The Two Worlds of Charlie F.Wycombe Swan – May 19th

About the show : Real life stories performed by British Servicemen and women I am Lance Corporal Charlie Fowler. I lost a limb serving my country in Afghanistan. You may have seen our story on the BBC1 Documentary Theatre of War. We used theatre as part of our recovery process which resulted in the creation of this award-winning play. Having sold out in London – playing to critical and celebrity acclaim – due to popular demand, we are now taking our play on a major UK and International Tour. We are the ‘Regiment of the Wounded’. A darkly comic, authentic and uplifting tale of survival. “It’s the most magnificent piece of Theatre I’ve ever seen”Barbara Windsor “Theatre at it’s most direct, vital and moving. Inspirational stuff ”Michael Sheen ***** The Daily Telegraph ‘Powerfully Affecting’**** The Independent ‘An Evening of rare, raw power’**** The Times ‘Affecting, Illuminating and amusing’

Group Captain Frank Clifford OBE RAF

Helen Olive

Station Commander’s

Editor’s

06 High Wycombe branch newsletter

07 Useful emergency contact numbers

08 Red Kites

09 RAF News reporter in the field receives Commendation

09 Southern Service Cross country league

10 Team RAF Benevolent Fund Needs You!

11 Naphill Football

14 CAS takes over Command of European Air Group

15 Opening Ceremony for the European Personnel Recovery Centre

18 High Wycombe Conservation group

19 Managing work and family

20 RAF Benevolent Fund charity golf day

22 Medmenham Patch

24 RAF High Wycombe Ten-pin bowling success

25 Contact house

28 Team GBR Make it into the GRM World Cup round

32 Air Cadets

Editor: Mrs Helen Olive Ext 5405Deputy Editor: Flt Rob SmithDistribution: WO Stu Redpath Ext 4270Mailbox: HWY-Editor WycombeWorld

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

Designer: Rowena WilsonTel: (01536) 521126 Email: rowena@lancepublishing.co.uk

Advertising: Tammie Ridler Tel: (01536) 526667 Email: tammie@lancepublishing.co.uk

Published by: Lance Publishing Ltd1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, NN16 8NL Tel: (01536) 512624 Fax: (01536) 515481Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.ukwww.lancepublishing.co.uk

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Editorial

Team

SubmissionDeadline...All articles for the SUMMER ISSUE 2014 edition to be sent to the editor no later than 1st June 2014 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.

Wycombe World is now available to view online www.wycombeworldonline.co.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.

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Contents Spring 2014Foreword

Welcome

By the time that this edition of Wycombe World ‘hits the streets’ I am rather hoping that the winter weather and in particular the rain, will have past and we can look forward to a long hot summer.

On the station you will, I hope, start to see considerable improvements most of them aimed at improving the quality of life for personnel be they uniformed, civilian or contractor partners. The gym refurbishment is well on the way with a target completion of mid July. I have no doubt that the improvements to the facility will make the whole experience of going to the gym considerably better (you will still need to supply the effort) and the Physical Education staff are standing by to assist you to get into shape for the beach. The astro-turf has been rejuvenated and marked out with tennis courts and nets purchased ready for the summer season.

We have already completed a much needed decoration to some working and living

accommodation and more intrusive work is planned for this coming year. The soft play area and the new flooring in the Oakeshott Centre has made a considerable difference to the younger members of the community and we have been successful in catching the Treasury’s eye in the allocation of Libor funding – the aim is to use this money to improve the childcare and youth facilities available on the Station.

So why the PR pitch about infrastructure? Well the ‘Have Your Say’ survey and the Junior ranks forum came up with some really interesting and telling issues about how people feel or don’t feel valued. My aim is simple – to use every penny of available resource available to me to make life better for the people who work or live on the Station.

Welcome to the spring edition. I’m sure we all agree with Gp Capt Clifford’s comments about the weather. Let’s hope that after months of rain and seemingly endless grey skies, the sun will appear sooner rather than later!

This edition highlights some of the great work taking place on the station, including the refurbishment work completed on the three Contact Houses with the

help of RAFA – what a great achievement by all concerned.

Also of note is the RAF High Wycombe Conservation Group; anyone interested in joining should contact them for further information. The

Chilterns has some great wildlife and being part of the group offers a great opportunity to learn more and contribute to the conservation of the local flora and fauna on and around the station.

Finally, for those of you living in Medmenham, why not visit the Danesfield Arms which holds events throughout the year, it’s also a great way to get to know people in the local community. As always, I must say a big thank you from all of us on the editorial team to those who continue to submit articles – keep them coming!

