Wor

ld

Win

ter 2

015 Wycombe

World

The Magazine of RAF High Wycombe Summer 2015

Reception2015

Annual

This is how we put it to new parents: picture the scene- your 15 year old son or daughter finds themselves trapped in an alien environment a long way from home – no mobile phone and no other way of seeking assistance. Since they started their adventure things have not worked out the way they expected. They are all alone and time is running out. The decisions they make in the next few hours will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Will they remain calm, and have the resilience to survive and succeed or will the challenge over-face them, and will they simply panic, give up and sit down to await their fate? Would your child have the self-confidence and comprehensive training to enable them to cope with this nightmare scenario? We know that the leadership and personal development program offered by the CCF is focused on delivering exactly the sense of personal responsibility and self-reliance that enables young people to succeed in the face of this kind of adversity and the CCF cadets at Bromsgrove are testament to this. This shock tactic seems to work and with the strength of the contingent reaching over 300 for the first time in many decades more and more students are enjoying the opportunities on offer. At Bromsgrove our pupils thrive on a challenge and this year, as always, the CCF cadets have engaged in a frenetic and rewarding whirlwind of activities. This year new uniforms have been a popular feature – all senior Army cadets have all been issued Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) uniforms as per their Regular Army counterparts. A new Bromsgrove School CCF Unit Patch has been created to be worn on MTP and was awarded to the cadets by Colonel Carruthers during The Biennial Inspection. The Prime Minister’s office initiative to set up 100 new CCF contingents has resulted in Bromsgrove School successfully welcoming 30 cadets from our local state comprehensives under a formal Cadet Partnership Agreement.

The new cadets are fully integrated into the contingent and have engaged in all activities on offer including field days, shooting competitions, RAF flying experience days, Bronze DofE training and summer camp. The anniversary of The First World War gave special poignancy to the Remembrance Service this academic year and the CCF marked the occasion by completing this year’s Gold DofE expedition in the Ardennes in the area that the French and German Armies first met – this was followed by a battlefield tour and ceremony at the Menin Gate to remember our fallen Old Bromsgrovians. Cadets brought back some earth from the battlefields with bullet fragments which have been incorporated into a memorial garden which will flower in early summer with what we hope will be a beautiful display of bright red poppies.

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL CCF:Survival – It’s a jungle out there

I have had experience working in practice, industry and local authorities. I qualified as an accountant in 1999. I have worked in a mixture of small and medium practices.

My main work ethos has always been to try to provide each of my clients with as much of a personal service as I possibly can. I get to know my clients so that I can communicate with them in the most effective way without causing stress or embarrassment by using technical jargon that the client doesn’t understand.

I understand that a lot of small business owners don’t understand about accounting and don’t have the time to work it out. I enjoy taking these stresses away from the owners so that they can do what they know best – their trade!

I decided to start my own practice so that I could provide the type of friendly, jargon free accountancy service that I believe small business owners deserve without the constraints of being an employee.

A bookkeeping and accountancy practice based in High Wycombe providing sensible, jargon-free services including the following:• Free initial consultation• Bookkeeping services• Payroll services• VAT returns• Management accounts• Year end accounts for sole

traders and partnerships• Statutory accounts for limited companies• Corporation tax• Personal tax• Registered office and company secretarial services

Fixed fee or hourly rates available

For more information contact Marina Legge FCCA on:Direct dial: 01494 439013Mobile: 07442532638e-mail: marina@chimesaccountancyservices.co.ukwebsite: www.chimesaccountancyservices.co.uk

Flight Sergeant Kerry Murphy-Brown

Editor: Flt Lt Andy Keeley Ext 4454Deputy Editor: FS Kerry Murphy-Brown Ext 7194Head of Contribution: Sqn Ldr Holly Steel Ext 6085Official Contributor: SAC Tim Laurence Ext 5783Distribution: WO Stu Redpath Ext 7521Mailbox: HWY-Editor WycombeWorld

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

Designer: Lance Publishing LtdTel: (01536) 521126 Email: rowena@lancepublishing.co.uk

Advertising: Tammie RiddlerTel: (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: (01733) 390 564

Editorial Team

SubmissionDeadline...All articles for the AUTUMN ISSUE 2015 edition to be sent to the editor no later than 21 Aug 2015 to HWY-Editor WycombeWorld. Please send files as word documents with separate photos in the Jpeg format with highest possible quality to HWY-Editor WycombeWorld@mod.uk.

4

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.

WW: WW:54 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015

Contents Summer 2015Foreword

Welcome

Station Commander’s

Group Captain Philip Lester MA MPhil (Cantab) FCMI RAF

Wor

ld

Win

ter

2015 Wycombe

World

The Magazine of RAF High Wycombe Summer 2015

Reception2015

Annual

Editor’s8 Lancaster Log book

signed off 70 years later

9 Veni Vidi Vici I came I saw I conquered

10 Save your energy

12 A marathon effort

13 Mess Events

13 Station 9 - seater MPV Available for Hire

14 RAFA a look back to 2014

15 Community Matters

16 Annual Reception 2015

17 Tennis Champions

20 Menin Gate WWI Staff Ride

24 The Brent McCarthy Trophy 2015 (A Brize perspective)

With Summer on the horizon, and the definite possibility of warm hazy days ahead it is time to kick back and enjoy some well earned relaxation with family and friends.

A s you can see in this edition, there is lots to do in and around the

station; if you find yourself at a loose end over the long school holidays why don’t you pop in to see the friendly ladies in the HIVE who have loads of ideas and information on how to keep the little ones occupied without breaking the bank. For the grown-ups there are plenty of events being organised throughout the Summer, with Messes working hard to provide varied entertainment programmes.

Alternatively, if you need a bit of help getting ‘beach ready’

why don’t you get involved with the Veni, Vidi, Vici Fitness Challenge, not only will it help you get in shape, you will be supporting the RAFBF at the same time – contact the PEd Flight to sign up.

Finally, remember this is your Station magazine so if you have something to say we want to hear it. I know everyone is working extremely hard, but if you or your section have held an event, hosted a visit or been involved in other endeavours, please take a few minutes to write an article and send it in, you may just inspire others to try something new!

Another busy quarter for the Station and for our roles in support of HQ Air Command, the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) and the RAF Diaspora.

W ith the General Election behind us we now look forward to a

number of challenges: first, the Strategic Defence and Security Review ; greater clarity over what the New Employment Model will look like particularly

from an accommodation perspective; and, what the Next Generation Infrastructure Contract and European Infrastructure Consolidation will mean to our Civil Servants employed within the USVF. These events will involve RAF High Wycombe personnel to a greater or lesser extent and I ask that you support initiatives to progress these programmes.

Over the last couple of months we have been at the forefront of a number of local engagement events with Armed Forces Week, Napfest and our Spring Reception being the key ones. Despite our busy day jobs I cannot fail to be impressed with the considerable commitment you all make in engaging with and supporting our local communities and I am delighted with the significant contribution

made by our Civil Servants and Contractors – a perfect example of the Whole Force! This is as important today as it has ever been. As you are all aware I have introduced a number of safety and security changes which could be seen by others outside the MOD to be divisive. It is only through your personal support and engagement that we can demonstrate that such changes are a benefit to all we work with.

I have also made some changes to the Station Management Board which I hope will reap dividends in the near future. The DIO and Carillion-Amey Regional Managers have agreed to participate in our Board. I hope that this will provide the right forum to drive improvements much needed by the Station.

© S

hutt

erst

ock

2015

: us

er: K

itch

Bain

Enjoy a variety of activities at your local Better leisure centreMay 2015: Sprinters Leisure Centre is a well equipped leisure centre that offers a range of high-quality services for all ages and abilities, from a spacious 40-station gym to fantastic outdoor facilities.

