as it was when it was formed. In addition, since taking over as senior RAFALO at High Wycombe the Station is now far more RAFA-focussed and this in itself is so very noticeable, even after only 4 months in post; increased fund-raising and membership are testimony to this.”

He went on to say, “Of course without the support of friends, colleagues and, most important of all, my family none of this would be possible.”

yOur RAF HigH Wycombe

RAFA TeAm

OCtOBER2-SSAFA Big Brew3-WO Hotson dining Out Night4-RAF High Wycombe Adventure Race4-Post-EGM Happy Hour Officers’ Mess11-Oktoberfest-themed Happy Hour Officers’ Mess12-Red, White and Blue All Ranks Families disco14-deployed families Sunday Special – Halloween mystery tour24-Halloween Night Sgt’s Mess26-Kids’ party Sgt’s mess

nOvEMBER9-RBL London Poppy day11-Remembrance Sunday11-deployed families Sunday Special – fun, games & pamperingNovember 19-(Last submission to Wycombe World)30-Christmas draw Sgt’s Mess

DECEMBER7-Officers Mess xmas draw9-Pantomine for families of deployed personnel16-Christmas party for families of deployed personnel

by: Wo PHil cAsWell

fORtHCOMing EvEnts

autuMn 2012

98

ferry to Gosport to be met by Branch officials, before cycling to Fareham to meet ‘Smokey’ Furness, the Area Chairman, and members of the Branch. The Sat Nav then added a nice 5 miles to my journey to the Itchin & Hamble Branch, where the members had kindly made a packed lunch for tracy and me, then on to Southampton, through the New Forest, en-route to New Milton and Betty’s cakes, on sale as part of her fundraising efforts for the day. Back through the New Forest to Romsey. The Branch members had local Air training Corps personnel in attendance and our photographic session caused a scene – even though I look nothing like Mark Cavendish. The final stop at Alresford came just in time for a fish supper, thanks to the Branch and RAFALO Sgt Sarah Hammond from the Catering School at Worthy down. It was a fantastic welcome, cycling up the street where we were surprised to be met by friends Wendy & John, on what would be the longest distance, of the 7 days, at 116 miles.

DAY 7 was another early start, however too early as we could have had an extra hour but were on auto-pilot by this stage. The Sat Nav did it’s usual trick into Newbury, where Steve Mullis had arranged for us to meet the deputy Mayor and also for the tribute Bikes to attract attention - thank you to Caroline and Colin, long-time

supporters of the Association, for travelling over from Reading. The steady uphill towards Wantage was rewarded with a very fast downhill into town – top speed 40mph – to be met by Branch officials and the town Mayor. It was a steady route over to Carterton, riding under the flight line of a C-17, with a stop for lunch at the Branch meeting place, before a short ride to Witney to meet with Brize Norton RAFALO Cpl Geordie Thain and Branch members. Then it was a push into Oxford, with a scenic detour along the canal – not sure what the school children made of me. The last leg was a mix of country lanes, chasing tractors and then a headwind all the way along until the last, 2-mile, climb of the day, at the 98-mile point. I met a colleague, WO Kev Wise in

Stokenchurch, before the final 10 mile leg, into the High Wycombe Branch and a fantastic welcome by Station Executives, RAFALO Committee, Branch members, family and friends as well as another visit by the tribute Bikes.

I was keen to ensure the ride was linked directly with the RAF Association and had special cycling shirts printed for the occasion, the purchase possible due to sponsorship from Hampshire Region, High Wycombe Branch and the Families Federation, who do so much to speak on behalf of RAF personnel and their families. Thank you to dawn and the team for their support, with more information on their excellent work available at www.raf-ff.org.uk.

points that stand out • The black squirrels in Letchworth • Appreciating why there are wind turbines off the coast at Clacton-on-Sea • The evening in Faversham • The beautiful guest house in dover • The climb out of Eastbourne and the ‘rollercoaster’ hills across to Brighton • Betty’s cake • The horses of the New Forest • Fish supper in Alresford • The tribute Bikes • Breaking 40mph to Wantage • The last climb to Stokenchurch and turning

the corner to the High Wycombe Branch.

T he plan was to cycle around the South East, calling in on the Branches around the outer ring of my RAFALO Area. After 9 months planning, with

my wife tracy, an Associate Member, as backup, I set off as the lone cyclist on the 7-day, 700-mile journey between 22nd and 28th June 2012.

DAY 1 began at the Armed Forces Careers Office in Oxford at 0800. The traffic was, fortunately at this stage, all heading into Oxford, as I moved on to Banbury, then to Bletchley, in very wet and windy conditions, not helped by spray from large vehicles on the A Roads. My final stop of the day was Letchworth, where we were met by the Branch and Aircrew Standards, with an overnight, courtesy of Linda and Ken Needham, from the local Branch – much talk of Association business, nearby Knebworth and a certain Robbie Williams. A

steady start to ease me into the week, with 87 miles completed in a reasonable time and a bag full of wet clothes needing drying.

DAY 2 was amended to add in Royston, which saw a nice stint topping out at 30mph on the flat. Then the longest leg of the trip – Colchester, 50+ miles through the countryside. A great welcome at Harwich was followed by a run to Clacton-on-Sea, where we were not only paraded with the Branch Standard but met at the town Hall by a local Councillor who provided refreshments. Accommodation was kindly arranged by the Branch, and tracy and I enjoyed fish and chips on the seafront. Another 100+ miles done in reasonable conditions, save the detours.

DAY 3 I thought it wise to move a little inland, in order to ensure that cycling conditions were

safe, so off to Witham in the early hours, to find the membership tidying up from a function the night before. Chelmsford followed, with a nice contingent present. A mix of roads to Southend-on-Sea followed, where we were met by a number of Standards and the opportunity for a spot of lunch and a chat. In addressing those present, I was introduced as ‘cycling around Great Britain’ – maybe next time! Next stop was Thurrock, with the opportunity to chat about Bomber Command, before crossing the bridge to dartford, with the lovely history to their building, then back up the hill and the final stop at Medway towns, in Chatham. The day got better as it went on and we had been invited to stay the night at Faversham, the home of Spitfire beer, thanks to Angie and Clive in the Brents tavern – what a night, with a fantastic attendance, including members from Whitstable, a 3-course meal and a raffle, the prize money from which, amongst others, went towards the ride sponsorship. Almost as important - 100 miles completed.

DAY 4 was another early start with a trip to the Isle of Sheppey, then back to Faversham, Whitstable and Herne Bay, which included a stop at a Spitfire Memorial at the top of the town. I then moved on to meet one of my newest RAFALOs, SAC Ash Berry from Manston, who cycled down to Ramsgate to accompany me to one of the Branches he now supports. Sandwich and dover were the next stops, followed by a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial, at Capel le Ferne – well, worth a visit. The final stop was at Hythe, during which I suffered my one and only puncture. tracy ensured that I changed wheels, as the press expected a cyclist, not someone pushing their bike. Accommodation was organised by the dover Branch, with thanks to hosts Patricia & Michael Knight, who really looked after tracy and I in their beautiful Guest House; look them up www.eastlee.co.uk. Just as important was another 95 miles down.

DAY 5 a full breakfast to fuel the tanks, then on to Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea, the Branch having a fantastic stained glass picture in honour of The Few. A few tricky, car-dodging, moments with the locals in Eastbourne was followed by a meeting with a large contingent of Air Gunners at the Branch. Just as well that I had a break, as the cheeky little climb out of Eastbourne, followed by the Big dipper all the way in to Brighton, was a test – I welcomed a return to training in the Chilterns! On to Littlehampton and finally Bognor Regis, with overnight supported by the Branch and a visit to ‘best’ Club. Thank you to Ian Hunter and the membership for hosting us so well – 100 miles.

