The official publication of Royal Air Force ... - RAF Marham€¦ · Before the arrival of the F-35...

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham

Inside this Issue: IX(B) Sqn • Op CHASTISE 75th Anniversary • RAF100 Section of the Week • Warrior Games 2018

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

Issue 7 2018 £Free

RAF MARHAMFAMILIES DAY 2018

HRH PRINCE OF WALESVISITS RAF MARHAM

FREEDOM OF KING’S LYNN PARADE

4 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 7 2018 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS CONTENTS

EDITOR: Diane WilsonExt: 6739Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAGE:www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

DESIGNER: Sherrie BacareseEmail: sherrie@ lancepublishing.co.uk

SALES MANAGER: Jayne BaileyTel: (01536) 526677Email: jayne@

lancepublishing.co.uk

PRINTER: Lance Print LtdTel: (01733) 390564

COVER IMAGE:

Photograph by Sgt Nicholas Howe

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters 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. All Images © Crown Copyright 2014, unless otherwise stated.

STOCKISTS: The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, All other RAF bases.

18

08

REGULARS

Station Commander's Foreword

............................................................... 5

The Lightning Basing Team

............................................................... 8

Community Support

............................................................26

Heavens Above

............................................................27

NEWS

HRH Prince of Wales Visits

............................................................... 8

IX(B) Sqn

............................................................... 9

Op CHASTISE 75th Anniversary

............................................................ 10

RAF100 Flypast Junior

Pilot's Perspective

............................................................ 11

Royal Norfolk Show 2018

............................................................ 12

RAF100 Section of the Week

............................................................ 16

Families Day 2018

............................................................ 18

The Great Wall Marathon

............................................................20

Warrior Games 2018

............................................................ 21

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

............................................................22

RAF Luge Go For Gold

............................................................24

ISSUE 7 2018 MARHAM MATTERS 5www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

STATION COMMANDER'S FOREWORD MARHAM MATTERS

Station Commander’s

Foreword

From the Editor

Deadline for Next Issue: Please submit all entries for the next issue by the date stated above.

Here we are after an exceptionally busy couple of months for Marham and the whole Royal Air Force, some of which you will have to wait until next month to read about as there has been so much going on it won’t all fit in one edition. It was nice to see so many of you at Families Day this year, a huge crowd were there to say farewell to our beloved Tornado. By next Families Day ‘she’ will have retired from service and so we are now encountering many lasts for the Force.

On the flip side this was the first Families Day to feature the F-35B, we did have members of the Lightning Force here last year but not in the large numbers we have now. Welcome to all of you who have arrived recently, please don’t be shy, if you have any stories you would like to share please send them in to me. The Blue Bull Families Club Committee are looking for new members and new ideas, if you can help them please contact them at [email protected]

I think it is fair to say that we, the personnel and dependents at RAF Marham, are having an exceptionally successful summer. Having launched our contribution to RAF100 at our Annual Formal Reception in March, the official parade and flypast have, at times, seemed to be a long way off. It seems strange now to write with this marquee event complete, and what an event it was! For our part, we contributed over one hundred personnel to participate in the events in London; some on parade and some in supporting roles. We also flew 9 Tornado GR4s and 3 F35B Lightning aircraft in the RAF100 flypast, a remarkable contribution to the 103 aircraft which flew over Buckingham Palace. As one of the lucky ones in London on the day, I can only portray the immense sense of pride I felt as a serving member of the Royal Air Force and how well received the whole event was by the public on the day. The Whole Force at RAF Marham have combined exceptionally well to show what we do through this nationally important event. Be proud of your part in it. Of course, there is so much more going on at RAF Marham other than RAF100! Since our last edition of Marham Matters, we have hosted Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of Cambridge all of whom have taken a close interest in the

fledgling Lightning Force. We have also hosted the Chief of the Defence Staff and the new Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth (ex-Station Commander at RAF Marham). Our visitors have not only been interested in F35; they have all sought information about ongoing Tornado operations and how our Tornado Force personnel are making the transition away from RAF Marham. This aspect of our work at Marham remains a very high priority and, dare I say it, recent Assignment Orders appeared to be, on the whole, well received. And, of course, we held our Families and Friends Day. This was my first experience of this event at Marham and I cannot state highly enough how well I thought the event was designed and delivered. Those involved in the planning team should be exceptionally proud of the whole day and I have had a plethora of positive feedback following the day. As I said beforehand, this was my way of saying a massive ‘Thank You’ to my serving personnel, my Industrial colleagues, my civil servants and, importantly, all the family and friends who support us so brilliantly. As the advert says, this is no ordinary job! Cab TownsendStation Commander, RAF Marham.

21

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’6 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 7 2018

MARHAM MATTERS


MARHAM MATTERS


MARHAM MATTERS NEWS FROM THE LIGHTNING BASING TEAM

The construction of 3 vertical landing pads is part of the Works Package E which is being delivered through DIO by Galliford Try Lagan Construction (GTLC), and includes the Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) and 207 Operational Conversation Unit (OCU). Over 90% of the existing AOS is being resurfaced, with 3 Vertical Landing Pads and associated taxiways being constructed. All broken out materials are being crushed and recycled on site, in order to form the sub-base for the resurfaced AOS. The first vertical landing pad was handed over to Stn on 16 Jul 18, with the first vertical landing trial taking place on 24 Jul 18. The next 2 vertical landing pads are due to be commissioned towards the end

of 2018 along with the 06/24 Main Runway.The Lightning Basing Team would like to thank all for their assistance and continued support in delivering Project ANVIL. As usual please refer to the Marham F-35 Lightning Basing Landing Page for the latest news.

NEWS FROM THE LIGHTNING BASING TEAMProject ANVIL Works continue to progress

and a recent success was the handover of the first of 3 Vertical Landing Pads,

constructed of a specially developed High Temperate Resistant Concrete (HTRC).

On the morning of Friday 27th July, the day following Families Day, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visited 617 Squadron to meet members of 617 Squadron and see an F-35 Lightning aircraft. The Station Commander, Gp Capt Cab Townsend, welcomed His

Royal Highness to the station and along with Wg Cdr John Butcher, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, briefed him about the capabilities of the aircraft before showing him around the aircraft and meeting some of the current members of 617 Squadron.

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES

VISITS RAF MARHAM


IX(B) SQN MARHAM MATTERS

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES

VISITS RAF MARHAM

Sqn Ldr Ian Dornan (Dornob), took up the mantle that included a weekend of local aviation group visits, Force Development trips and of course the Flypast itself. He was aided by his directional consultant Flt Lt Hartley (Hartbag) and two of IX(B) Sqn’s finest engineers, Malfoy and G who not only managed to keep the aircraft serviceable but played their part in hosting the numerous visits. In addition, Malfoy’s Force Development Facilitator qualification was not wasted. It was a busy trip from the outset, on arrival into Aldergrove the weather was unusually gleaming, the aircraft was put to bed and the hosting duties began immediately. A local aviation group received a personalised tour from Dornob and there were many dits about trimming, ‘The Good Old Days’ and

occasionally some good aircraft knowledge too. The Saturday morning started with a dull, low overcast layer of cloud, not ideal for the Flypast which was in the early afternoon but of course the team would soldier on regardless! That morning, local Air Cadets, members of the Northern Ireland UAS and 502 Reserve Sqn all came to marvel at the RAF’s premier fast air workhorse. There were so many, even the RAFLO (an old bold GR4 hero) was recruited to help out. Eventually time grew short, the crew disappeared to brief and appeared a short time later ready to go. An uneventful crew-in was followed by some tearful waves as the fearless crew took to the skies into the Northern Irish murk. The weather was poor, all bar one aircraft had to cancel but the mighty Tornado GR4 using its Terrain Following Radar

managed to penetrate the weather and provide a splendid flypast for all to see. Recovery was uneventful, crowds could be seen lining the fence line

as the aircraft taxied to park. The evening was spent engaging with the locals. On Sunday, the team were treated to a drive round Belfast in armoured cars courtesy of the Northern Ireland Police Force before undertaking a splendid FD trip to the Titanic Museum, facilitated by Malfoy who made sure learning occurred. Monday morning started with a visit from 30 primary school kids. The first question put to the pilot was ‘were you in the First World War....? No, you cheeky little ..... came the reply A busy but enjoyable weekend with the flypast completed safely and over 100 people hosted at the aircraft, it would be fair to say mission accomplished!