Situated in the village of Prestwood, less than 10 minutes drive from High Wycombe and Amersham, the centre is ideally located for residents of Prestwood, Great Missenden, Princes Risborough, Hazlemere and Holmer Green.

The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities including:• A fully equipped 40-station gym• Group exercise classes and courses• Extensive exercise

referral programme• Dance studio (available for hire) • Astroturf pitch and multi-

use games area• Tennis court

Better are now offering no joining fee on pre-paid memberships between 1st and 30th June 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.bettter.org.uk/Sprinters for more details.

SHOOTING GROUND | GUN MAKERS | SPORTING AGENCY | COUNTRY CLOTHING | EVENTS

With a history stretching back to 1891, E.J. Churchill can be addressed with the iconic names in gun making playing a part in shaping the industry into what it is today. Run by passionate sportsmen, E.J. Churchill is regarded as one of the finest purveyors of shooting in the world. It is the only shooting business in the UK that boasts its own shooting ground, gun making facility, sporting agency, country clothing store and events company. This makes E.J.Churchill unique & enables us to cater for all our clients’ sporting needs under one roof. Voted best shooting ground in the UK In the 2014 IPC Shooting Industry Awards & proud hosts of the CPSA World English Sporting Championship 2014 and 2016, E.J.Churchill comprises of over 150 clay shooting stands and 6 shooting disciplines offering varied and extensive practice and tuition opportunities for every level of shot, including novices & young shots over 9 years old, whether your choice is clay or game. Our impressive shop located at E.J.Churchill Shooting Ground stocks a wide range of country clothing & accessories from some of the leading brands including Barbour, Hunter, Dubarry and Schoffel. From coats to boots, waterproofs & in-field safety gear, we can completely equip today’s game & clay shot. We also have a unique range of fashion & lifestyle clothing & accessories.

We run a highly established events management company, West Wycombe Events, providing you with exclusive access to some of the most unique venues in the UK including the Hellfire Caves and West Wycombe Park. We have a comprehensive range of activities and facilities for all requirements, enabling us to offer events to suit any occasion whether your need is for corporate, private or charity. We also have an unrivalled reputation in delivering events at other venues across the UK. From mobile charity clay shoots to private parties, we have vast experience in organising a wide range of events for parties of any size. E.J.Churchill is ideally located just outside London on the West Wycombe Estate, seat of the Dashwood family. Everyone welcome. Please contact us for further information. www.ejchurchill.com+44 (0) 1494 883227reception@ejchurchill.comE.J. Churchill Shooting Ground, Park Lane,Lane End, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3NS

E.J. Churchill – World Class Clay Shooting Ground Right on Your Doorstep

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WW:WW: 98WW: 8

Lancaster Log Book signed off…

70 yearsa lunch held in Joe’s honour, including Tornado aircrew representing the RAF’s modern day bombers.

Shot down, captured, strafed and interrogatedJoe’s log book had remained incomplete since January 1945 when his aircraft was shot down on its return flight from a night bombing raid. Aged 19 and on his 30th bombing mission, Joe was one of only 2 survivors having jumped out of the light aircraft, doing up his parachute as he jumped and hoping he would not land in water as he could not swim.

Not knowing if he was in Germany or France, Joe navigated west using the stars until he came across a sentry post, and upon seeing the German ‘Reichsadler’ eagle realised he was in enemy territory. After some time evading capture, Joe’s hunger and boredom got the better of him and he gave himself up to a passing German troop truck, which was subsequently strafed by an RAF Mosquito.

After a long and eventful train journey, Joe arrived at a Delag Luft prisoner of war camp near Nuremberg to join approximately 150,000 American, Russian and British prisoners. Solitary confinement and interrogation for 8 days came next, after which Joe was released to the prison, having claimed he had been shot down on only his first bombing mission.

It was at this point that Joe was reunited with the rear gunner from his crew, having believed he was the only survivor. For a crew that spent every waking moment together through training and operations, this was a huge morale boost.

In June 1945 the camp was liberated by General Patten’s 3rd Army. However with nowhere to go the prisoners stayed in the camp for another week before being flown to France, and then finally flying back to Oxford with the RAF.

A former Lancaster Bomber wireless operator and prisoner of war has had his

log book signed off 70 years after being shot down over Germany.

Flight Sergeant Joe Hughes was hosted by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, in the Office of Bomber Harris at RAF High Wycombe. CAS completed the log book by writing ‘A duty done. Signed on behalf of a grateful Air Force and Nation.’

A framed photo of a Lancaster from 625 Squadron on a bombing raid was provided by the Air Historical Branch and presented by CAS, followed by

later

Veni Vidi ViciI Came, I Saw, I Conquered

By Sqn Ldr Tamara Stone

I n honour of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, RAF High Wycombe

challenges all gym members to take up the new RAF High Wycombe Fitness Challenge.

The Challenge: Complete 606 miles (975 km) covering the equivalent distance of the route through all of the 11 Group Fighter Command stations

The Prize: You will get fitter, enjoy a variety of exercise, and finish with a satisfied feeling of achievement. Most importantly though you will get a stylish t-shirt (as modelled here by the PTIs)!

The method: The mileage can be covered using any CV equipment or partaking in runs, circuits or fitness ventures that the PEd Flt can verify and sign off in the logbook. Sessions such as circuits or cross fit would equate to 5 miles completed. Over the course of your tour at High Wycombe you will need to log the miles in your logbook (available from the PEd Flt) and when complete, exchange the logbook for a t-shirt.

How to Enter: Buy a logbook from the PEd Flight for £5, get involved with CV related

activity and notch up those miles. The PTIs will sign off your sessions and once the total mileage has been completed you get your t-shirt. Who doesn’t like a good t-shirt? For more details please contact Sqn Ldr Tamara Stone (ext 4393) or the PEd Flt staff (ext 7839).

So get fit, get involved and raise valuable funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund!

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WW:WW: 1110

your energy!By Karen Abbott

T he 28th of May saw the first Station Energy Awareness event as the

Area Utilities Manager (AUM), Karen Abbott, set up camp in Cafe 1 enticing personnel to discuss the MoD’s utility consumption by offering free muffins and free entry into a raffle.

People were naturally cautious at first, the old adage of “nothing in this world is free” being mentioned on more than one occasion, but the AUM team assured them that the only cost was to take a poster or leaflet, read it and act upon it. The aim of the event was to raise awareness to Station personnel of the changes that could be made on site, by individuals, in an effort to reduce RAF High Wycombe and the MoD’s consumption, costs and carbon emissions. Word soon spread and the muffins, kindly donated by ESS, were as popular as the finger-counting being used to compute the MoD utility bill of £12 per second!

In April 2014, RAF High Wycombe was the 52nd highest carbon emitting MoD site. DIO

Save Tennis Champions By Flt Lt Andy KeeleyPhotos by Luka Waycott

H igh Wycombe proved the strongest team at the Inter-Station Tennis Tournament

with the men securing victory against top opposition, and the ladies giving the RAF’s best players a run for their money.

The competition boasted the largest turnout in over 10 years as 14 stations and 72 competitors battled it out at Halton Tennis Centre 3-4 Jun 15. Members of the RAF from all branches and trades came together to compete with and against each other promoting a fantastic level of determination, team work and esprit de corps under the banner of RAF Tennis.

Day one of the hotly contested competition saw 24 matches split over 4 groups, consisting of singles and doubles. The aim of the day was simply to win as many games as possible as each one counted. It was a full day in the glorious sunshine for the competitors, with matches beginning at 0930 and continuing until 2000.