DAY 6 started with Hayling Island and an early start for the members, and Branch Standard, in attendance – much appreciated. I then travelled by ferry to meet a new RAFALO, Sgt Wayne Griffin, at the Armed Forces Careers Office Portsmouth. I discovered that Wayne is from my home town of Atherton. Then, another

Ride ARound ThE SOUTh EAST

by: sqn ldR Ady moRRis - se AReA RAFAlo

folloWing on from my time in afghanistan, in 2010, during Which i cycled the eQuivalent distance back to

the uk, i Wished to celebrate my 25th year in the raf doing something Just as interesting, Whilst at the

same time focusing attention on the raf association.

It has been a fantastic experience during which we have met some great

characters, whose passion and drive will keep tracy and I going. As an

aside from the visits to 42 Branches within my Area, we managed to raise

a little money along the way; just over £5000 at the last count.

Thank you all so much.

1110

ice cReAmbfbs radio’s op ice cream van has again visited the staff of raf high Wycombe spreading a little summer cheer to personnel at the buckinghamshire base.

On a sunny afternoon, the ice-cream van, painted in desert Camouflage, rolled onto camp playing “The Great Escape” and served almost 1,000

ice-creams to families, friends and colleagues of deployed personnel. High Wycombe’s RAFA team were out in force to capitalise on the crowds at the event, raising over £900 and recruiting 9 new members for the charity.

Also wowing the crowd were local RAF enthusiasts, Caroline and Colin Scheel, with their Battle of Britain and Bomber Command tribute motorbikes. The bikes, a Harley davidson V Rod

and a triumph Bonneville, have been lovingly painted with scenes depicting the sacrifice made by the aircrew, ground crew and loved ones during the RAF’s “Finest Hour”. Churchill’s famous “Few” speech is even ghosted into the paintwork. Since 2007 Caroline and Colin have been travelling around the country, attending air shows and helping raise awareness of the brave sacrifices made by many during the war years. Caroline said:

“Many people ask us why we have given up so much time and effort to promoting what the RAF sacrificed during the war and that is the answer really – to get the kids to ask what it was all about.”

FReeAt AiR commAnd

BY: fLt Lt pauL BEvan, MCO

HIgH WycombeoPeRAtionAL

shooting teAm

This competition is the service-wide RAF Operational Shooting Competition (RAFOSC). The 2 weeks involve competitions for the uAS,

Air Officers and Station Commanders, the RAF and then the Inter-Services. Sqn Ldr Emma Marsh represented the RAF High Wycombe Station Commander and finished 4th whilst Air Commodore Russ La Forte, ACOS 22 Gp, won the Air Officers’ match. The team from RAF High Wycombe achieved considerable success, winning several trophies and 2 of the team (Flt Lt Ady Waters, EOD RO and Flt Lt Danny Couzens, DIO) were selected to represent the RAF in the follow up Inter-Services Competition. They won the overall Inter-Services competition, beating the Army in 3 of the 5 main matches that involved using both rifles and pistols. These 2 individuals have also been selected to represent the RAF at the Canadian Forces Skill at Arms competition in Ottawa, later this year.

Pre-selection for RAFOSC was conducted during the Group Operational Shooting Competition that was held in April. This was a week-long event for up to 80 individuals. Again, High Wycombe achieved significant results, with two station personnel making it into the top ten overall and SAC (T) Sykes winning the Group Novice pistol competition, and the station winning its Gp out of the 3 Gps represented. The noticeable factor for the event was the abysmal weather, rain and high winds.  It rained every day,

including the practices (67mm total of rain recorded at Farnborough over the week) and on the final Sunday alone, there was a total of 24 mm.  despite this, there was still considerable enthusiasm from all the competitors. These conditions allowed the team captains and participants to show considerable leadership skills, whilst trying to maintain morale in poor conditions and also ensuring the safety levels were maintained. It also tested physical strength and stamina due to the weights involved and shooting from all different positions.

The competitions are open to all RAF Service personnel and involve competing

in various shoots, with the ultimate aim of winning the RAF’s Queen’s Medal for Champion shot of the Royal Air Force. This competition is based around the use of the British Military standard weapon systems, the SA80 A2 with SuSAt optic sight and the Browning 9mm pistol.

So what is Combat shooting and what is involved? It is a skill that is directly transferable to Operations and has proven to be a life saver. The matches that we compete in are based on criteria of experience gained on operations and are designed to reflect them as much as possible in a regulated environment. to compete you have to wear Enhanced Combat Body Armour and webbing weighted to 7.5kg, whilst undertaking rundowns from ranges such as, 500m to 100m, shooting at different targets every 100 metres, in 30-second bounds, as you advance down the range.

Another match is carried out at 100-10 metres, with engagements every 25m, to simulate fighting in built-up areas. At 25m, you transition from using rifle to pistol, to shoot the last 4 practices down to 10m Safety is always paramount and it gives confidence in weapon handling by shooting in a relaxed, but competitive, environment, with a very good social side.

This is not a sport but a basic military skill, with full duty status, which enhances shooting ability fitness, leadership and confidence and is ultimately very rewarding. No previous experience is needed, just the time to spend a few days on the range and a willingness to learn and compete. If you would like to know more contact Flt Lt Waters (EOD RO) Ext 7163 or Cpl Matt Hopson (JDLMO) Ext 4663 The team comprised of Flt Lt Ady Waters, EOd RO Flt Lt danny Couzens, dIO WO2 Richard Coleman, JdLMO Cpl Matt Hopson, JdLMO SAC Kenroy Mitchell, dental Centre SAC (T) Chris Sykes

the pinnacle of raf combat service Weapon shooting is held at a competition each

June/July at bisley camp, surrey.

BY: fLt Lt aDY WatERs

RAF

1312

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE

on 28th June sportsmen and Women of raf high Wycombe embraced the olympic spirit by competing in various sporting events for their co’s cup.

I t could almost have taken place in Ancient Greece, with the sun’s dazzling rays warming spectators and making the job of the

competitors somewhat more arduous. Flight Sergeant Andy Finlay, supporting the event from the sidelines said:

“What a cracking turnout, I applied (unsuccessfully) for the Velodrome and the Opening Ceremony for the London Games – watching my mates compete with the same competitive edge as our professional athletes is so much more fun.”

The Station has been extremely busy over the last twelve months, supporting Op ELLAMY over the skies of Libya, continuing efforts in the stabilisation of Afghanistan, supporting local and national diamond Jubilee events and many

Station personnel have been employed in various roles supporting the London games. This was a great chance for the Station to come together and enjoy some light-hearted sport in the Olympic Spirit.

The efforts made by Sgt daz Milam and his team of PtI’s were rewarded with a turnout of over 100 competitors. The support given to the event by Station and HQ Air Command staff resulted in a highly successful games. PEdO at RAF High Wycombe, Flt Lt Hamish Pearson said:

“This is a huge year for sport in the country and RAF High Wycombe embraces that. The events that the PtI’s have laid on today are intended to provide a glimpse of Olympic events throughout the history of the games – we have everything from the Standing High Jump to Mountain Biking.”

EMBRACES OLYMPIC SPIRIT

BY: spORts EDitOR

iMagEs

LEFTGroup Captain

Andrew Campbell takes to the air for

the Long Jump.

BELOW22 Training Group

Team enjoying the moment!

I t’s not always been that way, as the sport has a great history in this country after team GB shocked the world by winning gold, silver

and bronze at the 1908 Olympic Games in London. The public’s misconception is that you have to be a massive guy with hands the size of shovels, feet the size of a family car and a beard the size of a small hay bale – WRONG!

Just like boxing the sport is governed by weight. There are a number of weight categories for teams to compete in. Normally teams are made up of 8 people on the rope at any one time. Weight categories range from 540kg for eight people right through to the catch weight where there is no weight limit!