Flt Lt Richard ‘Hartbag’ Hartley

IX(B) SQNAs engagement is so key to building bridges, what better way than to provide a Tornado GR4 as a ‘spectacle’ for the RAF100 Sea Wings event as Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.


MARHAM MATTERS OP CHASTISE

Before the arrival of the F-35 at RAF Marham, 617 Squadron took time to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of an event that would define our identity.

OP CHASTISE 75TH ANNIVERSARYOn 16th May 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson would lead the newly formed 617 Squadron on Op CHASTISE, known better throughout the world as the Dambuster raids. Of the 113 men who would take off on that mission, 53 men would never return home and a further 3 would spend the rest of the war as POWs. To commemorate the great achievement and sacrifice made by these men, current day members of the squadron visited the Mohne Dam in Germany and the Ladybower reservoir in the Peak District. Squadron OC, Wing Commander Butcher, would visit RAF Coningsby to witness a very special flight. Members of the squadron ranging from the SENGO to AETs and SACs took part in the Dambuster Eagle scheme in Germany. Dambuster Eagle gives serving personnel the chance to participate in some AT as well as learn about this famous chapter in the history of the RAF. Those attending would hear 617 Squadron veteran Wing Commander John Bell, who was a bomb aimer on the squadrons attack on the Tirpitz as well as 50 other operations, talk about the hardships faced by him and his comrades during the war. They would also take in a spot mountain biking and wake boarding in the beautiful scenery of the Ruhr valley. On the evening of May 16th, a top table was held to celebrate the anniversary before a silence was held on top of the Mohne dam at the time the attack would have taken place, which was attended by a large number of local people. The following day members of the squadron would visit the crash site of Flt Lt John Hopgood. Hopgood and his crew

in their aircraft ‘M for Mother’ were part of the first wave who attacked the Mohne dam on Op CHASTISE. Hopgood’s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire during the attack which caused the wing of his Lancaster to catch fire. ‘Hoppy’ would sacrifice his own life for his crew, by gaining as much height as he could before the wing of aircraft fell off to give them a better chance of surviving. His bravery led to two of his crew successfully bailing out to spend the rest of the war as POW’s. On 16th May seven members of the squadron were invited by the Fishing for Hero’s charity to the Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District to see the BBMF’s Lancaster bomber perform a flypast. Due to its close resemblance to the dams of Germany’s Ruhr Valley, Ladybower was used by 617 Squadron to perfect the low flying skills that would be essential to the mission’s success. Although high winds would see the BBMF flypast cancelled, the day would not be wasted due to our excellent host, fisheries employee and RAF veteran ‘Lofty’ Rames. Squadron personnel were still able to visit the sites Dambuster Museum and visit a memorial dedicated to 617 Squadron. Being one of only two left flying in the world, it is always a very special occasion when the BBMF’s Lancaster bomber is in the air. Wing Commander Butcher however, had the pleasure of visiting RAF Coningsby to witness a truly unique flight on 17th May. Britain’s last surviving Dambuster, George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, was due to take part in the cancelled flypast over

Ladybower Reservoir. As you’d expect from a Bomber Command veteran, it took more than a bit of bad weather to stop Johnny. The following day he took to the sky in the bomb aimers position that he occupied 75th before when his aircraft attacked the Sorpe dam. Wing Commander Butcher had the pleasure of talking to Johnny, and they chatted in great length about the importance of Op CHASTISE and Johnny’s own memories of the time leading up to the mission as well as the Wing Commanders memories of his Grandfather who was himself a Lancaster pilot during the war. The daughter of Sir Barnes Wallis, the inventor of ‘Upkeep’ (better known as the ‘Bouncing Bomb’) was also present, making this an event rich in 617 Squadron history.

Being a squadron that is very proud of its past, we now look forward to November, when we will be celebrating the 74th anniversary of 617 Sqn sinking the Tirpitz.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM: Wg Cdr ButcherCpl Dennett-CookAET Akroyd

Editor: 617 Squadron and IX(B) Squadron both lay claim to the sinking of the Tirpitz. This is something they have agreed to disagree about during debates in the past. I am sure both Squadron’s will tell us more about it over the coming months.


MARHAM MATTERS

OP CHASTISE 75TH ANNIVERSARY

31 Squadron have been integral to the planning and execution of the RAF100 flypast. Sqn Ldr Matt Axcell and Sqn Ldr Mo Abdallah were not only the lead crew of the Tornado formation, but they were also the lead of “Windsor” formation which consisted of the entirety of the flypast.

The flypast appeared on TV screens for only 10 minutes, but huge amounts of planning and consideration had gone into the event. But like every day on a flying squadron, it all started with a met brief. A junior pilot of 31 Sqn explains how the day progressed:

0800L - MET BRIEF: Nine Tornado crews and three F-35 pilots assembled in the briefing room the morning of the RAF100 flypast after seeing an unusual sight on the journey into work. After 3 weeks of glorious blue skies accompanied by a heat-wave, the uncustomary sight of grey murky clouds was a cause for concern. The Marham Forecaster provided a positive outlook, predicting that the cloud was due to lift sufficiently to allow a full-flypast. Weather forecasters have never been wrong and this completely eased all tension in the room. 0810L – SNAP IN: Traditionally the snap-in is part of the planning process where the formation leader tells you how he’s planned the mission before the group gets a chance to plan it, and talks about what will be discussed in the pre-mission brief by giving most of the pre-mission brief. Today was no different. Seeing as the formation leaders had planned this event for over 6 months, nobody saw any reason to break with tradition.0850L – “HOW GOES IT?”: The “how goes it” is a point in the planning process where everyone confirms how they are progressing with their jobs. It was at this point the formation was informed that after 6 months of careful planning and the recent weeks of steadily progressing rehearsals,

the Tornado 7-ship had received a request to become a 9-ship. Only 4 hours before take-off. As ever with the Tornado force, we will make it work! 0920L - END PLAN: All of the paperwork and radio frequencies have been triple-checked and printed, collated for each individual pilot and navigator. This is the best part of the planning process, as the planning-room resembles an arts and crafts morning with glue sticks everywhere and dozens of maps being folded and stuck together. 0930L - MISSION BRIEF: All of the formation has sat through this brief several times now and know what is required of them. The formation leader goes through the pertinent safety critical points, and reminds every one of the various contingencies. The atmosphere is focused but relaxed, with some spare time at the end for the formation leader to grab a quick group selfie for his 22 followers on Twitter.1020L – THE WAIT: Plenty of time has been built in to the planning process, and the crews have a spare 20 minutes to relax before the out-brief. Most have an early lunch watching the dignitaries arrive in Westminster Abbey on TV. I can only compare it to a football team watching the pre-match build up before an important game they are about to play in, but with less stretching and more sausage rolls.1040L - OUT BRIEF: OC31 Sqn is behind the authorising desk and giving the out-brief to the crews who are flying. Pity the programmer who did this and what their OJAR will resemble.1100L - START UP: The radios are busy with chatter as everyone gets into their jets and checks-in with ATC. Two further jets are being started by extra crews in case they are required. They soon are. 10 minutes before taxi, my jet springs a hydraulic leak and will need to be shut-down….