Men’s A CupAt the end of day one RAF Coningsby topped the men’s leaderboard with 100 games won, and Benson also fielded a very strong side achieving 99 points. RAF High Wycombe achieved 98 points, with a return to competitive RAF tennis for Sqn Ldr James Treweek of 22 (Trg) Gp alongside Mr Chris Roberts from GEMS, Flt Lt Giles Davies from Casework, Wg Cdr Craig Tucker from Air Safety, and MCO Flt Lt Andy Keeley.

The surprise contenders came from RAF Marham where Cpl Leon Morris helped his side rack up 93 games. These four tennis giants earned the privilege of progressing to the A Cup Semi-Finals, which began with RAF Marham taking a small lead against RAF Coningsby, before the match turned; RAF Coningsby eventually won 4-1 to set up an extremely interesting final.

The second semi-final was a fantastic battle between RAF High Wycombe and RAF Benson. After two singles and a doubles High Wycombe led 2-1, requiring only one victory from the remaining two doubles matches. James and Andy narrowly lost an edgy match, but it was Chris and Giles, playing against the RAF number 1 and partner, who hit some fantastic winners in a nail-biting final set tie-break, winning it 10-8 and taking the station through to the final.

The Men’s A Cup Final was just as close and came down to a deciding match. However not too many nails were bitten this time as James and Chris sealed a confident doubles victory, ending

L-R Chris Roberts, Andy Keeley, James Treweek

Andy stays in the point

the tie 3-2 and crowning RAF High Wycombe champions.

Ladies’ CupAt the end of day one the Ladies’ draw saw RAF Brize Norton come out on top of the group with Northolt ‘A’ and ‘B’ in hot pursuit, followed by High Wycombe and a combined team of Boulmer and Coningsby.

The top 4 again pit their skills on day 2, and after semi-final wins the final between RAF Brize Norton and Northolt ‘A’ ended 2-1 to Brize, handing them the championship. Playing for third place Northolt ‘B’ beat High Wycombe 2-1 giving the station a fourth place finish, and plenty of comments on how High Wycombe’s relatively unknown team were very competitive with teams containing ‘A’ Squad players.

Congratulations to Sqn Ldr Nicki Carberry-Rogers from DRes, Flt Lt Fay Welding from Casework, and SAC Laura Powell from Manning for competing fantastically against the RAF’s best players.

Station TrainingFor those who would like to get involved in tennis; the PEd Flt has kindly funded membership to Naphill Tennis Club for station personnel, military or civilian, who partake in station training. The training takes place Monday 1200-1300 at the courts opposite The Wheel pub, and for more information about this and RAF events you can speak to the OIC – Sqn Ldr Ash Cudlipp on ext 7541, or Dep OIC – Flt Lt Andy Keeley on ext 4454.

Craig fires a serve

Giles cracks another forehand

The House that Jack Built (Day Nursery) Limited has been awarded “Outstanding” at three of our nurseries and is amongst one of the few childcare providers to have an Early Years Professional within its dedicated

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

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

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

of rich learning experiences• Care, committed and enthusiastic staff

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

• Open 51 weeks of the year Monday to Friday• Breakfast, lunch and tea all provided and freshly prepared by our dedicated chefs

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

Are you looking for exceptional childcare?

RED KITESNaphill - RAF High Wycombe

Tel: 01494 564439

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

Hazlemere - High WycombeTel:01494 713425

OVER THE MOONFlackwell Heath - High Wycombe

Tel: 01628 532169

THE HOUSE THATJACK BUILT

Marlow Bottom - MarlowTel: 01628 481601

are working with Station and their Industry Partners Carillion Amey, who donated the free raffle prize, to reduce these through a series of measures. The latest initiative, Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges, which was highlighted at the event, relates to the electricity cost increase at RAF High Wycombe of nearly 50,000% during the hours of 1600-1900 when compared to consumption between 1900-1200.

The packed event drew to a close after the lunchtime rush. The winner of the raffle, with ‘unlucky for some’ ticket number 13, was SAC James Torrance who will soon be the proud owner of a solar powered radio.

Thanks go out to all those who attended (either voluntarily or accosted!), Joanna Knight and Ron Winfindale of AUM for their assistance, ESS for the muffins, Carillion Amey for the radio and the SSHEA team for their support in arranging the event. If you would like more information in relation to Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (EUS) please contact Karen Abbott on DIOSDEUS-EnMgtAUMS20@mod.uk.

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WW:WW: 1312

A marathon effortA team of five from RAF High Wycombe geared up for the London Marathon to raise funds for the Royal Air Forces Association.

T he team comprised of Wg Cdr Jodie Peck, Sqn Ldr Adrian Lovejoy, Cpl Reuben

Jones, Miss Lorna Creak and Mr Richard Dixon, with Wg Cdr Kev Marsh as Team Manager.

The team were lucky enough to secure their much sought after places through the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s Charities Forum. All three Armed Forces received five places in the Marathon as Prince Harry is the Patron of the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Since 2012, Wg Cdr Marsh has organised teams of RAF and MOD civilian/contractor

volunteers to run the Marathon. He said: “As Team Leader, I am proud to be able to raise money for such a wonderful cause. The London Marathon is an iconic event and the public support in both fundraising and on the day is amazing, therefore it is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for RAF charities.”

Prior to the event, Wg Cdr Peck said “I am extremely proud to serve in the RAF and very grateful for all of the welfare support the RAF Association provides; it helps us look after our people. I am very excited to be taking part in the Marathon

on Sunday, the training has been hard but I now feel ready to face the challenge.”

Cpl Jones felt equally well prepared, saying “Running for such a great cause just seemed even more of an incentive to me when considering whether to put myself through the weeks and weeks of training for this race. I am feeling fairly positive about the big day and am now just excited and raring to go!”

Richard Dixon was running to help support RAF families in their times of need. He said “I am looking forward to Sunday and hope to enjoy the day and run a good race.”

Sqn Ldr Lovejoy said “I have chosen to run for the RAF Association as it provides an excellent opportunity to give something to an organisation that does so much for the wider RAF family while challenging myself to the maximum. I am both excited and relieved that it is about to happen as I have trained so hard and for so long. I am looking forward to getting my life back; and my wife is looking forward to getting her husband back!”

For more information on the Charities Forum visit: www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/features-0/the-charities-forum

The RAF Association is the charity that looks after the RAF family.

Our support covers everything from visits to a world war two veteran who can’t get out and about to complex welfare case involving mental health issues and confusion over benefits. We also distribute more than £1million a year in welfare grants to serving and ex-serving personnel when they need it most.

We have over 400 trained volunteer welfare officers, who make over 100,000 visits and calls each year offering personal support to meet each individual’s needs. We help around 50 veterans or their widows or widowers to lead safe, independent lives in our sheltered and supported housing and around 2,000 people to enjoy a much needed break at one of our three Wings Breaks hotels.

You may have heard of us through our annual Wings Appeal collections, when our branch members, air cadets and veterans collect for the Association. We receive no government funding and depend entirely on the generosity of the general public.

To find out more about how the Association helps the RAF family and how you can support us visit www.rafa.org.uk

Officers’ Mess Programme Every Thurs

1700h-

Families’Happy Hour

Last Fri Every Month 1700h

-

Film Night Every Tues 2000h

-

All Officers’ Mess Info & Announcements on

MOSS Teamsite

13 WOs’ and SNCOs’ Mess Programme

Programme of entertainment

Summer/Autumn 2015

SUMMER BALL 03 JUN 15

POLISH NIGHT JULY (DATE TBC)

COMEDY NIGHT 30 JUL 15

SCHOOL DISCO AUG 15

BATTLE OF BRITAIN 11 SEP 15

OKTOBERFEST 08 OCT 15

DINING OUT NIGHT 22 OCT 15

DON’T FORGET THE ENVELOPE DRAW EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING!