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High Wycombe Branch NewsletterNew RAFALO OIC Flt Lt Andy Kerslake has recently taken over the RAFALO committee at RAF High Wycombe and we wish him the best in his term.

RAF High Wycombe RAFALOs Have been busy plotting their fundraising endeavours for the coming year with a programme for the next 6 months as follows:

Cyclathon 20 Feb 14Big Breakfast and Brew up 27 Mar 145K for a Fiver Run 30 Apr 14Spinathon 19 Jun 14

Official Opening of the RAF High Wycombe Contact Houses On behalf of the Association and

RAF Association High Wycombe

Branch Committee Members

President Mr Richard Pushman

Chairman Mr Stan Page

Honorary Secretary Mr Ian McEnnis

Welfare Officer Mr Dave McLauchlan

RAFALO Sgt Roy Jameson

Committee Member Mr Dave McLaughlin 

Committee Member  Sqn Ldr Ady Morris

Committee Member Mrs Tracy Morris

Steward Sue Perkins

Committee Meetings Last Thu of the Month 8pm

Annual Membership Fees Ordinary Membership £19.50

Open to serving and ex-serving RAF Personnel

Associate Membership £16.00

Open to people outside of the RAF who would like to support us

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Wings Appeal RAFALO Collections 2013Cycleathon  £749.24Donation £76.00Gate collection £263.11RAFA 5K for a Fiver £372.44Danesfield Arms £435.00RAFA Big Breakfast £435.12Spin-a-thon £744.21Gate collection £171.33OM donations £790.00RAFA MISFITS £2100.00Misc (collection tins etc)£1075.25Westminster £1911.69Totals: £9023.39

Equipment NewsA400M The first A400M has been delivered to the French Air Force. This is the first of 50 ordered by France and of a total of 174 on order. The first of the 22 aircraft ordered by the UK is scheduled for delivery in 2014.

F-35B Lightning II has successfully employed a GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided weapon from the internal weapons bay against a test target. The 500-pound GBU-12 general purpose bomb carried a nose-mounted laser seeker and flight guidance fins for precision strike was released at 25,000 feet and the bomb fell for 35 seconds before hitting a tank on the Edwards Air Force Base test range. The aircraft used its Electro- Optical Targeting System (EOTS) to enable the pilot to identify, track, designate and accurately deliver the GBU-12 on target.

The First Tranche 3 Typhoon known as BS116 has completed engine ground testing at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton. Engine ground runs are the last stage of testing before the aircraft makes its first flight, scheduled this month.

Voyager was given the green light to begin air-to-air refuelling operations with Typhoon in a formal Release to Service on 15th Aug and since its first Typhoon towline on 11th Jun, has now completed more than 350 contacts. Six of the aircraft that make up the core nine-strong Voyager fleet have been delivered. The militarily Airbus A330-200 has a total fuel capacity of 111 tonnes. AirTanker has also received its Extended Twin Engine Operations clearance which allows its civilian airline operation to take on long-range routes by allowing it to fly up to 180 minutes from the nearest suitable airport. This was a precursor to its role in support of the Falklands air bridge which Voyager began last month with a twice weekly schedule.

Tornado Collision Avoidance Trials. The first Tornado GR4 aircraft will begin ground trials next month on a traffic collision avoidance system. Flight trials are expected during March and April. The programme, forecast to cost £53 million, is on track.

the Branch Committee, Tracy and Ady Morris attended the official opening of the recently refurbished Contact Houses, supported by the Association. Station Commander Gp Capt Frank Clifford thanked the Association for its continued support to the RAF and, in particular, his Station.

Local Co-Op supports the Wings Appeal Despite the pressures of competing charities, the Walters Ash Co-op, which serves the RAF High Wycombe community, was more than happy to have a Wings Appeal collection tin at its cash till and this has already contributed over £80 to the Appeal. Thank you to the management and staff in the store.

There is £825 already in the kitty for 2014

Wycombe Wanderers Collection Tracy and Ady , along with a band of enthusiastic cadets from the High Wycombe Squadron, braved the winter weather to collect at a recent game at Adams park, raising over £170 and creating a good bond between the Branch, the Club and the ATC Sqn.

Club Opening TimesMon – Fri Evenings 1900 – 2300Sat 1130 – 1330 1900 - 2300Sun 1200 – 2300

Members are welcome to book parties with catering facilities available.For further details contact Sue Perkins on 01494 529189.