All of these qualities have been found in abundance at RAF High Wycombe this season, as the Station team made its way to the first RAF Championships for many years, held at RAF Cosford in July. The draw saw a tough first round against the defence Language School but following some last minute technique work and some dogged determination, the team progressed quite comfortably. Next up was the team from Cosford, or to be more precise, the School of Pt made up of PtIs! Waiting in the next round was a confident Marham side, but their

tug-of-War has traditionally been

a sport played out in the country

by farmers at village fairs or

county shoWs...

confidence was short-lived, as a High Wycombe

side, still buoyant from beating the PtIs, powered to the final round against a strong ‘Barbarian’ side made up of people from Wyton, Brize and Benson. The Barbarians made a strong start, pulling High Wycombe towards the line very quickly. A determined ‘dig in’ saw the Wycombe side absorb some serious pressure, as the Barbarians sensed the win, but they were tiring and Wycombe knew it. With a huge heave Wycombe pulled as a team, forcing them off balance. Capitalising on the momentum, Wycombe won the end. Confident at 1 end up (best of 3), they fought hard from the beginning. The Barbarians were clearly tired from the first end and it

HIgH Wycombe on the pull

was over as a contest very quickly, thus handing the title of RAF tug-of-War Champions to RAF High Wycombe.

The connection with tug-of-War and RAF High Wycombe didn’t stop there this season, as a clash of fixture dates meant that the Inter Services was in need of a host unit. The PEd Flight ensured the facilities were in great shape and an arena was created out of 12x12s and lots of mine tape! Selected for the full RAF representative side were 5 men and 2 women from RAF High Wycombe, who attended a training camp here with the Combined Services coach in the days leading up to the competition. The competition

If you are interested in taking up the sport in the future then get in touch with FS Gareth Davies at 22 (Trg) Gp on ext 6235 or gareth.davies599@mod.uk

went very well, despite the weather, with the RAF putting in some very credible performances, beating a Navy (Barbarian) side, but getting beaten by a very well-drilled Army side in the men’s competition.

The Ladies event made Service sports history, as RAF High Wycombe hosted the first ever Inter Service event. This was a much closer event, with the Army, once again, taking the overall title and the RAF as runners up.

Many thanks to the PEd Flight and the Station Commander for having the vision to host an Inter Services event; RAF High Wycombe certainly put on a great show.

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Force Development Dayon tuesday 13th march 2012, 8 personnel from the business management team took part in a force development trip to london to undertake the battle of britain heritage Walk, folloWed by a visit to the churchill War rooms.

The Battle of Britain Heritage Walk takes approximately 45 minutes, starts at St Clement danes Church and continues

along the Thames Embankment, taking in the Royal Air Force Memorial, the Battle of Britain London Monument, Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.

The day started well with, surprisingly, only one member of the team switching into Main Building mode and attempting to leave the underground via the exit escalator at Embankment tube Station. As we watched her ascent, it was surely only a matter of time before she realised that the rest of the team were no longer behind her...

Moments later with the team regrouped it was off to the temple Station to find the first location. Rather bizarrely, St Clement danes Church (not to be confused with Australia House which was just across the road), was hosting a group of ballroom dancing school children singing ‘Get me to the Church on time’. Although they were more than happy for us to wander amongst them, it all became a slightly surreal experience.

With the first site ticked off the list, it was back down towards the river to find the Royal Air Force Memorial. Once we got to this point, the rest of the walk was pretty much a straight line along the Thames (map reading skills not required). under the chimes

of Big Ben the walk concluded and it was time to collect our thoughts, ponder over the questionable and to take stock of the morning’s events (OK so we went to the pub!)

After a brief lunch it was time to head over to what was the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British Government throughout the Second World War - The Churchill War Rooms. They were expecting us, which was a good sign and the lovely tobias was assigned to be our guide. Whilst the rest of the London tourist scene had to be content to view from behind the glass panes, we were given the VIP treatment and allowed to enter some of the rooms, most notably the Cabinet War Room, from where Churchill declared it to be the room from which he would direct the war, and the Map Room which remains the same as when the lights were switched off on that last day in 1945.

Once tobias left us we were free to wander around on our own. There is an amazing amount of stuff to see and do down in the War Rooms and, for anyone considering a visit, just remember the dambusters date of 16th May 1943 and try entering it onto the big interactive table – Thrilling Stuff!

For full information on the Battle of Britain Heritage Walk visit the website: www.raf.mod.uk/events/bobheritagewalk.cfm

2012

This made me sit up and look at life in a different way. Realising that when golden opportunities rise, they are not to be sniffed at. Life passes us by far too quickly, so never put off those golden offers, they may never come around again.

My first opportunity was the Queens muster in May staying at the Mecure hotel, what a beautiful weekend it turned out to be and didn’t the Royal Air Force do us proud.

The second opportunity was to attend trooping of the colour in June staying at Park Plaza at Westminster Bridge and grabbing a show in between.

The third was to attend the Queens Garden Party at Henley, courtesy of the Station Commander; he put a caption out, in which you had to tell him in no more than a 100 words why you deserved to go. So I thought I would be different and write a poem.

at the beginning of the year, things Were not looking so good. tWo family members battling cancer, another With parkinson’s and one With copd.

Phot

o cr

edit:

Mat

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hire

BY: aDELE kEEBLE

BY: CaROL MORgan anD kaREn COLLins, BusinEss ManagEMEnt suppORt.

Photo credit: MapRoomCabinetWarRooms20060617_CopyrightKaihsuTai

Photo credit: Porcupine

15

WhAT A yEAR!

The fourth opportunity to top it all off, was to attend the rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, this really made me proud to be British. I am not sure what the rest of the year will bring, but I guess when it comes down to it, I feel everything happens for a reason, so smile through the tears, laugh at the pain, and love what you have, not what you want.

Photo credit: Nick Webb

Photo credit: Nick Webb

Photo credit: Matt Lancashire

Photo credit: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Phot

o C

red

it: M

att

Lanc

ashi

re

Henley on Thames is the place to be,To accompany the Station Commander

I jump for glee,To represent the station would be wonderful

gift Instead of working, a postroom shift.Events around the station I can’t always make

But this would be the icing on the cake To act as a lady and dress up really pretty Is a world away from the postroom gritty.

I have worked hard over these last few years, Shedding Blood, sweat and tears,

So please give me a chance and I will behave, Who knows there could be a royal wave.

left to right, Tracey Slee, Christine Law, Maj Law Adele Keeble

Enjoy your life today, as you never know what tomorrow brings.“

”

17

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

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

www.lagosalgarve.co.uk

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

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

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1918

mEDmENhAm PATChAnswers: 1. zeus; 2. olive wreath, a palm branch and a red ribbon; 3. false. not only were the competitors all male, the spectators were too; 4. The romans (emperor Theodosius); 5. 1896; 6. athens; 7. stoke mandeville, buckinghamshire; 8. fencing; 9. Three; dressage, Jumping and eventing; 10. one single day.

Quiz nights at the danesfield arms, medmenham

Way back in July, the danesfield Arms hosted its bi-monthly quiz night. The theme this time, set by the all-knowing Quiz Master, was the Olympics. So, how would you have fared that night?

1. Which Greek God were the games held in honour of?

2. What did competition winners receive as prizes?

3. True or false: women were only allowed to watch the ancient Olympic Games?

4. Who banned the Olympic Games in 393AD?

5. In which year were the first modern Olympic Games held?

6. In which city were the first modern Olympic Games held?

7. Where was the birthplace of the Paralympic Games?

8. Which Olympic event begins when a Jury Director orders ’en garde‘?

9. How many disciplines does equestrian have? What are they?

10. How many days is the Modern Pentathlon conducted over?

Well, this was just a sample of the questions we had to answer. But if you think these are easy, why not come along to a quiz night at the danesfield Arms. They are held every other month, usually on the last friday of the month. With sausage and chips to get the digestive juices working, and a bar on hand to provide lubrication for the brain, what else could you ask for? See the raf intranet site, the noticeboard outside the danesfield Arms or leaflets around the patch for details of the next one.

danesfieldarms

If you live on the Medmenham patch

and you need help in your garden

and feel I can help, do not hesitate

to contact through

www.theladygardener.talktalk.net

the LAdy gARDENEROctober will see the clocks going

back and glorious days with autumn colour and maybe even our first frost. It is a

month spent clearing up after the summer and preparing your garden for winter and the spring ahead. Here’s what you need to be doing to keep it looking good.