Part 2 next month.

RAF100 FLYPAST FROM A JUNIOR PILOT’S PERSPECTIVE

PART 1


MARHAM MATTERS

The RAF100 Baton Relay arrived on the morning of the first day and would stay for both days. In the Military Zone there were lots of interactive displays for the public to try out. People were given the opportunity to give FS Newton’s ‘Warriyoga’ a try, which the Marham Bull demonstrated perfectly despite the high temperatures, the Catering Flight had chilli, pasta and F-35 shaped cookies on offer, 2620 Squadron had their climbing wall and were testing reaction times with their BATAK machine, 93 (EA) Squadron had a display of missiles and the P Ed Flt were challenging people to score highest in a football and a basketball challenge. A Red Arrows Hawk was on display at the entrance to the

Military Zone and some of our aircrew were on hand to open up the cockpit to let members of the public get a look, and a sit, inside. A highlight of both days for young and old alike was Dexter the Military Working Dog. He stole most of our hearts, he loved it so much he really didn’t want to go in the van at the end of the day. The closing ceremony once again involved our Ceremonial Flight and a flypast by a Tornado, it was a lovely end to the event which had seen tens of thousands of people come through the gates. Thank you to those who came along to see us in either the Military or Discovery Zone, it was a pleasure to meet you all. All images by SAC Kitty Barratt.

ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2018

At the end of June personnel from across RAF Marham attended the Royal

Norfolk Show at the Norfolk Showground. Thousands of people came along to the

Military Zone and the Discovery Zone to see us over the course of the 2 days.


MARHAM MATTERS

These were the winners of various STEM challenges from within the Marham element of the Discovery Zone. These challenges took place over the course of the two days and included such things as getting into an Ejection Seat Harness in the shortest possible time, completion of the RAF100 Vex Robotics challenge (again in the shortest time) and of course the infamous Rat Challenge completed in the smallest number of moves . Each winner received one of the RAF Marham Centenary Coins.

THE RAF MARHAM DISCOVERY ZONE INCLUDED:Hydraulics BayHomemade Hydraulic Press, Syringe Powered Excavator, Stripped Down Hydraulic Activator, Hydraulic Crane.Air Elect BayAutomated Paper Plane Launcher, Various AV equipment, SESPSP display and fitting to Ejection Seat, life raft, survival aids/equipment and clothing, harness display and fitting challenge.

AESFEjection Seat display and functional testing.STEM TeamRAF100 VEX Robotic Challenge, Tornado component parts (display of material properties), Principles of flight (including ‘flying wing’ display), ‘Botley the Robot’ Challenge, Tower of Hanoi and RAT Challenge. TCSDisplay of RAPTOR Pod and imagery (included ‘spot the image’ challenge)BAE SystemsVarious display equipment and STEM challenge.Rolls-RoyceStripped down RB199 and full engine, theory of Boroscoping, FOD awareness and prevention display.RAF Rally CarDisplay purposes only

ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW DISCOVERY ZONE


MARHAM MATTERS RESERVES

Getting back into uniform and working for the RAF might well be the last thing that someone thinks about after leaving the Regulars. Many will be looking for new career paths, fresh challenges, a change of pace or, perhaps, a well-earned retirement, so the chance to remain part of the RAF is possibly not even a consideration. However, this option might be worth a second thought and could, perhaps, prove beneficial for those looking to retain links with the RAF as well as earning some additional pay.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? Whilst the RAuxAF remains the primary choice of Reserves to augment the RAF on operational tasks principally through mobilised service, either at home or overseas, there remains a broader requirement for more ad hoc Reserves support that stations often need. One way of meeting this need is by employing ex-regular personnel who, by nature of their previous service, have the knowledge, skills and experience which make them particularly suitable to be offered part-time employment in the Reserves. This led to a proposal for Base Support Groups (BSGs) to be formed on selected stations with the aim of providing a pool of part-time, locally managed ex-regular personnel to carry out routine tasks to help relieve staffing shortfalls or to meet higher work-tempo requirements. Following the success of an initial trial, which began on 1 April 2017, the BSG model was recently confirmed as normal RAF business and is soon to be expanded to include other stations. WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT?Individuals with previous RAF service can register with RAF Marham and be held ‘on the books’ pending an identified opportunity. This is done through the completion of an ‘Expression of Interest’ Form. Members of the BSG are retained in the Branch or Trade from their previous Regular service, under Volunteer ex-Regular Reserves terms and conditions of service and will usually be employed within mainstream trade or branch tasks. There might also be opportunities

to work on other RAF-related tasks either locally or, sometimes via remote working, for example on behalf of HQ Air Command. Work is conducted through flexible arrangement with no compulsion on the part of the Service to offer employment nor, equally, any compulsion on the part of the individual to accept work when approached. The offer would be a purely voluntary arrangement with no enforceable commitment either way. That said, availability is a key factor to usefulness so some flexibility is expected. Members of the BSG are re-attested, following completion of an RAF medical, retain their uniform, an ID card and associated privileges. There is no requirement to complete MOD1 (CCS) training, RAF Fitness Testing or receive an annual appraisal. The BSG attracts attendance based pay for each day or part day worked (which does not affect pensions) as well as a Training Bounty in accordance with Reserves policy. It is open to anyone from SAC-Wg Cdr. WHAT IS THE CATCH?There really is no catch……. but, of course, employment is part-time, up to a maximum of 90 days per year (usually equating to 1 or 2 days employment per week), so this might not be an attractive proposition for everyone. However, being part of the BSG can appeal to those who are looking to balance other work, education or personal circumstances around their availability for duty. It might also appeal to anyone leaving the RAF who has completed a full career and is not quite ready for daytime television! WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?Further details about BSG entry standards, Terms and Conditions of Service and the application and recruitment process can be sought from:

Sqn Ldr Karl Parfitt (Reserves Coordination Officer)MODNet/Email: [email protected]: RAF Marham (01760 337261) ext. 6989 Mobile: 07592 700298

RESERVE JUDGEMENT

A LOOK AT PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EX-REGULAR PERSONNEL

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www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 7 2018 MARHAM MATTERS 15

MARHAM MATTERS


MARHAM MATTERS RAF100 SECTION OF THE WEEK

RAF100 SECTION OF THE WEEKIf you follow us on Facebook you will have seen that as part of RAF100 we are doing

a ‘Section of the Week’ feature. For those of you without Facebook here are weeks 9-12, we will share the rest of them with you throughout the RAF100 year. Follow us

on Facebook to see which section is next @RoyalAirForceMarham

WEEK 9FLT LT ROSS FULLER

Flight Lieutenant Ross Fuller joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 2007 straight from sixth form. Following Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) training he was posted to the Tornado GR4 at RAF Marham. Ross has deployed on operations across the world including Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force. With the drawdown of the Tornado, Ross will begin his elementary flying training at RAF Cranwell next year to become a pilot.