Crib, Darts, Fri Night, Bar billiardsFriday night Meat RaffleTickets £1 eachDrawn @ 2215Prize bingo last Saturday of every month

Activities Board

Useful Emergency Contact NumbersTo be used by Service/Civilian personnel, at appropriate times when they are unable to contact 222

Duty Fire 07767317847

* Duty Medic * Station Medical Centre is manned from 0730 – 1830 Mon to Thu (1730 on a Fri). Out of hours/weekend and BH cover is provided by HARMONI and they can be contacted on 111. There is a duty medic available for advice only and can be contacted via the

Meet Your Community Support Team

Main Guardroom, however if you deem the situation an emergency dial 999 and if possible inform the guardroom.

(Service Personnel only)Duty Police 07786676623Orderly Officer 07876130485Duty Stn Exec 07767317840Guard Commander 01494 496841 0r 496381

WO Kevin WiseService Community Support Officer01494 494471(the liaison between the Station and the service community)

Sqn Ldr Ruth HakePadre01494 494469(Pastoral & spiritual guidance)

Jason SSAFA 01494 496737(Social Worker)

Tracey ClarkHIVE Information Officer01494 497831

By FS Jules Penney

Arrive on a new station and start getting to grips with the vagaries of a new job, people, etc. and then the new Boss says “do you fancy taking on an additional challenge?” A familiar tale for us all and no different when I arrived at RAF Lyneham in 2005 just as the Station

By Fg Off Bagshaw

RAF Halton hosted the 30th and possibly muddiest RAF Cross Country Championships at the end of January. The runners of High Wycombe all contributed to a fantastic team success, and made sure that High Wycombe had the largest number of runners at the competition. The start was done en-mass, with over 150 runners lining up. The men would have to complete 2 and a half laps of the boggy course, and the ladies one and a half laps. After the first lap there were a number of contenders in both the mens and ladies races, but the waterlogged course was beginning to take its tole on some.

The mens’ team had a fantastic run and the first 4 runners home, Wg Cdr Higgins, Wg Cdr

Cornish, Wg Cdr Chalk and Cpl Healy did fantastically well to finish as the third team overall.

Not to be out shone by the men (ever) the Ladies team of Flt Lt Andrea Holt, Fg Off Bagshaw and Sgt Mandy Meechan finished on-top of the podium in the team event, taking 1st, 3rd and 6th respectively. Fg Off Bagshaw ran a good race, finishing over a minute ahead of second place, taking away the RAF Championship trophy for 2014. Flt Lt Andrea Holt got value for money in attending, taking away medals 3 medals; 3rd overall, 1st team and first lady veteran.

Adding to the impressive medal haul was Sqn Ldr Pattinson who valiantly won the Men’s vet 50 category.

Finally a big thank-you on behalf of the Royal Air Force Athletic Association to the Home for Sport Staff, Roger Doust and his team of officials, and in particular Sgt Tara James from TSW - RAF Stafford for carrying out the onerous task of compiling the results.

Cross Country

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(local information & links to all RAF Stations)

Dani BowmanCommunity Development Officer01494 494470(liaison between external agencies, representing the service community)

Presentation of the SSAFA 5 year Long Service Award to Flight Sergeant Jules Penney by Mrs Sue Wilcock, Chairperson of the RAF High Wycombe SSAFA In-Service Committee.

Tuesdays (Medmenham)Juniors (8-12 yrs) 1815-1945

Seniors (13-19 yrs) 1945-2015Wednesdays (RAF High Wycombe)

Juniors (8-12 yrs) 1530-1700Seniors (13-19 yrs) 1730-1900

Station Youth Worker: Beckie RuddockRebecca.Ruddock@4children.org.uk

Tel: 07827 356494

RAF High Wycombe

were looking to re-launch its SSAFA In-Service Committee. And so began my ongoing association with SSAFA as the Committee Treasurer.

In-Service Committees exist on most Service establishments across the military in order to facilitate SSAFAs assistance to serving personnel and their families, through practical and financial support. Moving from RAF Lyneham to HQ Air in 2012, the RAF High Wycombe Committee Treasurer and after the quick completion of the requisite paperwork, I retained my role as the ‘Banker’. As Treasurer, I manage and co-ordinate the Committee finances which are used to fund running costs for Community Volunteers, deserving welfare cases and on-station Projects (e.g. providing financial support for the refurbishment of the Station Creche and Contact Houses).