Leaves on the lawn need to be cleared up regularly to prevent the grass from dying, so rake them off and put them on a compost heap, if you have one or in your green bin. They can also be used as food for your borders; put the leaves in a black bin bag, sprinkle them lightly with water and put a few holes in the bag, shake them a bit, tie the bag up and leave it alone for a year, when it can then be used.

Reduce the frequency of mowing and raise the height of the cut, but always try to brush away worm casts before mowing to prevent muddy spots. Give your lawn a pick-me-up and eliminate moss at the same time by using an Autumn Lawn Feed & Moss Killer. When the moss turns black, scarify with a lawn rake or on a large lawn you may wish to hire a machine. If you have compacted patches, spike with a garden fork – push the fork in as far as you can and repeat every 10 cm, this job is easier said than done on our soil at the Medmenham patch, which is full of stones.

October is the main bulb planting month, so plant bulbs now to give you an impressive display next spring. If you want a natural look throw handfuls of bulbs directly onto the lawn or soil and plant them where they fall. In borders, go for large clumps of bulbs, this will give you a much better display. Always plant in odd numbers, preferably groups of five or more. Planting bulbs in containers allows you to move your display into a prime position while they are in full bloom. After flowering, the containers can be moved out of view while the bulbs die back and become dormant.

use a good quality general purpose compost and mix in a handful of fine grit to improve drainage. Alternatively you can choose specially prepared bulb compost. Water bulbs in containers regularly as they begin to grow, and throughout their flowering period.

You can plant many different types of bulbs in the one container even if they require different planting depths. This will give you a nice mixed display and a longer flowering period. try planting with winter pansies which will give colour while the bulbs are growing and they will also continue to flower while the bulbs are in flower.

Prune climbing roses and rambling roses once they’ve finished flowering and tie in the stems before autumn winds cause damage.

Borders need a good tidy before winter, cut back and remove all dying foliage and clear away any fallen leaves and debris which if not removed will encourage disease and give a nice home for slugs to over-winter.

The end of summer is a good time for planting shrubs, the soil is still warm and plants will establish rapidly. Make sure the root ball is thoroughly watered before planting and do continue with watering until the plant is established.

October is a good time to plant sweet pea seeds ready for next year’s growing season. Plant about 5 seeds in each 3” pot and leave them in an outside sheltered position. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails once the shoots start to show.

By the end of October you will need to remove all saucers from under pots and lift off the ground to prevent frost damage and help drainage. If the plants are slightly tender you can wrap the pots in bubble wrap and put fleece over the plants to help them through the winter.

TOFFEE APPLE MuFFInSWhat you need...• 2 eggs – lightly beaten• 80g caster sugar• 240ml milk• 100g butter – melted• 300g plain flour• 2tsp baking powder• ½ tsp salt• Cinnamon – pinch of• 2 eating apples – peeled, • cored and finely chopped• 200g shop-bought toffee pieces

How to make it...1. Preheat oven to 190C/380F/

gas mark 5. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. In a large bowl mix the eggs, sugar, milk and melted butter. Then sift in the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.

3. Add the chopped apple and lightly mix.

4. using half the mixture, quarter fill each of the muffin cases and top with a few pieces of toffee. Cover with the remaining filling so the cases are half full.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until well risen and golden. transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or cold.

How to make it...

1 Preheat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas mark 4. Butter and line a

30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin with baking parchment.

2 Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas and

salt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest and juice and then mix with the dry ingredients until combined. Stir in the pumpkin. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.

3 to make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar,

orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice until smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 mins then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely.

4 Give the frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over

the top of the cake in peaks and swirls. If you’re making the cake ahead, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 mins or so before serving. Will keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Why not have a go at these simple recipes – great to serve at a halloWe’en or bonfire party.

the Medmenham Coffee Shop is open each Wednesday (in term time) from 0900 – 1300 serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches and cakes. All of the cakes are home-made by the talented residents of the Medmenham Patch.

Hallowe’enPumPkin Cake

For frosting... • 200g soft cheese• 85g butter – softened• 100g icing sugar – sifted• Zest of 1 orange and juice of half

autumnbake

What you need...

• 300g self-raising flour

• 300g light muscavado sugar

• 3 tsp mixed spice

• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 175g sultanas

• ½ tsp salt

• 4 eggs – beaten

• 200g butter – melted

• Zest of 1 orange

• 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin or

butternut squash flesh – grated

2120

deep russet colour in their second year. Their tails are also not as deeply forked as the adults. Additionally during their first months, their eye colour is grey, which gradually changes to the familiar yellow.

Although many of the young kites will have taken their first tentative flight from the nest in early July, they often continue to stay close to the natal area for a number of weeks, whilst still being provided food by the adults. However, with no particular hunting skills to learn from the adults, the young kites are eventually ‘left on their own’ meaning they will need to scavenge for food just as the adults do, along the country lanes and among the fields, farmland and hills of the Chilterns.

Primarily scavengers, much of the kite’s diet consists of road kill, especially here in the Chilterns which is rich in wildlife. unfortunately, as a consequence of this, as they are swooping down to feed on the road kill they are occasionally hit by passing traffic resulting in injury or death. They have also been hit by trains, and by traffic on the motorway - notably the M40, again as a result of swooping down for food.

A fter a long breeding season, the adults will be taking a hard earned rest having raised their chicks for almost two months

and incubated the eggs for a month. Many people are often left wondering where all the kites have disappeared to, and I receive many enquiries about this. The kites are still present, just not as conspicuous, spending a lot of time perching in the trees looking decidedly sorry for themselves! The summer/autumn time offers an opportunity to note the difference between adults and young kites when in flight. The kites most likely to be seen will look decidedly tatty, with many gaps in their wings and tail where their flight feathers have dropped – this is due to their annual moult, which takes place over a number of months as their used feathers are replaced by new ones.

The exception to the tatty looking adult kites, are the juveniles who have recently fledged. Their appearance will be clean with all flight feathers neatly in place. Their plumage differs from the adult, in that they have a paler ‘washed out’ russet colour. This is replaced by the more recognisable

this time of the year sees plenty of young red kites that have floWn the nest...

by: mRs Helen olive

REDKITE U

PDATE

I absolutely loved my job and was lucky to get to do lots of amazing things. I got to fly on a training flight on a Nimrod at Kinloss, which helped me overcome my fear of flying. I worked with amazing

people in a place that had an amazing work ethic.2004 – I got my E1 and changed posts to look

after AO IStAR, then in 3Gp. In that post I often got to fly in a Sea King with the SAR teams, as my boss was in charge of them and inspected them all on an annual basis. I stayed in that post, although it then became 2Gp, until I left on VERS on 30 March 2012.

Although I loved my job, things changed all the time. Along with regular changes of boss – I worked for 4 AO IStAR’s, there were always changes within the Mod as a whole. When the first set of VERS was offered to civilians in 2011, I took a long hard look at my, then, 9.5 years in my job as a PA and as a whole, and my future prospects. My post was going to be disestablished along with the move of IStAR to Waddington. I know I could have stayed at the Mod and got another job but I felt the time was right for a change. If I didn’t change now, then I felt I would be too old to do it later!

With many a sleepless night, I searched for a career I thought I would be good at and enjoy and be my own boss. I came up with being a Mobile dog Groomer, as I have always groomed my own and family’s dogs over the last 20 odd years. I indeed bought my own Oster clippers/blades and scissors over 20 years ago (still in use today). Having discussed my thoughts with my husband, he was taken with my enthusiasm and said he would back me all the

way if that was what I wanted to do. There are no Mobile dog Groomers in my local area and the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I decided after a lot of research that dog Grooming would be the right career move for me.