WEEK 10FLT LT STEVE CLARKSON

Flt Lt Clarkson joined the RAF through Welbeck Defence College and the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. He studied at Loughborough University for 4 years before Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell. On gaining his Commission in March 2015 he then completed a further 9 months of Engineer Officer training at DCAE Cosford. Currently employed on 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron, as the Junior Engineer Officer (JEngO), he is responsible for a shift of engineering technicians who maintain the serviceability and airworthiness of the F-35 Lightning. During his time in the RAF, Steve has played Football and Rugby at inter station level with his primary focus of late being on inter station Rugby Union. He is also a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

(STEM) Ambassador where he represents RAF Marham at local STEM events designed to engage with young people across the county and bring a fresh and inspiring perspective to STEM subjects. 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron is the first UK Squadron to operate the 5th generation F-35B Lightning 2 aircraft. The Squadron is the essence of the Whole Force Concept with its members originating from the RAF, Royal Navy, Army and industry partners. With the first of their aircraft arriving at RAF Marham this week, the squadron is now working towards completing its initial operating capability.

In his spare time Flt Lt Fuller has studied for and achieved an MSc in Air Operations and Tactics from the University of Staffordshire. He also volunteers for the RAF Association as a befriender helping to integrate beneficiaries into their community, and as a storybook wings editor, where he adds a bit of magic with sound effects and music to a bedtime story recorded by the parent prior to deploying. IX (Bomber) Squadron is one of the two remaining Tornado GR4 Squadrons in the RAF. Despite its out of service date next year, the Tornado GR4 is committed to providing support to both current and contingent operations and remains the

backbone of RAF airpower.

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 7 2018 MARHAM MATTERS 17

RAF100 SECTION OF THE WEEK MARHAM MATTERS

WEEK 11SAC SUTTON

SAC Sutton joined the RAF in June 2016 after previous service in the Army. After completion of his Phase 1 and 2 training was assigned to RAF Marham in February 2017. Sutton was initially deployed in Electronic Supply Group, mostly in the busy Receipt and Dispatch section, until his recent move to the Tornado Drawdown Team. Over the last year he has been involved with the Drill and Ceremonial Flight, completing several parades, including Remembrance Day and Battle of Britain. SAC Sutton’s passion since coming to RAF Marham is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Recognising that there wasn’t a

RAF100 SECTION OF THE WEEK

Marham. Alongside her varied role here at Marham, she is also one of the main photographers behind the Section of the week photographs posted up in the last 12 weeks. SAC Goodall is a training member and coach for the RAF Marham Rowing Team, and has recently completed an overseas tour to train alongside elite athletes at

CSS Orsova in Romania. She also volunteers for the

Inspiring Governance Scheme which

entails her visiting

local schools to discuss life as a serving person, to inspire the next generation. The work the photography section covers is incredibly varied, ranging from technical photography for any faults or defects on the aircraft, events for public relations, forensic, medical and dental photography. The section is also one of the driving forces behind many of the media releases at RAF Marham and their work has recently featured in national newspapers with the touchdown of the new F-35B Lightning.

Club at RAF Marham, he worked alongside one other to establish a Marham Jiu Jitsu Club. Since then the club has grown from 2 to 16 people, 7 of whom competed at the RAF Championships, where Sutton won a Gold in the No-Gi and Silver in the Gi. The Tornado Drawdown Team is a small section within the Logistic Support Squadron that is tasked with reducing the stock and inventory associated with the Tornado GR4 based at RAF Marham. Logistics Support Squadron is made up of members of Supply, MT and Movements, providing day-to-day logistical support to the Station, Tornado GR4 force and Lightning force.

WEEK 12SAC GOODALL

SAC Goodall joined the RAF just over 7 years ago, after studying Digital Art and Moving Image at the University of East London.

Following an 8 month Phase 2 training at the Defence School of Photography she was posted to Flying Station Aldergrove in the Reconnaissance, Intelligence and Geographic Centre which is the only place in the military that uses wet process film. She then went on to complete a short tour at RAF Honington with the RAF Regiment before landing at RAF


MARHAM MATTERS FAMILIES DAY 2018

FAMILIESDAY 2018 The RAF Marham Families and Friends Day was held on Thursday 26th July.

It was a hot and dry day which is almost unheard of for a Station Families Day. This was the final time that the Tornado Force would take part in a Families Day, unfortunately the unusually dry weather we had been experiencing meant that the traditional ‘Airfield Attack’ display could not take place but four GR4’s still put on a good display for the thousands of people there to see them. This last for the Tornado Force

was the first for the Lightning Force, the Lightning was the last performance of the day, impressing the crowds with fast and slow passes and then finishing with a vertical landing.

The evening event was held on the sports field with one of the highlights being the Station Commander joining Stavros

Flatley on stage for a rendition of the YMCA. Thanks to FS Jim O’Connell for organising the evening event once again.

Thank you to everyone who

attended on the day and made it a great event, and a special thanks to those who worked tirelessly to enable the event to take place. Special mentions must go to Sqn Ldr Tim Henson who was this year’s Project Officer, and Sqn Ldr James Boning who was the Air Display

Director, without them and their months of

hard work the event would not

be able to happen.


FAMILIES DAY 2018 MARHAM MATTERS


MARHAM MATTERS THE GREAT WALL MARATHON

We needed something which would push our abilities, both mental and physical, to the very limits. Searching the net whilst on a long night shift at work, a little tired and with our thought processes perhaps a little irrational, we came across the following;‘5,164 steps into history! The Great Wall Marathon is considered as one of the world's most challenging marathons. Run the most demanding marathon of your life along one of mankind's greatest monuments.’Well that was it, as soon as registration was open, our flights and hotel were booked, visa applications were in and currency was ordered. We were off to experience one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world and run on the Great Wall of China!We spent the following months running up and down the steepest hills in Norfolk and Lincolnshire which was no mean feat, just trying to find some! Undertaking a challenge such as this, we thought, shouldn’t go unnoticed or unrewarded, so we decided that we needed to support a charity with our endeavours. We wanted a local charity to benefit from our fundraising efforts and The Benjamin Foundation caught our eye. We got in touch and Event Coordinator Jessica kindly invited us to visit The Butterfly House in Kings Lynn where we met Andy who manages the house. We were impressed with the facilities provided and were amazed at the outstanding work the team achieve in supporting the residents. We knew we had made the right choice and were motivated to raise as much money as possible! Along with the fundraising and Sunday morning 5am starts for marathon training, life goes on and Ali had the unenvious task of moving furniture into a new house. A disagreement with a chest of drawers resulted in a broken toe, only a couple of weeks before we were

due to fly to China. Hopping around at work on one foot and unable to squeeze her poorly swollen toe into a trainer it wasn’t looking hopeful but Ali was adamant she would be ok on the day. With a week to go we had arranged a 27-mile trail race which we elected that perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea and we should just do the 15-mile route instead. Limping across the finishing line, a pained grimace was replaced with a jubilant grin and Ali was confident 5,164 steps weren’t going to be a problem! The following week we were in China! We had booked through a sports tour agency and a week of sightseeing in and around Beijing had already been arranged for us. On the first day we met our guide for the week, Nancy, who was brilliant. By the end of the week we knew all about the Chinese culture, history, dynasties, politics and cuisine. She even taught us a few words of the Chinese language so we could say hello and thank you to all Chinese supporters who turned out to support us on race day. Our third day in China involved a trip to the Great Wall of China to see what we had let ourselves in for. The excitement mounted as we left the thick smog of Beijing and the mountains loomed in front of us. This was it, we were going to walk on the wall! On arrival we were given a race brief to let us know what to expect on the day and were given the chance to purchase race memorabilia. Equipped with new race T-shirts, caps and raincoats as the heavens opened, we were let loose on the wall. We were not disappointed as the rain cleared and the views emerged spectacularly in front of us as we climbed the steps up and up. Our achy legs were soon forgotten as we marvelled at the scenery and race day could not come soon enough.Another day of sightseeing ensued with a trip to see the Ming tombs which involved a lot of walking to loosen off our stiff legs. That evening