By Flt Lt Eliot Finnimore

T he RAF Central Fund has recently provided a significant amount of

funding to enable the Station to purchase a new vehicle and replace the aging Minibus facility. The new VW MPV was built to order and has 9 seats (including driver), a tow bar, and plenty of space for additional luggage.

The reason for changing the Minibus was deliberately to open the facility up to a much wider section of the RAF High Wycombe Community. The new vehicle can be driven by persons over the age of 21 with a full UK licence, without the former requirement for a D1 category. This will enable all persons affiliated with RAF High Wycombe and other local RAF Units to use the bus during all manner of sporting, social and family events. In order to encourage further usage, the price has also been reduced to a competitive flat rate of just £30 per 24 hour period, to enable costs to be within reach of all ranks and grades.

The Station MPV Committee are extremely grateful for the support provided by the RAF Central Fund, without which the vehicle could not have been purchased nor the price for hire reduced by such a large margin. The process for obtaining this funding was easier than anticipated and the MPV Committee would therefore recommend anyone seeking funding for a project or community facility to explore this avenue.

Persons interested in hiring the vehicle should contact FS Steve Jones – MPV Controller on 95221 x7151 or the OIC Flt Lt Finnimore on x6843 for more details. Individuals wishing to learn more about the RAF Central Funding scheme can either contact the above for additional information, or contact Julie Rhatigan at the Central Fund team on x7532.

Note: Further terms and conditions apply for vehicle hire – vehicle may also be used in Europe via prior arrangement with OIC.

Station 9-Seater MPV Available for Hire

CHECK OUR MOSS SITE OR MESS NOTICEBOARDS FOR FURTHER

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Annual Reception 3 Jun

Dining In Night - 22 Gp Lead 11 Jun

Summer Ball 19 Jun

Livers’ In Summer Party 9 Jul

Dining In Night I Gp Lead 16 Jul

Picnic in The Park 9 Aug

SLIM Back To School Party TBD Sept

Dining In Night - Battle of Britain 17 Sept

Dining In Night 2Gp Lead 1 Oct

Dining In Night (Guest) - Ops Lead 15 OctThe Riverside Ex-Servicemen’s Club St Mary Street High Wycombe Bucks HP11 2HETel 01494 448800 theriversideclub@btconnect.comwww.the-riverside-club.co.uk

Ex-Servicemen’s Clubwith function room facilities.

Function Suite available, Weddings - Parties -

Conferences etc all can be fully catered for.

Club open 7 days

Happy Hour

About theRoyal Air Forces Association

WW: 15

A look back to 2014

W elcome to the first issue of Royal Air Forces Association RAF High

Wycombe. This issue takes a “Look Back On The Year That Was”. You can see from all the snippets and photographs all the hard work that was put into collecting for a worthwhile cause. A BIG THANKS goes out to not only the RAFA members but to all RAF High Wycombe personnel, without whom none of these events would be successful. So a shout out to everyone that supported our events by either baking, cycling, pounding the streets getting dressed up in fancy dress and all donations whether it be hard earned cash, or delicious cakes.

RAFA Big Brew 2014On the 10 Apr 14 the sun

was shining over RAF High Wycombe as the

RAFA fundraising team, for the second year running, set up for the RAFA Big Brew. Held at 1 Site Air Command, this event continues to be highly successful and extremely well attended, this was very evident when the final amount raised had reached a staggering £876.04 in just 2 hours; sales were for Sausage and bacon baps, teas and coffees.

Accompanying the team this year were the Sense

Fundraising team who were soon to conduct the Ridgewalk 2014 in aid of the charity. Headed up by Sqn Ldr Iain Shepherd, the team would walk in excess of 50 miles in Jun 14; good luck from the RAFA team at High Wycombe.

Raising such a phenomenal amount of money for RAFA would not have been possible without everyone’s support on the day, with your contribution and continued generosity the Wings Appeal can continue to thrive. A further thank you

goes out to ESS not only for the planning and preparation stages but also to the staff who assisted on the day. Yet again their unwavering support contributed to the events’ success.

And last but certainly not least, a big thank you to all the members of RAF High Wycombe’s RAFA and Fundraising Committee for all the time and dedication in making the Big Brew an outstanding success and highly enjoyable day. Participating members were Flt Lt Andy Kerslake, FS Neil Thomas, FS Pam Atkinson, Sgt Mick Welsh, Cpl Fiona Rotherham, Cpl Zara Cohen, Cpl Phil Harler, SAC(T) Ali Seymour and SAC Kieron Mee.

RAFA High Wycombe Cycle-a-thon 20 Feb 14

O n 20 Feb 14, The RAF High Wycombe RAFA Fundraising team took

to the foyers of Spitfire and Hurricane blocks for this years Cycle-a-thon event.  The event was based on the historic Jarrow to London crusade which totalled 600 miles and cost participants £5 for each 30 minute slot; we cycled just short of the full distance! The total raised was a staggering £709 for RAFA, the day was a great success and The Committee would like to thank all entrants and those who donated on the day. A further

thank you goes out to the RAF High Wycombe gymnasium staff for their support and loan of all the equipment for the event.

The event was led by Sgt Mick Welsh and his team support came from Sqn Ldr Dave McRitchie, Flt Lt Andy Kerslake, FS Neil Thomas, FS Pam Atkinson, Sgt Dave Sharp, Cpl Jim Collins, Cpl Fiona Rotherham, Cpl Phil Harler, SAC Ali Seymour and SAC Kieran Mee.  Without this support our fundraising efforts for The Wings Appeal would not be so fortuitous. 

Westminster Wings Appeal Collection12 Sep 14

On a very early Friday morning, 8 of the RAFA High Wycombe team, smartly

dressed in their No 1’s and armed with collection tins and stickers, took to the streets around Westminster, ready to pound the streets for a very worthwhile cause. They cajoled, begged and smiled winningly to residents, workers, tourists, and students to give generously - and even one lovely homeless person gave a few pence. The day was a great success, despite a few blisters, and an amazing total of 1593.89 was raised by RAF High Wycombe, out of an overall total of £8834.50. Well done to everyone that took part on the day – and a very big well done to Sqn Ldr Ady Morris who managed to fit in not one collection but two!!!

Halloween Spinning Trilogy Special

O ver 3 nights – 28th, 29th and 30th October 2014, a total of 57 (out

of a maximum of 60) ‘demons’ (aka bikes) were ‘rented’ out to those who were definitely not of a nervous disposition in order to celebrate ‘Halloween’ – Keiser Spinning Style! The vast majority joined in with the ‘spirit’ of the evening and dressed accordingly. For the final evening, there were even ‘2’ penguins that turned up! More importantly, very early on during the sessions, ‘Geraldine’ (the Grim Reaper) made a grand entrance,

having first switched off all of the lights! Let’s say there were a couple of ‘screaming banshees’ – they know who they were – the name Hannah Jones springs to mind. To round the evening off, I even managed to leap from the bike and perform the ‘Time Warp’ – undoubtedly the campest thing ever seen. On a serious note, everyone assisted in raising £285 for Charity (some seasoned professionals attended all ‘3’ evenings – they are cycling gods!) and it was great fun. Prizes and sweeties were also in constant supply.