Fundraising events throughout the year, including the Annual Big Brew-Up, ‘Bubbly & Scones’ Coffee Morning, generous donations, sponsored challenges and valuable ‘collection tins’ all help swell the coffers and are put to good use in the local Service community. Serving on the Committee is fun, rewarding and gives a valuable insight in to the wider SSAFA organisation and the excellent work it does to provide lifelong support for our Forces and their families. The local In-Service work is particularly rewarding; the most important element being that in giving a small amount of your time to the Committee Team, we can greatly assist those in need who may just need a helping hand to make their lives a bit easier.

If you would like to know more about how SSAFA could help you, would like to become a Community Volunteer or serve on the local In-Service Committee, please contact Tracey Clark at the HIVE on 01494 497831 or by e-mail at rafhighwycombe@btconnect.com.

www.facebook.com/4Children

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Red KitesBy Helen Olive

At this time of the year red kites have paired up for the breeding season, and aerial displays are regularly seen above the Chilterns. These spectacular displays take many forms such as two kites flying together one behind the other in a synchronised fashion, performing steep dives often near a nesting site, and chasing each other above woodland. Although not particularly territorial, a kite will strongly defend the immediate nest area, and will show signs of aggression to other birds, especially other kites and buzzards if they approach too close to the nest.

The kites usually start selecting their nest sites in March, sometimes earlier. They are often seen carrying (very large) twigs to a woodland location, as well as materials such as sheep’s wool used for lining the nest. The nest is built high up in a tree usually on the edge of woodland - with a wing span of more than 5ft, the adults require a clear and smooth flight path into the nest. Many nests are built in beech trees in the Chilterns, however more and more are being found in trees in sizeable private gardens, and

providing they are not disturbed, the kites will often successfully raise their chicks in such nests.

One of the most interesting aspects of a kite nest is the ‘decoration’. Gloves, socks, lottery tickets, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, underwear, and even soft toys such as teddy bears have been found in nests. One theory is that the resident kites use this decoration (which can sometimes be seen hanging over the nest) to ‘inform’ other birds that the nest is active. In contrast, a buzzard’s nest, although similar in size and shape, is often lined with greenery – an important distinction when identifying which bird built a nest.

Known for being particularly sensitive to human disturbance at or near the immediate nesting area, kites can and will abandon a nest if they feel threatened - usually during the early period of the nesting season. Please remember that it is an offence to intentionally disturb red kites at or near a nest site. Listed as “Schedule I” under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, they are fully protected by law.

If you discover a nest, or have a particular question about the kites, please email helen@redkites.net. Further information can be found at www.redkites.net.

RAF News reporter in the field receives Commendation Rachael Lee returns home from Afghanistan tourA media operations officer who became RAF News’s top reporter on operations has

returned home from a tour of Operations HERRICK and KIPION, after winning an award from the commander of 83 Expeditionary Air Group, the Service’s operational headquarters in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Flight Lieutenant Rachael Lee, 28, received a commendation from the UK Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Al Gillespie, for her work to keep the UK public informed about the RAF’s work in support of peace and security across the Middle East and in Afghanistan.

During her tour Flt Lt Lee, who was usually based at Kandahar, travelled throughout the combined 8-million-square-mile joint operating area of KIPION and HERRICK, working closely with RAF units in six countries across three time zones. Among the units she worked with were 903 Expeditionary Air Wing at Camp Bastion and 904 Expeditionary

Air Wing at Kandahar – as well as the ‘Dambusters’, 617 Squadron, who ran a detachment of Tornado GR4 fast jets at Kandahar.

“It was great to work alongside the Dambusters,” said Flt Lt Lee, who returned home on New Year’s Eve. “Every day they’re delivering real support to Afghan-led forces on the ground. The GR4 is an amazing aircraft and it takes an amazing team to support it – I was really proud to be able to tell their stories.”

Hours before boarding her flight back to RAF Brize Norton, Flt Lt Lee was told she’d received a commendation for her work. “I was overwhelmed,” she said. “It was totally unexpected – it sounds cheesy, but I really was just doing my job.”

Flt Lt Lee’s stories have kept RAF News readers up to date on the Service’s work since June, and some even picked up national attention. Among her most successful stories was a tale about

RAF dentists at Kandahar, who help treat military working dogs which have saved countless lives by sniffing out Taliban bombs. The story, broken in RAF News in August, was picked up by national and international titles. “I found the story while having a conversation in the dining facility with a dentist who’d just been working with “canines” – not the teeth, the dogs! The story was a great opportunity to show how well RAF people adapt to challenges when on operations.”