THE GREAT WALL MARATHON

we had headed off to a Chinese restaurant where every dish we were given had chillies in it so required plenty of beer to wash it down. Perhaps not the best preparation for the worlds hardest marathon but another good night had with our fellow marathon runners. The alarm sounded at 4am. It was race day and we were up at the crack of dawn so we could start in the cooler hours. Temperatures often climb well into the 30’s so it made sense to begin the race early. We arrived at the wall and were welcomed with music playing…what’s that tune, it sounds familiar? Jingle Bells? It can’t be? Who’d have thought it, Jingle Bells being played by a Chinese brass band in May! It certainly set a good atmosphere and we were then treated to a performance of the Haka by the New Zealand marathon participants. As we lined up for the start another rendition of Jingle Bells blasted out of the speakers then 10,9,8…….3,2,1 and we were off to run the wall for the first time that day. We had a 6-hour cut off time to complete 21 miles which would put us back on the wall for the second time. The plan was to walk the first wall section and then run once we dropped back down to pass through the Chinese countryside and several picturesque villages. This was ok until the temperatures soared into the low 30s and we slowed to a run/

walk. The locals were fantastic and cheered us on with the children giving us hand-picked bouquets of flowers. This spurred us on to dig deep and we reached the cut off with 10 minutes to spare and were given a wristband to prove we had conquered the wall for a second time that day. A steep climb up what is known as the Goat Trail loomed ominously and we began the ascent, passing lots of weary people on the way. At the top we seemed to get a second wind and with only 40 minutes and 5km still left to complete before the final 8-hour cut off, we knew we had to get a move on. 7 hours 57 minutes and 30 seconds later we were jubilantly clutching our medals and posing for the camera. Mission accomplished! We had done it, 5,164 steps into history, we had conquered the Great Wall of China Marathon. We met some truly inspirational people on our travels including a lady who at the age of 72 completed the marathon in only 5 hours 23 minutes. We ran some of the way with a blind man and his guide and witnessed a lady running the wall on blades. Proof enough that you can achieve anything you put your mind too…. even with a broken toe. We just need to decide on the next amazing challenge……

Sgt Carolyn Barnes

With a fair few miles already under our belts, or you could say well-worn trainers,

Ali and I yearned for a fresh challenge.


WARRIOR GAMES 2018 MARHAM MATTERS

The Warrior Games showcase the resilient spirit of today’s wounded service members from all branches of the military. After overcoming significant injuries and illness, these athletes prove that life can continue.The 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games featured 11 sporting events with about 300 athletes representing teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Australian and Canadian Armed Forces. Adaptive sports help wounded warriors build strength and endurance while drawing inspiration from teammates. The goal of the Warrior Games is to demonstrate the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.The 2018 Games were held at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs between 1-9 Jun 18 and the UK was represented by 40 serving and veteran athletes.The 11 sports which were competed in included Archery, Cycling, Track and Field, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Time Trial Cycling and Wheelchair Basketball.

PREPARATIONMy Journey started in Dec 18, when I registered my interest in the INVICTUS Games programme.Between Jan and Apr 18, I subjected myself to an arduous training program, which involved early morning sessions at the local swimming pool before work and getting on the bike in the evenings after work. Within that time frame, I attended 3 x formal training camps (2 x Swimming at Nottingham and 1 x Cycling training camp at Derby). The training camps were an example of how wounded, ill and injured personnel where able to get together and train with top class GB coaches. They were hard and I could measure my competence against the other athletes, who were hopefuls for selection.

In the first weekend of April, over 450 athletes gathered at the University of Bath to compete in the UK Time Trials from an initial number who had registered circa of 1200 personnel.Following the trials, a period of a month passed until the team selection was posted. On the 8 May 18 I received the news that I had made the selection of one of 40 places to represent Team UK. THE GAMES3 weeks later, I found myself in Colorado Springs at the altitude of 7258ft competing in the prestigious Warrior Games 2018.The opening ceremony had over 32000 spectators with the main guests being Jon Stewart and Kelly Clarkson.I had the honour of representing my country in the Sitting Volleyball, Cycling, Time Trial Cycling and Swimming.It sounds like a holiday (I know), but it was far from that! The days started at 0600 and finished late! When you were not training or competing for your event (which was difficult at that altitude), you were on the side-line, supporting the other UK Team athletes in their events.Help for Heroes, organised all of the UK elements of the trip, which included the support, mentoring and coaching of all the athletes. (The days were even longer for them and I owe it them to list them) – Anna/Beth/Amy/Hilary/June/Marty/Martin/Charlie/Chris and the person who fixed us daily with Physio tape - Pete.The games were a huge success and Team UK being the highest ranking International team achieving 22 Golds, 16 Silver and 14 Bronze Medals, which was a record medal count compared to previous years.I was fortunate to have been selected as Swimming Team Captain and because of the teams dogged

determination and effort; we ‘smashed it’ in the pool achieving 27 Individual and 3 team medals. Me personally receiving 2 x Silver and 1 x Bronze medals for my 3 swim events.On the bike I was 5th in the Time Trial and 6th in the Cycle Race (for a 49 yr old – not a bad effort – I think). In the Sitting Volleyball, Team UK & Team Australia were not classified to compete due to some points ruling so an Exhibition match was ‘aired’, resulting with an extremely close match that Team Australia won in the 3rd game by 2 clear points.Next year the event will take place in Tampa, Florida and will be hosted by Special Operations Command (SOCOM).More information can be found on the Warrior Games at https://dodwarriorgames.com

by WO Si Chapman No6 RAFP & Sy Sqn

WARRIOR GAMES 2018 COLORADO SPRINGS

The Department of Defense Warrior Games were created in 2010 and designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic-style sport.


MARHAM MATTERS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

It concentrates on leverage of bodyweight and force, negating pure physical strength, and is regularly seen on Social media displaying cases of classic David versus Goliath, with the smaller, jiu-jitsu trained person coming out as the winner. Sessions are mostly based on technique drills, usually followed by sparing, usually called rolling in the BJJ community.

Originally developed from Japanese Ju-jitsu and Judo by Carlos and Helio Gracie in the mid 20th Century. It was made famous by the UFC when Royce Gracie won UFC 1, 2 and 4, usually against much larger opponents, and consequently spread throughout the planet on the back of this fame. Mauricio Gomes, a practioner of over 50 years experience and holds the rank of 8th degree coral belt, was instrumental in bringing BJJ to the UK in the early 2000’s.

Legado BJJ is the civilian name for the RAF BJJ team, the Club is affiliated with the Roger Gracie Academy in Buckinghamshire and is supervised by Roger Gracie black belt Kevin Capel. The RAF team meets monthly at RAF Digby to train under the RAF Martial Arts banner. BJJ has been an official Club at RAF Marham since February 2017, started by resident blue belt Corporal, Pete Ashmore on his posting to RAF Marham.

The club has had a constant core group training since August, with Sergeant Hugh Basset as the other coach in the team. From this core, we took 7 as representatives to the RAF Championships, bringing back a fantastic haul of 13 medals.

Pete has been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 5 years, with his training starting during hi posting at RAF Halton. During his tutelage at RGA Bucks in Aylesbury, Pete joined the RAF team. After a year of competing and training, Pete was awarded his blue belt from Kevin Capel by Roger Gracie, grandson of the creator of BJJ and son of Mauricio Gomes, both of whom have fully supported the RAF BJJ team and the Legado concept. In his recent competition at the RAF Championships, Pete achieved Gold and silver in his Category.

Sergeant Hugh Bassett is another blue belt coach at RAF Marham. He started BJJ at Legado Waddington in August 2014, achieving his blue belt in March 2016. He recently achieved Gold and Silver in the RAF Championships. He has recently become the head coach of the BJJ club at RAF Marham, due to Pete Ashmore departing for new adventures.