I duly applied for VERS with a departure date for the following March 2012. That would give me time to study for a diploma in dog Grooming (yes, there is such a thing!) and get some hands on experience in a salon. It took me just over a year to get a ‘distinction’ in my NCFE Level 3 diploma. I also took advantage of ‘training days’ and managed to secure hands on training in a dog Grooming Salon called Wagtails. I worked alongside the owner, Caroline, whenever I could, to learn the grooming skills for the different dog breeds. It was an invaluable time, with Caroline honing my skills to a high level. I gained the confidence to groom any dog and she is confident to recommend me, knowing I will do a great job, with care and understanding for those dogs.

Early in March 2012 we bought a Ford transit van to convert into my Mobile Salon. My husband did most of the work, guided by my needs. I helped out doing all the preparation and painting and helped along the way. We now have a brilliantly converted Mobile dog Grooming Salon which works really well. There is an electric grooming table, a specialised hydrobath and a drying area using a dryer/blaster.

This allows me to go to people’s homes, saving them time and the cost of travelling. It also benefits the dog(s) as they get ‘one to one’ attention, which helps if they are nervous. It is a real ‘Personal

by: Anne suckLing

dog Grooming Service’. After booking the appointment, I arrive at the owner’s house with the van, plug into a power source and groom their dog(s). If a dog needs holding, then the owner can help and reassure the dog if it needs it.

I’ve been up and running since Mid May 2012 and know that business will take off slowly – I am getting customers from Caroline at Wagtails that she is unable to take on or unable to do, as she is booked up so far ahead. I thought I would try to concentrate on Mod customers as I know a lot of their families have dogs and it is not too far from where I live in Princes Risborough. I have also trained on a few Mod dogs along the way.

I am on a journey to retirement that on the way has been eventful. I’ve got a lovely family and home. I’ve done several jobs, all to the best of my ability – If I can’t do something really well then I don’t do it. VERS has made me take stock of my life and ultimately given me the chance to be a Mobile dog Groomer. I’ve loved my job at the Mod but am lucky to be doing something else now that I know I will love doing, with a passion. If I can change career direction in my early 50’s then anyone can, this shows that there is life after the Mod. If I can do this and make a success of it, then anyone can.

If you would like to contact me to discuss or arrange for your dog to be groomed then

please call on 07550 013059 www.million-dollar-dogs.com

the mod

10 september

2001 - started

Work at hQ 3gp as personal assistant to

dacos a4-3 and capt Jfh, as an e2.

LIFe AFteRIf you find a

dead red kite, please email helen@redkites.

net, or call 07795 428806 for further advice. Alternatively, call

Helen Olive on 95221 6763 during office hours. If you find a sick or injured kite, please call the local wildlife hospital tiggywinkles, located in Haddenham on 01844 292292.

For further information about the Chilterns red kites, along with local contact details of those who can provide advice, go to www.redkites.net or call Helen Olive on ext 6763.

Copyright Helen Olive

Copyright Helen Olive

Copyright Helen Olive

iMagEs

TOP RIGHT 1 yr old kite

swooping down

BOTTOM LEFT8 week old red

kite chick

BOTTOM RIGHT1 yr old kite

in tree

2322

ISW FAmIlIES DAy

O ver 70 attendees enjoyed a country themed afternoon, with an air of authenticity created by

the kind donation of Hay Bales by the Home of Rest for Horses. The kids (both

the sun finally came out in august for the isW’s families hog roast bbQ!

by: sgT JoAnne bevAn

big and small) all enjoyed the soft play kindly supplied by the Hive, thankyou to tracey Clarke and her team. The efforts of the Entertainments Committee were rewarded with a great afternoon enjoyed by fantastic support from ISW families.

SCONES & BUBBlymORNINg

O n tuesday 26 June 2012, the RAF High Wycombe SSAFA In-Service Committee held a Scones & Bubbly fundraiser for SSAFA, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. The event

was held in the Oakeshott Centre on 3 Site, with committee members dispensing tea, coffee, cream scones and bubbly! A variety of stalls was available selling jewellery, homeware, books and toiletries and the stallholders kindly donated prizes to the raffle. Our thanks go to ESS and Sainsbury’s of High Wycombe for donating the delicious scones to the event.

The sum of £300.72 was raised and this money stays on the station to be used for serving personnel and their families.

Our Community Volunteers are friendly faces to whom serving personnel and their families can turn to in times of need. They offer low key practical help on a confidential basis. Whatever your role, either as a committee member or being a volunteer, working for SSAFA Forces Help is a uniquely rewarding experience with plenty of challenges and choice. We provide training appropriate to each role and cover all out of pocket expenses.

If you would like to know more about how SSAFA could help you or if you would like to become a Community Volunteer or join the committee, please contact either of the people named below:

Tracey Clark at the HIVE 01494 497831

rafhighwycombehive@btconnect.com

Nicky Pulford01494 564654

nickypulford@hotmail.co.uk

PRE-lOvED ClOThES COllECTIONS

ISW support charities such as Hearing dogs for the deaf and the Saunderton Lodge. Please help us by donating any old clothing you may no longer require. Please deposit clothing at the Post Room on 1 site with Adele Keeble, contactable on Ext 7559. The collection is ongoing all year so why not take the opportunity to have that clear out you keep promising yourself and give yourself an excuse for a new winter wardrobe?

are you having a clear out this autumn?

with function room facilities.

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

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

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

Royal British LegionFamily Friendly Social Club

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Prestwood Office: 01494 862226 2 Wycombe Road, Prestwood, HP16 0PW

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2524

RAF HIgH Wycombe tAke A boW FOR ChARITy

airmen from raf high Wycombe’s information support Wing have taken part in a 24-hr archery shoot in aid of local charities.

T he team, working round the clock, fired approximately 1000 arrows between 10 volunteers in the novel

fundraiser in the Station’s Sports Hall. The event was held alongside an

attempt to beat the World Record Score in Archery over 24 hours, an endeavour that was too tough a nut to crack, as Corporal Mark Sharratt and Mr Nick Skegg fell way short of the target.Corporal Sharratt said:

“The guys that hold the current record were from RAF Benson – they must have been machines to achieve the rate of arrows per hour they did.”

The event kicked off with a gate collection by Robin Hood and his Merry Men, proceeds of which will go towards helping local charities, Hearing dogs for deaf People and Saunderton Lodge.

Speaking on behalf of Hearing dogs for the deaf, Media and Campaigns manager Rob Panting said: “This is a hugely innovative and fun way of raising money for Hearing dogs for deaf People – and we wish everyone involved at RAF High Wycombe the very best of luck. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters. The lifetime cost of a hearing dog is around £45,000 each, so we really do need the public’s support to go creating more life-

changing hearing dog partnerships.” Sustenance for the event was provided

by ESS Support Services, the catering contractors on the Station. Sergeant Chris Parker, who co-organised the event with Sgt Matt Williams and others, was astounded at the support ESS had offered:

BY: MCO

“They have done us proud”, said Chris, “we have had tea and coffee on tap, bacon butties for breakfast both days, sandwiches at lunch and to top it all they even brought us pizza – we can’t thank them enough.”

Closing the event, Corporal Sharratt said: “Although we failed to take the record, we are immensely proud to have raised what we did for our chosen charities. Thanks must go to all who contributed and supported the event.”

in the stAtion sQuAsh LeAgue !I n the year since the completion

of the refurbishment of RAF High Wycombe’s squash courts and changing rooms, the Social

Squash League has gone from strength to strength. Operating on a calendar month basis, the league regularly has 6 divisions each of 5 players. to date there have been a total of 54 different players in the league, peaking at 37 in January, probably due to several New Year Resolutions. dominating the league has been former RAF No. 2, Paul Warner, who remains undefeated, although he has been hard pressed on a number of occasions, particularly by former CinC, Simon Bryant, to whom we should be very grateful for his personal intervention in getting the courts so well refurbished. In playing a total of 44 x leagues matches in the 12 months, Pete Maskell’s herculean effort to remain in div 1 is also very praiseworthy.