RAFA Cake Sale 01 Dec 14

The final event for 2014 was the Cake Sale. The generosity of all budding Mary Berry’s was

astounding. The tables buckled from the weight of the amount of cakes and biscuits that were donated. The day was a fantastic success, and by “convincing” most individuals to buy a second cake, the total amount over both sites was ….£429.30 which was a phenomenal amount for a Monday morning. A huge thanks to everyone that took part.

Well folks, as you can see it was a busy year and there are quite a few events already organised for 2015 so here’s hoping this year will be even more successful.

If you would like to get involved and become a RAFA committee member then contact FS Pam Atkinson, 5463 or email Air-1GP-Logs and A4 Estab FS (Atkinson, Pamela FS).

Community MattersAIRPLAYWe are delighted to welcome our new Station Youth Worker, Lisa Moor who joins us with a wealth of experience. Lisa is currently planning the programme for the rest of the year including residentials, days out and the usual term-time weekly clubs. Sadly we must say goodbye to the lovely Holly Clark who has decided to focus on her Early Years career, we’d like to wish Holly all the very best for the future and to thank her for her hard work and support of the AIRPLAY project over the last three years. For more information about AIRPLAY groups and holiday activities email Lisa on Lisa.Moor@4children.org.uk

POOH CORNERPooh Corner continues to move from strength to strength, and we have appointed a new manager, Annabel Brocklebank joins us with over 15 years Early Years & childcare experience

and has already settled in to the Pooh Corner family. Annabel has already made significant improvements in her short tenure, improving observation and assessment, and planning and recording. We received a grant from Bucks Early Years and funding from RAF High Wycombe to purchase lots of lovely new equipment and resources for the children and we are constantly improving the outdoor learning environment for the children. We’ve made some improvements inside too, the upstairs room has been transformed into a bright welcoming baby room called CATERPILLARS with the downstairs being renamed BUTTERFLIES. Prospective parents are welcome to make an appointment to come and visit by calling 01494 565659, emailing thestationcreche@gmail.com to request a prospectus or by checking out our website on www.houseatpoohcorner.co.uk

New Lottery helps RAF Benevolent Fund

COMMUNITY NEWSWe have a new addition to the Community Support Team at RAF High Wycombe, we would like to welcome Mrs Anita Daly who has joined us as the Padre’s clerk, she has already proved herself invaluable to the entire team by her team spirit and willingness to help out. Although the numbers of personnel deploying out of area decreases our support to the families at home does not, the monthly coffee mornings and afternoons carry on as usual and the monthly deployment support events continue to be successful, recently families have enjoyed bowling, Frankie & Benny’s and ceramic and chocolate parties. We are also considering a voucher scheme as we are aware that not all spouses & families can always attend local events. For more information about deployment support and the regular term time activities in the Oakeshott Centre please contact Tracey in the HIVE on 01494 497831 or email refhighwycombehive@btconnect.com

S upporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund have a new and exciting way to

help the charity and possibly win £10,000 too!  For just £1, supporters can play in the new weekly RAF Benevolent Fund Lottery.  The funds raised through the lottery will help the charity support the RAF family in need.

In the past year, the RAF Benevolent Fund spent more than £18 million helping over 60,000 RAF veterans, serving personnel, and their families with a range of services, from childcare centres and youth workers on each Station, to assistance with financial, housing, and medical needs.

The funds raised through the weekly lottery will allow the charity to continue to help beneficiaries such as Kevin and Amie Ogilvie (pictured above).  Kevin, a senior aircraftman, was paralysed by an IED in Afghanistan.  The RAF Benevolent Fund paid for his wife Amie and daughter Grace, who was just six months old at the time, to stay close to

the spinal unit during Kevin’s recovery. 

Mike Neville, Director of Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:  “The RAF Benevolent Fund aims to address the unique needs of each individual, whether that is providing a specialised wheelchair for a disabled child of a serving airman, replacing a boiler for an elderly veteran, or helping a recently injured veteran transition to ‘civvy street’.  The money raised through the lottery will help us continue to meet the diverse needs of the RAF family.”

Supporters simply sign up to the lottery and choose how often they would like to play at www.rafbf.org/lottery or by calling the lottery helpline at 0870 050 5897.

RAFA

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015WW: 14

A look back to 2014

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WW:WW: 1716

Reception2015By Flt Lt Andy Keeley

More than 130 guests from the local community

have gathered to take part in the station’s 2015 Annual Reception.

On the 3rd of June dignitaries, charity workers and community representatives were hosted by station personnel and treated to live music from the RAF Central Band and the RAF High Wycombe Ladies Choir, before enjoying a sunset parade with flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Hosts interacted with guests discussing recent local achievements, and no doubt arranging the support for coming events. The hustle and bustle was then silenced by a trumpet call from the Central Band, handing the stage over to the RAF High Wycombe Ladies Choir to sing a variety of songs from Billy Joel to The Vamps to Jason Mraz!

Following this fantastic performance the Station Commander took the opportunity to thank all the guests for their support to RAF

High Wycombe over the past year, and told them he and the station looks forward to doing more good work together in the coming months.

To end the event the guests and hosts proceeded outside to enjoy a sunset ceremony with a parade commanded by Fg Off James Hadfield. After two years of cancelled flypasts guests were excited but unsure if we would be lucky with the weather and the mechanics of the scheduled Spitfire. With excellent weather, in the distance an engine could be heard, and on the stroke of 2030 the band began playing the ‘Retreat Call’, the Parade ‘presented arms’, the Station Commander saluted the lowering of the Ensign, and the Spitfire flew overhead.

The event was a huge success and the Station Commander and his staff wish to thank all those in the community, whether they managed to attend or not, for their hard work and patience with us, and look forward to success in the year to come.

Annual

Photos by SAC Matthew Gerrard

Motivated, challenged, supported, encouraged, inspired and happy. These are words our students used when we recently asked them how they feel when they are at The Henley College. Supporting each individual to achieve the highest success is at the heart of what we do. With more than 40 high-achieving A Level and vocational diploma courses, as well as Apprenticeships and other opportunities, students are guided towards choosing the route that is right for them. We welcome students from more than 100 schools across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire into our diverse and exciting College community.

Supporting students to strive for excellence is something all the staff are firmly committed to and incredibly passionate about. Personal Tutors and a caring, professional Student Services team offer guidance and help with College life, finance, exam stress, careers and higher education and counselling. Our Upgrade team provide a wide range of specialist support for students with identified learning support needs or a disability, as well as those who feel they are experiencing any problems with their studies.

In addition to their programme of study, the College offers its students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities to enhance and enrich their learning. There is an impressive range of clubs and activities available, including many different sports. Facilities are spread over two closely-linked campuses and include a dedicated Library, Student Learning Centres and a new state-of-the-art Sports Hall.

The Henley College is a centre of excellence for a wide range of sports and is proud to offer the Sports Development Programme (in rowing, rugby, netball, basketball, hockey or football) to run alongside other College courses. There is also an elite High Performance Programme for students who have the potential to excel in their sport, either by competing on the international stage or securing a professional contract.

Our students’ results compare very favourably with more selective institutions in the area and with sixth form colleges nationally. Each year around 70% of our students continue on to higher education. Our students recently achieved their best ever results, with a record number going on to study at Oxford and Cambridge, and leading Russell Group universities. A number of our students also continue on to university outside of the UK.

This September the College is offering two exciting new courses: BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media (Games Development) and A Level Music Technology.

If you have not yet applied and would like further information about any aspect of the College or our courses, please contact our Admissions Team admissions@henleycol.ac.uk or join us at our next Open Day on Saturday 27 June 10am-2pm.