With the local coaching of both Pete and Hugh, and the coaching of Keven Capel during the monthly

sessions of the RAF Martial arts association, the RAF Marham team achieved 13 medals in total by personnel from a wide variety of trades. Regiment Corporal Pete Ashmore achieving Gold and silver, Firefighter Sergeant Hugh Bassett achieving Gold and Silver, both competing against experienced Blue Belts, some of whom would go on to be promoted higher. In the White Belt category; SAC Anjan Gurung (Logistics Supply) achieving two gold, SAC (T) Rhys Brindley (A Tech M) winning two golds again, SAC Ben Sutton (Logistics Supply) gaining a gold and silver respectively, SAC Doyley (MT) achieving two bronzes and our resident Harley Quinn SAC (T) Kirsten Murphy (A Tech M) winning Bronze in the female open. For many of these white belts, this was their first experience of a competitive environment. With guts and determination and high quality coaching, RAF Marham Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team have shown our winning capacity in the RAF Championships, and will surely

continue this into the Inter-services and other future competitions.

For further information on joining this winning team contact SGT Hugh Bassett ex 6705/7073 or SAC Sutton ex 7878It is not solely a martial art, but it is also a sport; a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in people, and ultimately, a way of life."Embrace the roll, control the soul."

Written by SAC(T) Brindley & SAC(T) Murphy

Photographs by Gordy Elias RAF Cranwell Media Photographer

& CPL Wise RAF Marham Photo Section.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art

that focuses on grappling, mainly ground fighting, looking to dominate

an opponent through joint locks, chokes and strangles.

Photograph taken at RAF Digby by Gordy Elias.

Photograph Taken at RAF Marham by Cpl Wise.

Photograph Taken at RAF

Marham by Cpl Wise.


MARHAM MATTERS

Photograph taken at RAF Digby by Gordy Elias.

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MARHAM MATTERS RAF LUGE

RAF LUGE GO FOR GOLD!

The “Fastest Sport on Ice” requires a lot of concentration and precise control techniques. So, what exactly is Luge? Let me explain…The sport of Luge, which is the French word for “sledge”, developed as a sport in Switzerland sometime during the 16th century. It became an official sport in the 19th century when Swiss hotel owners built a Luge track for adrenaline-junky tourists. The first ever international Luge race was held in Davos in 1883.The scariest part about Luge is the fact that there are absolutely no brakes on the sled, which can reach speeds of up to 90mph. Lugers use their feet and metal runners to stop the sled at the end of the course by means of friction. The course ends on a slight incline which also helps to slow down the sled, but still….Luge competitors use their feet, calves, and shoulder muscles to direct the sled through a multitude of twists and turns with upto 6G’s of pressure. The main steering mechanism is the two “kufens”, or elongated runners, on which the competitor rests their feet. A slight nudge to the “kufen” can drastically shift the sled’s direction.To maximize speed and be as aerodynamic as possible, a competitor must keep their head as far back as possible within the pod, or the main part of the sled. Competitors also wear tight fitting race outfits (Specially designed Lycra), and shoes with pointed toes, to improve speed. This is only one of two Olympic events that are measured by 1000th of a second, so margins are tight! The training is all about learning the track and learning how to drive the sled in order to shave a few hundredths of a second off a run. This literally can make the difference between 1st and 5th place, it is that tight. So why does all this matter to you? Well, the RAF have a competitive Luge Team, as do the other two services, and this year saw the Inter Service Championships contested in Igls, Austria, the place where Luge made

Perhaps you’ll agree that one of the most terrifying but fun-looking events at this year’s Winter Olympics in

PyeongChang was the Luge. Sure, Luge seems easy - what skill does one really need to sled down a track, right? Wrong.


RAF LUGE MARHAM MATTERS

its Olympic debut back in 1964. The training takes place over a two-week period, and culminates in an Inter Service competition, and the British Championships. This year, all competitors got to race against two Olympians fresh from PyeongChang, and see how far off being Olympians we really were! Needless to say, neither the RAF, nor the other Services, are inclined to just throw someone feet first down an ice track, on a sled without brakes, hoping for the best. Whilst bumps and bruises are part and parcel of the sport (the ice isn’t very forgiving when hitting it at over 100kph), all competitors are either seasoned athletes, or have attended a novice camp in order to develop their skills to allow them to compete at this level. Each team has a limit of 8 places to fill, so it is highly competitive and a huge achievement to be selected to represent your Service. With temperatures dropping in the middle of the second week to -19C due to the “Beast from the East”, this dramatically changed the characteristics of the ice, and work had to be done on the steel runners to ensure they were able to cut in and allow for steering. I can also attest that standing outside in a lycra race suit in that sort of temperature is not fun at all! However, as soon as you sit on the start block and propel the sled down the ramped incline towards the track, all sense of cold goes, and adrenaline builds as you focus on your task of guiding a 25kg sled down an ice track using just your feet, hands and shoulders to guide. Whilst at the track, we got to meet the current Olympic Champion, David Gleirscher, who lives just up the road and popped in to see how training was going. This was shortly followed by the Austrian Olympic Doubles Team, Peter Penz and

Georg Fischler, who had the same idea. The reason for their interest is that they are twinned with current GB squad and offer their help and guidance where they can. However, the friendly atmosphere between the 3 Services soon disappeared! As race day dawned each individual had to focus on the job in hand, and the stakes were high. The field was strong with the RAF fronting competitors currently 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th position in the GB Rankings, with ranks 1-4 being taking up by two GB Olympians, and 2 Army Athletes who are members of the Talented Athlete Scheme, and therefore do Luge as a full time job, training and living at Bath University, the home of Military and GB Ice Sports. The Inter Service Championships took place on the final Friday. Each competitor completed two runs down the track, all times were compiled, and the lowest overall team time would take the win. It

was very close after the first run, with 1st and 2nd being split by 300th of a second. The last runs would be crucial to the overall outcome of the event. With the final runs being raced in reverse order, with the fastest slider from the first race going last, the RAF had completed all their runs, and the Army had one slider left. With tensions high, we all watched from the finish line as the competitor set off on their run. Their start time was good, meaning a fast time was on the cards. With the splits at 1, 2 and 3 showing they were marginally ahead of their first time, it looked like the Army would be victorious. The 4th split showed a slower time, and this indicated a possible problem in the lower part of the track, where speed can be scrubbed off by just touching the ice walls. This indeed was the case, and the final Army slider crossed the finish line, with a combined team time of 1 second slower than that of the RAF, meaning a win for the RAF team, with the RN in 3rd place.

The Skeleton and Bobsleigh competitions also took place on the same track at different times throughout the day, where it was also victory for the RAF, meaning a complete white wash at the Ice Sports Inter Service Championships, for the first time in many years. For this to happen during the RAF 100 year was the icing on the cake! This incredible sport could not take place without the support of the RAF Central Fund, multiple sponsors, line management and each disciplines Home for Sport, but it also could not take place without the constant stream of athletes that make this event possible. If you are interested, then get in contact with the RAF Luge Team via Social Media, the current OIC Luge Sgt Amy Arthur or the RAF Team Manager Sgt Danny Burke and they will be able to advise on further contact details.