Squash is famously an excellent sport for fitness and many players use the league as their prime means of exercise.

The nature of the league is advertised as ‘social’ but there is inevitably a strong competitive element once on court, whilst maintaining a strong sense of fun and camaraderie between players. The league is open to players of any standard and anybody joining will be made welcome. If you would like to join, please inform the OIC, Neil Flather on ext 5071. Similarly, you could undertake a recce of the ‘Bryant Courts’ which are on Site 2, approx 100 yards beyond the entrance to the Officers’ Mess (the entry code to the courts is C1386x) and enter your name on the Next Months’ New Players sheet. There is no limit of the number of players in the league – any number can be accommodated.

For those who have an interest in playing squash but not in the league, please be re-assured that the courts are open to all RAF High Wycombe personnel – the only constraint being that you should book your session on-line via the PEd Flt webpage.

hAvE SOmE FUN

KEEP FIT

R ecently, members of PSF volunteered to clear out the gardens of the contact houses in Kilnwood. After 4 hours in the blazing heat they were looking less like jungles and more

like the rest of the married quarters. Once again, PSF to the rescue! A big thumbs up for those who volunteered!

gARDENINg

stAtion siF minibus

D id you know that the Station SIF has a self-drive minibus available for service personnel, with the correct driving qualifications, to hire for a nominal fee? If Mt isn’t available

and a private hire minibus looks like the only option, why not see if the SIF vehicle is available first? Force development, Adventurous training, Sport, even department days out – it’s your minibus – use it! Contact Sgt Mackay on Ext 7642 for more information.

attention all raf high Wycombe personnel!

AvAILAbLe FoR ALL!

26 27

HIgH Wycombeby: emmA cheedy

mIlITARy WIvEs choIR

M egan tanner, a Musical director and Founder of ‘From Vision 2 Voice’ had contacted the Community

development Officer, dani Bowman, about setting up a Wives Choir. A lot of discussion followed and it was with some trepidation that 10 of us went along for that first ‘taster session’ on Friday 22nd June to meet Megan and see if we could become a choir.

At this point I am very tempted to ‘skip to the end’; to announce that after 7 weeks of rehearsals we now have our first booking but that would be doing Megan and the choir ladies an injustice.

So back to that very first meeting; I don’t really think any of us were expecting to actually ‘sing’. There was no audition, a desire to give it a go and have fun was all that was needed but there we were, warming up our voices and preparing to ‘try’ to sing a medley. So then we sang….. I am not sure who was more surprised, Megan or us! There were certainly a few moments not dissimilar to that scene in Sister Act where the choir discover they can sing!

So now we knew we had the makings of a choir and made arrangements to meet the following Wednesday. Then it got just a bit more exciting….Megan emailed us. Impressed by our very first meeting and our enthusiasm she contacted the Military Wives Choir Foundation to register us. We are very proud that we can say we are RAF High Wycombe Military Wives Choir.

We are open to all ladies over 18 with a Service connection; Wives, daughters, sisters, mums and Service women and

although we are RAF High Wycombe Choir we have a member from the defence School of Languages at Beaconsfield and a lady who lives at RAF Halton whose husband works at HQ Air Command.

So now, 7 weeks later we have our places in the choir; know about Alto’s and Sop’s, can sing 3 part harmonies, visualise the notes and control our diaphragms (to varying degrees of success and lots of laughter). As I am writing this we are coming to the end of our summer break. We have been rehearsing at home as Megan sends us our music and lyrics by email, and we need to keep on track as when we meet back in September it will only be 4 weeks until we make our debut; at the RAF High Wycombe SSAFA Forces Help Big Brew up.

We are always looking for more ladies to join us. We meet on a Wednesday evening 7pm – 8.30pm in the Station Church, 3 Site. Come along for a FREE taster session (£6/week payable in 6 week blocks thereafter). Look out for the posters around the station or email rafhwmwc@gmail.com for more information. You can also find us on Facebook ‘RAF High Wycombe Military Wives Choir’ or on twitter @RAFHighWycMWC.

As I have said before; you don’t have to be ‘able’ to sing, just a desire to give it a go and to have fun at the same time!

back in may a message appeared on the high Wycombe Wives facebook group. ‘brand neW choir raf high Wycombe - raf high Wycombe personnel and dependants come along and let your voices take flight!’

FRom vIsIon 2 voIce IntRoduce buckIngHAmsHIRe’s FIRst

mILItARy WIves cHoIR (MWC)

R AF High Wycombe Military Wives

Choir is open to Service Women and ladies with a Military connection; Army, Navy, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines. We have ladies whose husbandss and sons serve at Air Command, RAF High Wycombe and the defence Language School at Beaconsfield.

Registered with the Military Wives Choir Foundation in June they are preparing to make their debut performance at the annual Soldier, Sailors, Airman & Families Association (SSAFA) - Forces Help ‘Big Brew up’ at RAF High Wycombe in October.

Currently we have a choir member with her husband away on operational deployment, a mother with her son also on operational deployment and a choir member whose husband is preparing to deploy in support of Op Herrick at the end of August.

Megan tanner set up From Vision 2 Voice with the belief that choirs and singing can really inspire, motivate, challenge and grow anyone and everyone. After working with people of all ages and from all works of life, Megan saw how singing and the community

of a choir created change and From Vision 2 Voice was born.

• Megan is a professional Actress and Singer, graduating from drama College in 2001.• Megan has worked as a Musical Theatre Actress in uK Theatre and on tour and her credits include: Wicked Witch in ‘JACK AND THE BEANSTALK’ at terry O’toole Theatre, Lincoln. • Lead Vocalist on 3 cruise ships. • Swing/asm in ‘CRAZY FOR YOU’ at Lincoln Theatre Royal. • The Beggar Woman in ‘SWEENEY TODD’ - tour.• Megan’s filming credits include:  ‘EATEN BY THE WOLVES’ (Mrs Aldridge),  ‘HAPPINESS IS RELATIVE’ (Kate, lead),  ‘FRIDAY NIGHT’ (Mum, lead),  ‘RAPE CRISIS ORGANISATION’ (Jenny, rape victim, lead),  ‘WHERE SEAGULLS CRY IS A SONG’ (Anna, receptionist)

Megan also works as a Vocal Coach and has taught private lessons since 2002. Her pupils include: session singers, singers and bands with record labels and Film/ tV / Theatre actors. She has held the position of singing lecturer at Brooklands College in Surrey, teaching the National diplomas in Music, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre. Megan has also worked for many Stage Schools including Jigsaw, Studio 3, Stagecoach and Theatretrain.

About megAn...

FActs About megAn...

For further information please contact Megan tanner on 07957787399 or admin@fv2v.co.uk

RAF High Wycombe Military Wives Choir can be contacted in the first instance at rafhwmwc@gamil.com

RAF

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2928

The Bike Safe day was partially sponsored by SERCO and ESS who provide support to RAF High Wycombe and RAF

Halton and run the unit’s road transport operations and are keen to ensure that all personnel are educated on how to manage the potential risks to road users.