For further information visit: www.henleycol.ac.uk or find The Henley College on Facebook or Twitter.

Manor GarageMain Road, Walters Ash,

High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4TH

PREFERENTIAL RATES FORSERVICE PERSONNEL

• MOT Testing

• Servicing

• Repairs

• Tyres

• Exhausts

• Batteries

• Air Conditioning

Service & Repairs

• Bodywork Repairs

• Free Estimates

Coachworks: 01494 563373

Garage: 01494 564222

Flora CoutureFlora Couture’s, flower room can offer gifts for everyone. Bouquets are always on show, ready to go. We deliver locally and it is free to sites 1,2,&3 as well as staff and families living locally. We can also deliver to all areas of the country. We can help with flowers for weddings, funerals, sympathy, birthdays, corporate events and also just because......

We are a family run business, combining

flowers, gifts, and beauty under one roof

- yes it does work!

At Sunbodies we have 2 vertical high power sunbeds

for the feel good, all year round tan and for special

occasions ‘LA Spray Tan’. As well as, threading, tinting

and waxing, We offer, Manicures, Pedicures and use Shellac High Shine Gel Polish - Gift Vouchers are available.

We are open 9 - 6pm Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri. 9 - 8pm Thurs and 9 - 2pm Saturday.Address: 81 Main Road, Naphill, Bucks HP14 4PZ 01494 565619 (next to village hall)

WW: 20 WW: 21

F rom 16 to 19 March a team of 11 personnel from RAF High Wycombe and United States

Visiting Forces (USVF) support staff visited various WWI sites and museums in Northern France and Belgium. The participants visited a variety of locations with the primary aim of learning more about the development of air power during WWI.

Day 1 Air Services MemorialAfter long journeys from High

Wycombe and Wittering, the team started by visiting the

Air Services Memorial in St Omer, unusually located

by a partially-used airfield. Sqn Ldr Clive Wood and Mrs Jacquie Ireland gave a

comprehensive presentation on the formation of the

Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service,

without distraction from the busy locals around us.

The first two nights would be spent

in Ypres, a beautiful city in Belgium that was of significant strategic importance during WWI, laying in the path of the Germany advance towards France. The city is also home for Menin Gate, a memorial to 54,000 Commonwealth servicemen with no known grave.

Day 2Tyne Cot CemeteryThe second day was spent in the Ypres area, firstly visiting Tyne Cot Cemetery. It stands 9 km north-east of Ypres, and as well as the cemetery is accompanied by a simple but effective museum. The ‘Cross of Sacrifice’ monument is placed in the centre of the cemetery with a memorial to 35,000 British and New Zealand servicemen on the north-east boundary. Amongst the graves are several VC winners and a serviceman from the RAF, and rather sombrely a voice recording reads out each name on the monument through various speakers.

Hill 62/Sanctuary WoodWe moved on to the Canadian Hill 62 Memorial, a simple but effective centrepiece at the highest point of a shallow hill in otherwise flat surroundings. With 360 degree views including Ypres it is easy to visualise the reasons for the Canadians holding such an important location, but also its vulnerability to attack. From there we visited the Sanctuary Wood Museum which houses a network of trenches as well as a multitude of equipment, shells and relics.

The museum had a messy feel to it with random tourist trinkets available in the reception/café area. The first room of the museum holds stereoscopes which are stacked with original photography from World War I; which was intriguing but often distressing and graphic without warning. Equipment was cluttered throughout the building and into the back, which led to a free-roaming area of ‘original’ trenches. After a thought-provoking presentation from Sqn Ldr Geoff Dickson, discussion and debate

continued especially about the authenticity of the trenches. However regardless of this it did spark lively conversations and reflection about trench life.

Hooge Crater MuseumWe continued on to the Hooge Crater Museum and Cemetery, which was tidier and far more professional than Sanctuary Wood. After an unusual lunch of make-your-own cheese sandwich at the museum’s café we entered the museum, which holds an impressive variety of wartime artefacts and an interesting video room with some original wartime footage. The Hooge Crater itself, which was created by a mine laid by the Royal Engineers’ 175th Tunnelling Company, is now filled with water, separate from the Museum and wasn’t accessible. Sqn Ldr Duncan Arnold briefed the group on tunnelling, the people that did it and the conditions they faced.

Menin GateWe returned to Ypres to take part in the Last Post Ceremony which happens every day 2000L at Menin Gate. Eight members of the group formed a Lining Party to the wreath laying area, whilst the Station Commander and Mrs Ireland took part in the ceremony (I was playing the part of amateur photographer not knowing how the flash worked). The Station Commander read ‘For the Fallen’ to the hundreds of tourists and military personnel gathered, before laying a wreath with Mrs Ireland on behalf of RAF High Wycombe and the USVF Support Staff. It is a fantastic event that is recommended to anyone visiting the area.

Day 3‘Shot at Dawn’ MemorialOn day 3 we visited the ‘Shot at Dawn’ Memorial in Poperinge, a cemetery in a suburban area of the town. Among the hundreds of headstones are 17 executed soldiers, with no distinction from the other headstones. Sqn Ldr Jayne Robertson and Mrs Jennifer

Collyer spoke about the lack of knowledge of PTSD at the time, and the difference to today’s understanding. This was possibly the most emotive subject of the Staff Ride and led to a sombre and reflective mood amongst the group.

Talbot HouseFrom there we moved to Talbot House located in the centre of Poperinge. A member of the group knew of a relative who had used the house in WWI, and research had shown it a good place to visit. The house was obtained by the British in WWI and used as an ‘everyman club’ where rank was left at the door, and servicemen could enjoy some respite from the war. The house has a very smart museum, a gallery holding some interesting artwork of the time, a very well kept and unrestricted chapel in the loft, and a concert room playing a high quality video re-enacting the kind of entertainment that would have been provided during WWI. Most importantly the volunteers invited us for a cup of tea and treated us to various anecdotes about the house.

Capt Albert BallFrom there we located the grave of Capt Albert Ball in a German cemetery in Annoeullin, a WWI British pilot and one of the first ‘flying aces’. This striking grave was a good backdrop for the pilot’s very interesting story, and after exploring his recorded history we speculated on his personal journey and how he would fit into the current RAF. Sadly the grave area was not very well kept and the group gave it as good a tidy up as we could.

Newfoundland Memorial ParkThis large site has a bronze caribou as its centrepiece as a symbol of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The caribou overlooks a short piece of land that was once no-man’s-land, and although now covered with grass, it gave us a unique perspective of the proximity of the front lines,

allowing us to speculate on the difficulties that both sides must have had. As we arrived late in the day the park was almost empty adding to the atmosphere. Luckily for us the Station Commander had some good knowledge about the site and acted as tour guide.

Thiepval MemorialWe ended the day by visiting this ‘memorial to the missing’, a giant, impressive and imposing structure 5 km north of Albert. It is the largest British memorial remembering nearly 74,000 British and South African servicemen, and as it was early evening with no

Menin GateWWI Staff Ride

By Flt Lt Andy Keeley

other visitors, allowed the group some quiet contemplation on the Staff Ride.

Day 4Warhorse MemorialTo offer a different perspective to WWI, on day 4 we began with a visit to the 58th Divisional Memorial in Chilpilly, and obviously it is not regularly visited as locals in the surrounding houses peered out of their windows at us. Its monument – an artilleryman holding the head of his wounded horse, pays tribute to warhorses, many of which died during WWI. Ms Jacqueline

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015

Continued on page 22

Hooge Crater Museum

Boelcke Stand Lining Party

Sanctuary Wood

Last Post Flying Services Memorial

WW: 20

Atkinson drew upon her knowledge of horses to deliver a presentation on their role in WWI.