Sgt Danny BurkeGEF


MARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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On July 5th 2018, the Station Commander, Gp Capt Townsend, officially opened the Ladywood Nature Trail. This project has been 2 years in the making. The first part of the redevelopment was a tree planting scheme and some 500 trees were planted and adopted by station personnel. Following on from this a circular path was established and wildlife habitats were created along with the installation of a number of bird boxes. The real centre piece of the project was the construction of the outdoor classroom and this was made possible by some fantastic work by Wates construction who were keen to get involved in the project. Over a number of months they cleared the ground put a concrete base in place and then designed and built an area that will be available for a whole range of groups to use. There are already a number of children's groups and

families that are benefitting from this fantastic facility. A number of picnic tables have been placed around the site making it an ideal place to visit to just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or to see the fantastic array of wildlife living in Ladywood. The plan now is to establish more paths and to add more wildlife areas, along with some composting toilets. If you would like to get involved with the project or would like to have an event there then please contact the Hive.

LADYWOOD NATURE TRAIL

The Rainbow Centre’s new Trim Trail was officially opened by the Station Commander on 25 May 18. After waiting six weeks for the turf to grow the children (some bigger than others) were delighted to finally get to crawl all over their new apparatus. The Trim Trail is a bespoke design

from specialists Timotay. It was ordered and funded by the Rainbow Centre primarily for use by the After School Club children and is suitable for ages 4 to 12 years old. The Rainbow Centre’s aim is to continue to promote fitness in a fun and safe environment for all its children.

RAINBOW KIDS KEEPING “TRIM” AND FIT

Rainbow Kids Keeping “Trim” and Fit


COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERS

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Swales Pavilion, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2EA

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‘CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE.’

I wonder whether that’s a phrase you’ve ever heard? It’s a saying that’s been around about 2,500 years (apparently said by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher), so the thought is definitely not new! I don’t know what you think about change: I suspect that many of us have a love-hate relationship with it. I know I certainly do. When things are hard or when things are going badly we can take comfort in the fact that, no matter what, things we eventually change. They might get better, or they might get worse, but they are going to be different. Conversely, when life is at its best, when things are going great we want can find ourselves longing for things to ‘stay this way forever.’ But again, we know that’s just not the way life works. Inevitably change will come. RAF Marham is in the middle of season of change. The

changes on the Station we know about. We’re aware of the change in aircraft and the change to the physical infrastructure. But of course, it means change for many of us as well. As new people arrive, it’s a time for many established faces to move on. Moving to new accommodation or to a new house in a new area can feel unsettling. Finding your feet in a new job, working amongst new colleagues can take some getting used to. At some point, it’s something that affects us all. And after 3 years at Marham, it has become my time to move on. To be self-indulgent for a moment, I want to say that it’s been a real joy to serve at RAF Marham. And at the risk of sounding twee, it’s been a privilege. That’s not to say that everything has always been easy or straight-forward (believe me, it hasn’t!), but there’s very little I would change. I may have to prepare the house for the march-out, and watch as things are packed in boxes, but I’m

pleased to have spent the last few years at Marham. Amongst all the change that comes from moving to a new Station (I’m off to RAF Leeming), other ancient words come to mind. In the Bible the ‘teacher’ is searching for meaning and purpose, and tried to find it in all sorts of things. One of the things he learnt was this, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…’ (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Things begin and things end, they come and they go. Nothing lasts forever. But all of that said, there is one constant that the Bible speaks of. Although the manner of his presence was changing, Jesus makes a promise to his disciples: ‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20). Amongst all the change, there’s lasting comfort in that! With all my thanks,

Padre Geoffrey

RAINBOW KIDS KEEPING “TRIM” AND FIT


MARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Day Event Audience Location Times Contact Phone Mon Young Explorers Children 0-5 Years Sandringham Centre/Ladywood 10:00-11:30 Children's Centre 01760 721101 Tiny Tornados Stay and Play Pre-School Children Sandringham Centre 12:30-14:30 Jamielee Miller Rainbows Ages 5-7 Sandringham Centre 17:00-18:00 Sally Brownley 07944218276 Cubs Ages 8-10 Years YAC 18:00-17:30 Owen Clarke 01760337261 Ext 6513 Brownies Ages 7-10 Years Sandringham Centre 18:15-19:45 Sally Brownley 07944218276 Cinema Over 12s Station Cinema 19:00-22:00 Michael Lane 01760337261 Ext 7516

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The Sandringham Centre and the Soft Play are available for hire—Book through the Community Support Flight/HIVE—01760337261 Ext 7425 Deployed Family Tea Parties are once a month—Days and Times change monthly, please contact Community Support/ HIVE for details

Sun Busybodies Dance School Ages 3-13 Years Sandringham Centre 09:00-19:00 [email protected] Cinema All Ages Station Cinema 14:00-17:00 Michael Lane 01760337261 Ext 7516 Sunday Service All Welcome Chaplaincy 10:00-13:00 Chaplaincy 01760337261 Ext 7550

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Please remember to bring appropriate ID when using Soft Play


CHARITY BAKE SALE MARHAM MATTERS

A small team of dedicated volunteers from 1 ISR Wing consisting of SAC Kayleigh Andrews, SAC Laura Micklethwaite, Cpl Jim Bailey, SAC Wendy Cray & SAC David Butler organised a fundraising cake sale which was held at the annual RAF Marham Friends and Families Day. The cake sale comprised over 100 cakes to celebrate RAF100. All cakes were kindly donated by members of the local community. Despite sweltering temperatures of over 30 degrees and a few melting cakes, a total of £760 was raised, all of which will go to 1 ISR Wing’s chosen charity, Anthony Nolan Trust as well as The East Anglian Air Ambulance and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. We would like to thank everyone that made cake donations and everyone that bought cake, without you we could not have

raised such a wonderful amount of money! This brings 1 ISR Wing’s fundraising total this year up to £1034 and 32 people recruited on to the Anthony Nolan donor register. Anthony Nolan is a UK charity that works in the areas of leukaemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It also recruits donors on to the Anthony Nolan Register and carries out world-class research to help make bone marrow transplants more effective. Every day, they match individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people with blood cancer and blood disorders who desperately need lifesaving transplants. If you are interested in joining the Anthony Nolan Donor Register please visit www.anthonynolan.org or enquire at 1 ISR Wing.

SAC Kayleigh Andrews

CHARITY BAKE SALE1 ISR WING RAISE £760

Over the last two months the Marham Aviation Heritage Centre has been working alongside the Station’s Scout Leaders to prepare, produce and deliver a presentation to the various groups both at Marham and soon the whole of Norfolk. The groups have been tasked with finding out about some of the aircraft that have been stationed here at RAF Marham, taking the information from the displays and various books the Heritage Centre has along its walls. This is done via a “Top Trumps” style activity that sets up each aircraft as a card and

tasks the Scouts to answer some questions about it, whether it is specific figures such as maximum airspeed or maximum altitude, or key events in which the aircraft has played a part.

From this information, they have produced a short presentation on their chosen aircraft and have also built a model, the model along with the presentation were delivered and displayed in front of their section and VIP guests including RAF Marham Station Commander and Members of the District Executive.

SCOUT AIR RESEARCHER BADGESince the start of the year the RAF has

been working together with the Scouts to sponsor the Air Researcher Badge to

encourage young men and women about engineering, technology and to be aware of

the fantastic aircraft that our Air Force has had in service since our inception.

The Air Researcher Activity Badge required each Scout Visit a museum or location of significance, to research a subject relating to aviation and deliver the information to their section alongside a model. Over the next several months RAF Marham’s Aviation Heritage Centre will be hosting evenings to accommodate local scout groups. Staff from the centre and their Scout leaders will assist in showing them RAF Marham’s aviation history, and helping them to complete their research and have some fun along the way.

“The aim of the RAF 100 Campaign has been to Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire, I hope that as a team we have at least managed part of this. A perfect side effect of this project has been reinforcing the Marham Aviation Heritage Centre on the map, it has been an absolute pleasure to work

alongside those who work tirelessly to keep the history of our station up to date and available to all.”