The Bike safe course consists of a series of morning briefings to raise awareness of the potential risks and how best to combat them, followed by an assessed ride lasting for 2-3 hours which aims to encourage safe, systematic and smooth riding in a live traffic environment and at realistic speeds. Riders then receive individual feedback on their technique, with the onus being on the maintenance of safe progress. transport for London have partially sponsored the course since 2003, which certainly contributes to improving the safety of all road users in the Capital. The course is anything but dull, with the Met Police instructors delivering a humorous interactive presentation that brought out the real-time risks and how to drive

over 30 motorcyclists, including the former

raf commander in chief, gathered at raf high

Wycombe, in the leafy chiltern hills to attend a

bike safe event run by the metropolitan police.

defensively to minimise those risks. The event at RAF High Wycombe

was the brainchild of Squadron Leader Stephen Sharpe, himself a keen motorcyclist, who first attended a Bike Safe event himself several years ago. Welcoming the assembled guests, including 10 officers from London’s Metropolitan Police Bike unit, Squadron Leader Sharpe said:

“I attended a Bike Safe course for the first time 4 years ago and the value that this course provides is immense. As a keen motorcyclist for a considerable number of years, I am all too aware of instances where riders, irrespective of their level of experience, find themselves involved in serious crashes and we have had more than our fair share of RAF personnel killed or injured in motorcycle incidents. Many of those crashes were avoidable and all too often involve basic errors of judgement made by the rider which, with better awareness and the use of defensive riding skills, could have been avoided. The Met Police Instructors provide a stepping stone which will raise your awareness and hopefully will be the start of a process that will see you go on to more advanced training with either the IAM or ROSPA.

Sgt Mick Cheeseman, a Met Police Officer who, when out of uniform, is a keen motorcyclist, said:

“It is too easy to simply look at who is in the right and who is in the wrong when discussing Road traffic Collisions. unfortunately, it doesn’t hurt any less if you are in the right.”

Currently, 1 in 4 of all fatalities on London’s roads is a motorcyclist; in 2011 alone, 36 motorcyclists were killed in the capital.

Speaking of this specific visit to RAF High Wycombe, Sgt Cheeseman said:

“This is a big group today, we are normally used to groups of 10-12. It is good to link in to the Armed Forces because the very nature of what they do involves risk. Armed Forces personnel are natural thrill seekers. This attracts them to motorcycling where the risk element and management of risk is part of the enjoyment of motorcycling.”

I am all too aware of instances where riders, irrespective of their level of experience, find themselves involved in serious crashes and we have had more than our fair share of raF personnel killed or injured in motorcycle incidents.

“”

BIKE SAFERAF hIgh WycombEcomes to

BY: MCO

3130

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The Apple Orchard specialises in tables that could be for 2 people, or for someone who likes entertaining we offer a large range of extendable tables that could seat 14 people. We offer different finishes and colours throughout most of our ranges as our furniture is made to order. to compliment the tables we can offer sideboards in various sizes or a dresser unit to hold all your glasses and china.

The Apple Orchard has many occasional pieces of furniture, even small units to go down narrow hallways,

we also offer furniture for those awkward spaces and storage solutions.

We also have ranges of bedroom furniture mostly manufactured in the UK with plenty of sizes to choose from you will be spoilt for choice!

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3332

nAPhiLL schooLgoes eco

on the 22nd June, the station commander, station energy manager and mike byrne

from the shef (safety, health, environment & fire) team, With pupils and staff of naphill school, officially marked the presentation

of an eco shelter resulting from a donation to the school during climate Week 2011.

I n a joint effort, the SHEF team and Helen Knowles from CESO RAF ran a raffle across RAF High Wycombe during Climate Week 2011. two

winners both received a box of organic Fairtrade goodies and eco-friendly gadgets donated by both departments. A total of £245 was raised over two days which was donated to the school.

After much careful thought over the summer holidays and Christmas break, the school chose to purchase a green shelter kit with the proceeds. It was planted by the children in the spring of 2012 and, unlike the rest of us, it seems to be flourishing in the damp weather! With some careful looking after by the school gardening club, the willow branches and leaves will eventually mesh together and fully cover the shelter, creating an outdoor classroom.

The deputy Head expressed thanks on behalf of the school to all staff involved and it is hoped that it will set a trend for more green facilities at the school, as well as representing a strong link with the Station.

S ome of the activities received an overwhelming response from RAF families. Littlehampton, Whipsnade Zoo and Wellington Park Residential

sold out, within a week of being advertised. Whipsnade Zoo and Wellington Park were funded by a bidding process granted by Airplay to provide the young people with an opportunity to take part in enriched activities which aim to informally educate and develop a sense of community.

Throughout the past few months, 4 Children and the station have been recruiting for Sessional Youth Workers and I am pleased to inform everyone that we have successfully recruited for the two posts. The panel consisted of three young people, the youth club’s treasurer and the Station Youth Worker and the

young people and their families have taken

part in a Wide range of activities throughout

the summer holiday programme.

interviewing commenced on the 27th July 2012. As a result, we have recruited Jade Morgan who will be floating between the High Wycombe and Medmenham Youth Clubs. Secondly, we will have Karen Shahanan who will act as our bank member of staff. Both candidates have a wealth of experience and knowledge; and they look forward to be meeting everyone September.

3534

T he club seized on the opportunity of additional funding to replace old and tired tools, as well as bring

new tools to enhance the membership’s ability to keep up with modern motoring innovations. The cost of motoring, especially maintenance and repair, continues to escalate, as does the complexity of the tasks, often resulting in the need for expensive diagnostics and trips to the main dealer.

With the tools provided through this gratefully received Nuffield trust grant, members remain able to complete basic, and slightly more advanced, maintenance and repair tasks. The grant has also freed club funds to purchase

the raf halton motor club Was recently successful in its bid for a nuffield trust grant.

more technologically advanced items such as code readers and hopefully modern diagnostic software (no laptops though). Members (at their risk) may in the near future be able to link their car to their laptop and receive live data and in some applications re-code and/or remap their ECus, making their vehicles more fuel efficient.

The club has a short term bay with two ramps for all round repair and servicing. Waste oils and lubricants are disposed of professionally through the club. The club is heated, dry and about to embark on a period of self-help improvement. There is also a Long term Bay for the longer term projects and storage (for which there is a small daily charge), ideal if a member departs on Operational deployments.

The club remains open to new members from the service, civilian and contractor staff on unit and at neighbouring RAF High Wycombe.

upnUFFIElD TRUsTby

motoRcLubjAcked

RAF AmbuLAnce co-RespondeRsan raf team of highly trained ambulance co-responders, Working out of raf high Wycombe, have saved the life of a buckinghamshire man.

T he team, including Senior Aircraftsman Sarah dockrill and Corporal dylan trinder, had only met hours earlier and were working together for the first time as part of the RAF High Wycombe and South Central

Ambulance Service partnership. Whilst they were supporting an ambulance crew at a doctor’s surgery in High Wycombe, they were alerted to attend a male who had collapsed with breathing difficulty. A ‘Code Red’ alert was given, meaning the crew had to be on scene within 8 minutes – the crew were there within two.

Speaking of the blue light dash, Sarah said: “I’m just thankful dylan’s driving got us there quickly, any later and the story may have ended differently.”

On arrival at the scene the training immediately took over. The pair that had only met 11 hours earlier was immediately a team. After completing a medical assessment, no pulse was found on the patient and the decision had to be taken to use the defibrillator. After shocking the patient, a heartbeat was again established and he started to breathe again. All too soon the patient deteriorated, went into cardiac arrest, and had to be shocked once more. As his heart was restarted, a full-time Ambulance crew arrived and the decision was quickly taken to transfer the patient to hospital. Sarah travelled with the patient in the Ambulance to High Wycombe A&E, where he recovered enough to be able to talk to Sarah, whose normal job is as an RAF Medic.

Speaking after the event, dylan, who is an Engineering technician (Weapons) currently employed as a gliding instructor at RAF Halton said:

“I’m sure it’s a testimony to our military training, the fact that when faced with a high pressure situation, we were able to work together with such a successful outcome.”

sAvE bUcKInghAmshIRE mAn

The Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, launched in June 1999, provides a life saving

service for the counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

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The air ambulance, a Eurocopter EC135, which has been aptly named BOB (to represent the three counties it covers), is based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire. It carries a full range of life saving and medical equipment and is manned by a pilot and two fully qualified paramedics, who are often

BOB - Your Local Air Ambulancesupported by a small team of doctors who volunteer their time. BOB has the capacity to transport one patient with the ability to treat and care in the air.