Hauptmann BoelckeThe group moved to the Fricourt Soldatenfriedhof, a cemetery with 17,027 German dead from WWI, 11,970 of which are within 4 mass graves; 6,477 unknown. Wg Cdr Phil Nicholson briefed us on the life of Hauptmann Boelcke, the Germany flying ace who is credited with formalising the rules of air fighting. The cemetery is famous for formerly housing the grave of Boeckle’s protégé, Baron Manfred von Richthofen. Although this only tenuously links to Boelcke, it was as good a place as any to learn about the ‘gentleman pilot’.

Sheffield Memorial ParkTo discuss air-land integration during the Somme we relocated to the Sheffield Memorial Park near Serre. The memorial is beautifully kept and offered a first person perspective of the British front line at the tree line to the crest of the open ground in front, where any advance would have been spotted easily by the German front line. FS Shaun Turner gave us a mountain of information on the subject and the visit was extremely poignant.

Flying Services MemorialThe last stand took place by the Flying Services Memorial at Arras, which commemorates the 990 British casualties from the RFC, RNAS and RAF who have no known grave. The Station Commander ended the Staff

Ride with a comprehensive brief on the circumstances surrounding the formation of the Royal Air Force and the direction we find ourselves taking. The memorial is an impressive structure (save for some scaffolding) and the Flying Services Memorial was the most apt way to complete the Staff Ride.

WW: 22

Continued from page 21

Thiepval Memorial

St Omer

Tyne Cot

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015

Menin Gate

All-in-all the Staff Ride was enjoyable and informative with a variety of visits, and is recommended for anyone wishing to do some Force Development. For more information on organising such events contact FS Shaun Turner in Professional Development Flt on ext 6723.

Sheffield Memorial Park

In 1886 Miss Ann Lindo read Black Beauty and was inspired to provide a place where the sick and exhausted working horses of London could rest and recover from the long days spent hauling goods and passengers across the capital. In those early days the charity looked after the health of the horses and provided the working poor with a replacement horse while their exhausted animal took respite at the Home of Rest.

For nearly 130 years our Home of Rest for Horses has specialised in providing retirement and respite for working horses - from those delivery horses of the 1880’s to today’s hard working equine public servants in the Police and the Army. As the role of the working horse has changed in British society, so too has the type of resident receiving respite care or retirement at the Home of Rest.

We have always provided sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys who have suffered from cruelty or neglect and who are in desperate need of specialist treatment and care. Just under a third of today’s residents have come to us after being rescued. Most of the residents who retire to us from the Police and Army have long term health issues and cannot

be ridden, and they see out their twilight years with us after their dedicated public service.

Visitors are welcome at our Home of Rest for Horses in Speen, near Princes Risborough, from February 1st to November 30th every Thursday to Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) from 2pm – 4pm. Entrance is £5 per vehicle, £3 for OAP’s/concessions - great value for a family day out.

As well as a chance to meet some of Britain’s most amazing horses, there is a museum which explains the changing role of Britain’s working horses from the 1880’s to the present day. There is also a special exhibition created from the research of renowned military historian Dr. David Kenyon that presents a unique insight into the varied roles of horses throughout WW1. We have made sure the information will appeal to all age groups, without any need for specialist horse knowledge.

Of course, with the Home of Rest being set on a 200 acre farm within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many of our visitors simply visit to take the opportunity to relax in what is one of the most tranquil and

beautiful locations in the South Bucks area.

Whatever the weather brings, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Black Beauty Tea Room which offers a lovely selection of homemade cakes and refreshments. Sefton’s Barn is a stunning Grade II listed tithe barn which has been lovingly restored, but with modern facilities - and it is available for hire for your own special event.

There are lots of family friendly activities throughout the year and there is always something going on, from Easter Egg Hunts in early Spring through to the first visit of Father Christmas. There could even be the chance to help groom one of the horses. It’s easy to find out what’s happening by visiting our website or by signing up for our free monthly Enews.

Our horses, ponies and donkeys love meeting new friends, and the staff and volunteers will help you enjoy your visit. If you visit once we think you’ll come back to see us again. The Horse Trust is the world’s oldest horse charity, so come along and enjoy a great day out at a great British institution that is right on your doorstep.

The Horse Trust – the world’s oldest horse charity

WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WYCOMBE WORLD SUMMER 2015 WW:WW: 2524

The Brent McCarthy Trophy 2015(a Brize perspective)By FS Steve Keating

The Brize Norton Wildcats travelled to RAF High Wycombe during April for two days of hockey in defence of the Brent McCarthy Trophy (formerly the RAF Cup for Hockey).

However, the team were not in a particularly optimistic mood as deployments

and diversions had depleted the squad to just nine players available to compete from the usual 40 to choose from.

On arrival at a sunny High Wycombe, Brize were partnered with four players from Benson, including a Royal Navy goalkeeper, who had travelled in the hope of playing some hockey. In total there were eight teams contesting the trophy, split into two groups of four to decide the semi-finalists for the matches on Day 2.

Brize were grouped with High Wycombe, Marham, and their first opponents; Defence

Animal Centre. Brize ran away with it 7-0, the highlight of which was a hat-trick by pilot Dan Stanley of 24 Squadron. The second match was against High Wycombe and victory was important for two reasons; firstly it guaranteed a definite semi-final berth, and secondly key players would be missing for the final group game due to yet more additional commitments. Brize won comfortably 8-0 with a quartet of players scoring two each; those being Trivett, Davis, Granger and Stanley.

The final group game against Marham would decide who finished top of the group, with both sides having already

qualified for the semi-final phase. Despite only having 10 players available for this game Brize led early on and were 2-1 up but the heat and lack of players, never mind lack of rolling substitutes, took its toll and Marham eventually won 5-2.

In the semi-final stages Brize faced Coningsby and although not an emphatic score line, they managed to win comfortably 2-0. Marham went on to win their semi-final so it would be a repeat of the final group game in the tournament final.

Not realising they had won the previous encounter against just 10 men, Marham were confident of winning the trophy but within the first minute of the game Ash Granger had dented those hopes and put Brize 1-0 up. This stunned Marham and after a succession of penalty corners and excellent attacking play by Brize, further goals came and 1-0

quickly became 4-0. However, before half time Marham did manage to pull one goal back when the whole Brize team stopped, expecting the umpire to signal for a free hit following what they thought was an obvious foul. The whistle didn’t come and the Marham striker raced through and smashed home a fierce shot, facing just a one on one with the keeper.

In the second half Brize remained in control and dominated the game with the majority of possession, making Marham chase shadows whilst also denying them any real chance to get back in the game. This time the effort of chasing the game took its toll on Marham and Brize went on to win 8-2 with Ash Granger completing his hat-trick in the final.

With the trophy being commissioned by Thales in 2012 following the death in Afghanistan of Brize Norton’s own hockey playing RAF Policeman, Cpl Brent McCarthy, there is still only one station name on the trophy and it was left to Brent’s Uncle to present that trophy to the Brize Captain, Steve Keating, for the third successive year.

Get your free Great British Sunday Lunch kitFire up your ovens! Bring out the BBQ! On September 13 2015 join the Great British Sunday Lunch and honour the brave Battle of Britain veterans who did so much for our country. Help the RAF Benevolent Fund now to look after them in their hour of need.