MARHAM MATTER

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MARHAM MATTERS


MARHAM MATTERS WALK TO WORK DAYMARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS

Walk to Work Day isn’t just based in our physical and emotional health, but concerns itself with the health of the planet. As car use has grown, travel by foot, bike and public transport has fallen. Only two out of five short journeys (under 5 miles) are currently made by foot, bike or public transport. The latest figures show that for all the short journeys made by car - 11 per cent are under a mile, 29 per cent are between one and two miles, and the remainder 60 per cent are between two and five miles. Driving short journeys isis costly both to the driver and to society in terms of the impact on our pockets, wider economy, health and environment. By 2020, it is hoped that four out of five short journeys will be made by foot, bike or public transport. If the target of four out of five short journeys were achieved, the savings in running a car could total £279 a year per driver, or £8.5 billion for all drivers in Great Britain. WHY WALK? 1. To start with; due to the

current building work, there is a serious lack of parking on site, trying to park may take longer than walking into work.

2. It’s good for your health. Walking reduces your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, can assist with weight loss, and keeps you fit.

3. It gives you energy and reduces fatigue. Gentle exercise like walking gives you a natural boost of energy through enhancing circulation and oxygen supply around your body. Who doesn’t want to feel energetic when they get in to work, and when they get home from work?!

4. It’s free! 5. It might actually be faster – you

don’t get snarled up in traffic at the main gate or spend time looking for somewhere to park.

6. You don’t have to do or think about anything else. The thing you are ‘doing’ is walking, and if you are walking a route you know well (which you are likely to

be if you walk to and from work). It is the perfect time to let your mind wander and think about things you don’t have time to think about when your attention is taken up with work or home. On the other hand, being able to think in an unconstrained way can actually help you to solve problems and come up with creative solutions to them, whether this is a challenge at work or in your personal life.

7. It can increase your sense of wellbeing. Walking releases endorphins which can make you feel happier. It also gives you time to yourself (which in most of our busy lives we don’t get very often!)

8. Appreciating the world around you. Walking is naturally slower than being in a car, on a bus or even cycling, and this different pace means you will often see things on your walk to work that you might well miss if you used another method of transport. This could be specific things like a really beautiful morning sky, local wildlife or more generally watching the seasons changing – it can make you appreciate the beautiful area we live in.

9. Switching off. If you are guilty of checking social media as soon as you wake up, then spending your day in front of a computer, followed by an evening in front of the TV and on your phone. A walk to and from work is a great way to unplug and switch off. Having half an hour at the beginning and end of the day where you are not using any sort of technology is really refreshing.

10. Transitions. Having this time to yourself to think and just ‘be’ can help you to make the emotional and mental (as well as the physical) transition from home to work. It can help you to feel ready for work when you walk into the office, and leave work behind when you walk into your home.

If you are able to, why not try giving it a go?

SAC Chris Wakefield

WALK TO WORK DAYMONDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2018

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www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 6 2018 MARHAM MATTERS 33 ISSUE 7 2018 MARHAM MATTERS 33www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

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MARHAM MATTER

357

Cuscus bil-BoslaLibyan Lamb with CouscousCuscus bil-Bosla is Libya’s national dish, a lamb stew in a tomato-flavoured sauce cooked with kammon hoot (a hot chilli paste), chickpeas and potatoes accompanied by couscous. The dish is traditionally served in a big bowl with the lamb and sauce poured over the couscous, set in the centre of the table for communal eating.

INGREDIENTSServes 4For the kammon hoot

(makes more than is required

for this dish)

4 tsp dried hot chilli flakes

1½ tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp coriander seeds

½ tsp caraway seeds

½ tsp dried mint

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

METHODTo make the kammon hoot

• Place the dried chilli flakes in a small cup, cover with 3 tbsp of boiling

water and leave to rehydrate for 20 minutes.

• Dry fry the cumin, coriander and caraway seeds over a moderate heat

until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and grind with a pestle to a coarse

powder (alternatively use a spice grinder).

• Once the chillies have soaked place in a small hand-held processor

with the soaking water, ground spices, dried mint and chopped

garlic. Blend to a thick paste, adding a little cold water as required.

Alternatively, the paste can be made with the pestle and mortar.

THE RAF100 COOKBOOK LIBYA

CUSCUS BIL-BOSLA

LIBYAN LAMB WITH COUSCOUS

INGREDIENTSServes 4

For the kammon hoot(makes more than is requiredfor this dish)4 tsp dried hot chilli flakes1½ tsp cumin seeds½ tsp coriander seeds½ tsp caraway seeds½ tsp dried mint2 cloves of garlic, finely choppedFor the lamb stew3 tbsp olive oil800g lamb, cut into large chunks6 medium onions, one third finelydiced and two thirds finely sliced2 green chillies, finely sliced2 tsp ground turmeric2 tbsp tomato purée1½ tsp kammon hoot (see recipeon page 357) or hot harissa paste1 litre chicken stock1 bay leaf1 cinnamon stick50g butter400g potatoes, diced1 tin (400g) of cooked chickpeas,drainedsalt and pepper

To serve200g couscous½ orange, juice and finely gratedzest½ lime, juice and finely grated zest2 tbsp mint, shredded

METHOD

To make the kammon hoot

• Place the dried chilli flakes in a small cup, cover with 3 tbsp of boiling water and leave to rehydrate for 20 minutes.

• Dry fry the cumin, coriander and caraway seeds over a moderate heat until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and grind with a pestle to a coarse powder (alternatively use a spice grinder).

• Once the chillies have soaked place in a small hand-held processor with the soaking water, ground spices, dried mint and chopped garlic. Blend to a thick paste, adding a little cold water as required. Alternatively, the paste can be made with the pestle and mortar.

• Transfer the kammon hoot to a clean container, cover with a thin layer of olive or vegetable oil, cover and store in the fridge until required.

To cook the lamb stew

• Heat half of the olive oil in a casserole dish over a high heat, add the lamb and sear all over until well browned. Transfer the lamb to a bowl with a slotted spoon and return the casserole to a medium heat.

• Add the remaining 1½ tbsp of olive oil, add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until softened, add the chillies and continue to cook for a further minute.

• Stir in the ground turmeric, cook for a minute, stirring constantly, add the tomato purée and 1 tsp of the kammon hoot, mix well then stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick and seared lamb (including any juices). Season, cover with a lid and turn the heat to low then simmer for 1½ hours.

• While the lamb is simmering, heat the butter in a saucepan until foaming over a moderate heat, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt, turn the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until caramelised and sticky. Stir in the remaining ½ tsp of kammon hoot and set to one side until required.

• Stir the diced potatoes into the casserole and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

• Stir in three quarters of the caramelised onions and the chickpeas; continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and check the seasoning.

To cook the couscous and serve

• Cook the couscous as per the packet instructions.

• Place the orange and lime juice in a small saucepan with the zest of both, bring to a simmer and poach the zest in the juice for 1 minute then stir into the couscous with the remaining caramelised onions. Season with a little salt and pepper

• Place the couscous either in individual bowls or a large serving bowl.

• Ladle the lamb and sauce over the couscous and garnish with the shredded mint.

Cuscus bil-Bosla is Libya’s national dish, a lamb stew in a tomato-flavoured sauce cooked with

kammon hoot (a hot chilli paste), chickpeas and potatoes accompanied by couscous. The dish is traditionally served in a big bowl with the lamb and sauce poured over the couscous, set in the

centre of the table for communal eating.

The official publication of Royal Air Force ... - RAF Marham€¦ · Before the arrival of the F-35...

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