The helicopter is operated during daylight hours and is on call seven days per week. On average it is tasked three times per day to emergency situations involving road traffic collisions, equestrian and sporting accidents and the onset of acute illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes. Each mission costs over £2,000 in operational costs such as fuel and flying time.

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The Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust needs your help to raise the necessary funds to maintain this life saving service.Web: wwwsupportbob.co.ukCall: 0300 999 0135

3736

CADETS ROUND-UPMR VICE,

N evertheless, Cdt Matt Goff rose to the challenge and

not only delivered the required toast, but also superbly entertained everyone afterwards with a game involving hands (on yourself) and jellied sweets (tip – let the AOC win the games next time!).

As always, the High Wycombe Squadron AtC Annual dinner and Prizegiving recognised the achievements of the cadets over the previous 12 months, and this year, the Squadron was very fortunate to have AOC 22 (Trg) Gp, AVM Mike Lloyd, present the awards. First up, unusually, were the classification badges for Matt Goff, Aydan Thomas, Jonny Payne and Adam Mabbutt who were on the January recruit entry and who had worked very hard to qualify ahead of schedule. Next, hard work was also recognised with the promotion of two cadets to Sergeant and five to Corporal rank; Sam Hallam, Charlie Macdonald, Liam tack, Joe Allen, Hamza Sheikh, Will Bates and Nicole Feek all now have the weight of responsibility on their shoulders as well as their new rank badges! The most promising new cadet was then recognized. This award is for the cadet in their first year that shows great potential; Aydan Thomas duly stepped forward again. Some cadets take a while to get into the swing of things, hence the prize for the most improved cadet and Hattie Thompson has indeed made great advances in her confidence and overall ability in the past year. Following these prizes, awards were made for Best Attendance, Academic Achievement,

When you’re only 13, have been associated With the raf for less than 3 months and are standing in front of over 90 people, including a mixed bag of your felloW cadets, sQuadron adult instructional staff, the toWn mayor and aoc 22 (trg) gp, it must be a bit daunting!

the Queen!

Marksmanship, Sports and Overall Smartness; Mikesh Limbu, Charlotte Jones, Joe Allen, Katie Brown and Nicole Feek respectively, proudly carried off these prizes. The awards always finish with the ‘Big Three’ prizes, those of Best NCO, the Cadets’ Cadet (the prize for the cadet that the other cadets like best) and lastly, the Cadet of the Year. With this latter award also comes the honour of being the High Wycombe Mayor’s Air Cadet for the following year. Sgt Sam Hallam took the Best NCO award, with Sgt Charlie Macdonald given the vote by his fellow cadets for their prize. The Cadet of the Year and Mayor’s Cadet went to a very worthy and hugely pleased Cpl Ben Followell. A final gift of a miniature officers’ sword was also made to departing instructor Sqn Ldr Geordie Prangley who is leaving the RAF for service in Canada.

despite their initial worries about attending a formal event, the cadets (and their parents) soon relaxed and appreciated one of the Service’s great traditions. Prizewinners were naturally happy, those promoted equally pleased; those who went home empty handed will try their hardest to be among the winners next year, such is the ethos of the Air Cadets!

Vanskeligheter Er Intet Hinder!

RAF VALLeyANNUAl CAmP2012

This however did not deter us from our main objective: to have fun!Although the Officers had

advised us, and the VRt NCOs had informed us, that an early bed would be the evening proceedings, we, as young bubbly cadets thought we knew everything and stayed up to times that exceed milk and cookies. Yet we all feel asleep waiting for the days ahead of us.Within an hour we had discovered many problems. Apart from the staff, we only had 2 irons for all 37 cadets, only 2 showers for the boys and a very cold building. The first day was filled with excitement as we started to bond as two very competitive flights. team building and drill were scheduled and an eagerly-awaited night exercise with the awesome Marine Cadets. We all wanted to do our best there, so we conserved our energy (except for the sports sessions).The night ex came around and we couldn’t wait. It started with an intro from the Marine Sgt then each of the 4 sections went their separate ways. First

on July 21st 36 cadets and myself departed for the long and painful Journey to Wales and after five hours We arrived at a rather Wet raf valley.

aid, section attack, team exercise and sentry training. Flight B Section 2 was my section. Our first challenge was the team challenge and, as a well-moulded set of individuals, we succeeded in a fast time. Next sentry training. This turned into ‘see who is the cleverest’, with the Marine Sgt against James O’Britten from 1239 Broxbourne and Hoddesdon Squadron, which was won emphatically with the Sgt reciting Operation Mincemeat from WW2. The first aid was so shocking it would take the whole of Wycombe World to explain it! Then the section attack was easily repulsed by the more experienced Marines. The next few days flowed by with section visits to the Air traffic Control station, fire section, 4/19 Squadron and 208 Squadron, the 2 Sea King Squadrons and Mountain Rescue section, Survival Equipment Section and then the rifle range. Then in the evening we went go karting which was the cherry on top of our week. Everything was so interesting and we were surprised at the talent needed for the jobs, so by the evening we could hardly keep our eyes open. Nevertheless, the evening was the time to show who had the most chance in married life, with B Flight holding the inaugural iron and toe cap shiny championship. With Cpl Close-Smith winning the shiny shoe competition and Sgt Bradbury the ironing competition. The parade the next morning was interesting, as A Flight

had got together and been pre-inspected by Sgt davies, and would have made the Household Cavalry look tatty. As an added extra we were taken on an adventure trip to Betsy-Coed high ropes course which brought out the manliness in all the boys. Then the Camp Commandant suggested that we try the 106ft tower of terror. Only 15 of the group attempted it with nobody backing out. (Except the staff who said they were too valuable to jump that far!!!) My personal well done to Cpl devney who jumped, despite a fear of heights. However, all too soon the end of the week was coming up. Our drill was getting extremely slick, our uniforms crisp and spotless and our attitude to the Welsh weather depreciating. Yet we went to the beach and, for those 3 hours, we had the most amazing weather and fun. Then for 5 of us the week got a lot better, Cpl Birch, Sgt Cathcart, Cdt Vaughan, Cdt Luke and myself got the chance to have a Sea King flight around Anglesey. It was absolutely amazing. unfortunately, as they say, all good things have to come to an end and the week was over. We had made close friends and learned even more life skills than anyone could sum up. All in all, it was one of the best camps I have been on and the most versatile RAF station I have lived on, or been to. I hope more people have this opportunity and join cadets for the same reason I did; to have fun and make friends, both of which I did at RAF Valley Annual Camp 2012.

BY: CaDEt BEn pEEL, 332 squaDROn HigH WYCOMBE.

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The Old PlowBISTRO AND RESTAuRANT AT SPEEN

“The Old Plow has the best seafood,fresh from Devon”, Jay Kay of Jamiraquai

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AND its on your doorstep!

The Hardens Guide and Michelin listed Old Plow sits in the valley between Speen village and The Home of Rest for Horses, less than 5 minutes drive from

the main RAF camp in Walters Ash .

This lovely 17c building houses a country restaurant and bistro and has a well established reputation locally for fine food. Head chef Malcolm Cowan, took on The Old Plow 24 years ago and continues to this day to serve his diners the same high standard of cuisine he was famous for during his career in the West End.

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Fresh turbot and line caught sea bass, lobster in season, diver caught scallops and fresh mussels from the estuary of the River Exe are all on the current menu and are usually served with an Old Plow classic French sauce.

Public footpaths crisscross the valley around The Old Plow and walkers are welcome should they wish to stop off for something from the Light Bites menu. As winter approaches, log fires will be lit and hot mulled wine will be available at the bar. For more tempting treats and information about menus including Christmas functions contact Olivia directly on 01494 488300.