Text LUNCH9 to 70660Visit rafbf.org/sundaylunchOr call 0333 240 8181

SIGN ME UP! THE GREAT BRITISH

SUNDAY LUNCH

The RAFBF is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SCO38109)

RAFBF GBSL A4 13 May.indd 1 13/05/2015 12:02

HIGH STREET GARAGEPRINCES RISBOROUGH

info@keep-motoring.comwww.keep-motoring.com BREAKDOWN HOTLINE - 01494 444 176 23-25 High St, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE

Servicing and Repairs • MOT Testing • Engine Management Systems • Air Conditioning • Fault Diagnosis

• Valeting + plus more...

• Fully qualified technicians• More than 30 years combined experience • Very competitive rates• 24/7 recovery service available• Keep Motoring are members of

thegoodgaragescheme.co.uk

Opening HoursMon to Fri

8am to 6pm, Saturdays

8.30am to 1pm

Call01844275566

KEEP MOTORING

FRASER-MORGAN SCHOOL OF DANCING

***** NAPHILL VILLAGE HALL *****

BALLET (RAD) : AGE 3+MODERN/JAZZ : AGE 4+

FOR MORE INFORMATIONPLEASE RING :

01494 816539 or 07974 121081

Shoe Repairs,Key Cutting,

Sports Trophies& Engraving

Also dry cleaning& watch batteries

27 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE

Tel: 01844 274651Email: info@quickstep-uk.co.uk

Online at www.easyresettlement.co.uk for latest news, training and employment opportunities

FREESubscribe for

Plus your chance to be part of our £100,000 free training -See partner companies in the centre pages.

Section Heading

Winter 2013 Easy Resettlement Magazine 1Career Opportunities for Armed Forces Personnel

E a s y R e s e t t l e m e n t

Winter 2013, £Free

Res e t t l ement • Tr a i n i ng • Educ a t i o n • Fr an ch i s e s • New s RESETTLEMENT

Motoring Ahead in your career. M

ost

service personnel can drive and have had

some sort of advanced driver training. P14

EDUCATION CHARITY ELC SCHEMERESETTLEMENTThere are many courses and qualifications in the fitness industry, but what do they really mean? P10

WE ARE ALSO ONL INE : WWW.EASYRESETTLEMENT.COM

Preparing for a new role in civilian life can be daunting but flexible learning provides a way to upskill and gain a smooth transition. P38

Firebrand Training provides the fastest route to professional certification in the fields of IT and project and process management. P16

The MoD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme is an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. P46

…is proudly sponsored by

RESETTLEMENT

FRAUD & ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TRAININGRMH has been a training investigator since 1992

RESETTLEMENT

XTHREE SURVEILLANCE

PURVEYORS ON FACT

NEWS

THE WINNERS

ARE…

RESETTLEMENT

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

For many leaving the service the temptation to be your own boss is tempting

Section Heading

Summer 2013 Easy Resettlement Magazine 1Career Opportunities for Armed Forces Personnel

E a s y R e s e t t l e m e n t

Summer 2013, £Free

Recr u i tment • Tr a i n i ng • Educ a t i o n • Fr an ch i s e s • New sNEW

S

Rapidly expanding MTCS Ltd

has virtually doubled its workforce

in the last 12 months. P6

WORk pLACEMENTAvAIATIONRESETTLEMENTThe transition from the forces to your new chosen career can be a daunting and somewhat arduous task. P21

Would be IT professionals, beware of those offering to make you a General, Admiral or Air Vice Marshal without first progressing through the Ranks. P16

SkILLfORCE

FRom mESS Room to

ClaSSRoomMany Service

leavers want their next job to make a

difference P8

CASE STUDY

SoldiERS OFFoRtunE

Talented Military Veterans Recruited by Nationwide Building Society in

Unique Jobs Campaign P22

wE ARE AlSO ONl iNE : www.EaSyRESEttlEmEnt.Com

Higher apprenticeship takes off for would-be pilots, scheme widens access by making training more affordable. P24

ELC fUNDINg

wANT TO TRAiN FoR FREE?Gain your chance of winning a share of the £10,000 we are offering towards your training fee P3

LOCkSMITH TRAININg

loCking in to a SECuRE FutuRElocksmiths provide a range of services P26

HOSpITALITY

CAREERS iN HOSPiTAliTy

FoR tHE SERviCE lEavER

ilM delivers learning and development for today’s managers

in a wide range of businesses P32

…is proudly sponsored by

Section Heading

Autumn 2013 Easy Resettlement Magazine 1Career Opportunities for Armed Forces Personnel

E a s y R e s e t t l e m e n t

Autumn 2013, £Free

Recr u i tment • Tr a i n i ng • Educ a t i o n • Fr an ch i s e s • New sNEW

S

Calculating the value of your

pension with help from the M

oD who

provide an online calculator. P6

RESETTLEMENT CHARITY RESETTLEMENTNEWSHermes, the leading consumer delivery specialist is to help find employment for military personnel. P10

wE ARE AlsO ONl iNE : www.EASyRESEttlEmEnt.com

Diver Safety is Paramount says New Partnership KB Associates and MTCS Ltd, managing safety risk at sea is a challenge! P12

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans’ mental health. P20

Downland Cycles Training Centre who have been training cycle mechanics and frame building for 13 years. P18

…is proudly sponsored by

RESETTLEMENT

A FutuRE in tElEcomS FoR SERvicE lEAvERSThe industry predicts a very healthy growth pattern

RESETTLEMENT

Put youRSElF

in tHE FRAmE

For a Future in Photography

RESETTLEMENT

Fit FoR RolECareers in Health and Fitness

RESETTLEMENT

TRANsFERAblE SkillS in Close Protection

HEADINg

tHE AltERnAtivE AmbulAncE

SEctoROpportunities for Training and Jobs in the Ambulance sector

Recr u i tment • Tr a i n i ng • Educ a t i o n • Fr an ch i s e s • New s

E a s y R e s e t t l e m e n t

Spring 2013, £Free

…is proudly sponsored by

ENhaNcEd lEaRning

cREdit schEmE

all the information you need to know P38

NEWS

FRom FoRcEs To civiliaN liFE

lord ashcroft asks veterans: how can we

improve the transition P9RESETTLEMENT

gRab YouR oPPoRtunitY to a Safe and Secure Future P32

RESETTLEMENT NEWSCHARITY fRANCHISEDo you own a bike? You are never too old and almost never too young to learn how to ride a bike! P7

The new State Pension, Major changes are likely to be in place from April 2017 P22

Forces Charities, a general synopsis, information and contact details on the various charities. P14

Chris Davis Service and Technical Manager of Cleankill Environmental Services. What makes a… good pest control technician P28

wE aRE alSo oNl iNE : www.EasYREsEttlEmEnt.com

RESETTLEMENT

whaT iS logistics?

an industry that welcomes former service

personnel because of their transferable

skills P18

NEWS

Fantastic enthusiasm for the

Military W

ork Placement Schem

e

which launched last Novem

ber P20

Leaving the armed forces?Looking for training?

Need a Job?

Forces Recruiting Ltd are producing the first comprehensive guide on forces recruitment and training opportunities on DVD. The DVD will be sent out free to ALL service leavers from within the Army, Navy and RAF. Unlike magazines where all the adverts appear the same, the DVD and website that accompanies it offer a much more insightful look at the companies offering to train or employ you. Companies are invited to showcase their premises, classrooms, workshops and trainers by appearing on the DVD. This will also show testimonials from people who have actually been on the course.

www.forcesrecruiting.com

Copyright: tankist276

Call Today:

(01733)

390 564

www.lanceprint.co.uk

Think PrintLance Print is an established printers based in Peterborough. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service. We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

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

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.algarveestatemanagement.co.ukapt meia

PRICES:Nov to Mar £190Apr & Oct £255May & Sept £290June £330July & Aug £410