Flt Lt Lee received her commendation from the Deputy Air Component Commander, Group Captain Dominic Stamp, at a surprise gathering of staff at 83 EAG’s headquarters in the Middle East. “It’s easy to underestimate the importance of media operations,” Gp Capt Stamp said. “We owe it to the public to make sure the RAF’s achievements on behalf of the nation are shared with the media, and Rachael did a cracking job making sure stories were published.”

Now on a hard-earned period of leave, Flt Lt Lee said she was looking to catching up with her family in Bolton before taking up her new role as a physical education policy officer at HQ Air Command.

Southern Service Cross country leagueA chilly 20th November saw RAF High Wycombe host the second fixture of the Southern Service Cross Country League.12 stations in the South of England take turns to host the competition. All races are free to enter, and often feature some post race biscuits, and around Christmas time even some mulled wine!

Despite the mid morning snow, the event saw the largest turnout of runners the league

has seen in a number of years. The start was swiftly done by the Stn Cdr at 1400, and 79 runners were off on the technical and rather gruelling course, which wound its way through the woods behind 3 Site and into the fields. Unfortunately, being in High Wycombe it was difficult to

avoid any hills – playing to the strengths of local runners who are frequently seen bashing out miles in the environs of the station. There was blood, sweat and tears! 3 runners were dutifully patched up by the med centre after having an argument with a tree or rock.

The efforts of the High Wycombe runners made some considerable changes to the leader board in the league competition. The ladies team, comprised of Flt Lt Holt, Sgt Meechan, Lynda Langfield and myself, climbed up to bronze position. The men, lead home by Sqn Ldr Henderson being chased by 15 others from the station, improved their standings to 4th place. The overall winners will be

announced at the end of March, after the final race at RAF Benson.

Now the cross country season is behind us, we can look forward to the Track and Field season. The first meeting kicks off on 26th April at RAF Cosford. This is an open competition and personnel of all ages, abilities and experience are invited to come and compete in a range of events. On the track you can try your hand at everything from hurdling to middle distance running, or try some of the field events such as javelin or the high jump. For more information and a full timetable of events, or to simply register your interest in running and athletics, please contact Fg Off Abi Bagshaw x4814 or abigail.bagshaw898@mod.uk.

© Helen Olive

© Helen Olive

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Team RAF Benevolent Fund Needs You!and young people growing up on RAF Stations. The fund has helped to build and equip 27 childcare centre’s, equating to over 1800 childcare places. In addition, the Fund provides play parks and trained youth workers on stations to help keep children/teenagers safely occupied.

Debt and money advice – in partnership with the Royal British Legion, the Fund provides a fast track, specialist benefits and money advice service, through Citizens Advice Bureau, nationwide.

Relationship Counselling for RAF Couples – The Fund will pay for up to 6 confidential relationship counselling sessions with relate. See your OC PSF?WO PSF/Chf Clk or Stn welfare services for more details

Welfare Breaks – The Fund offers subsidised short breaks for serving families at Shencot and Seacot Houses on the West Sussex Coast, if available these houses can also be used for FD/Team building activities.

A word from the OIC RAFBF Ctee – Flt Lt Tamara Stone:Most RAF personnel have heard of the RAFBF but many probably don’t know of anyone they have actually helped. In both my role as OC PSF and OIC the RAFBF Ctee I have

seen first hand the great work of the RAFBF. They continue to heavily support RAF High Wycombe, year after year.  In 2013 its contribution to providing welfare support to the station included 32 x individual welfare cases, which received a total of £535,000 plus funding the extension of the Red Kites Childcare Centre at a cost of over £300,000.  But the Charity can’t provide such support without YOU!! Hopefully you will never need such support personally but there is a very good chance that someone you know will, even if they don’t talk about it.

Up and coming Initiatives16-18 May 14 – Fawley Hill Family Weekend – RAF/RAFBF stand – Volunteers required to do a stand or help collect money – POC Flt Lt T Stone

20 Jun 14 – Royal Ascot – Stewards and Money Collectors required – POC Flt Lt T Stone

Membership of Middlesex Country Cricket Club for £125 (saving of £70) for all RAF Past and Present – details found at www.rafbf.org/4350/middlesex-country-cricket-club-offer.

3-7 Sep 14 – Cycle London to Paris – Scoping to see potential for an RAF High Wycombe Team – POC Flt Lt T Stone

What is the RAF Benevolent Fund?The RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) is the RAF’s leading charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to all members of the RAF family from childhood through to old age. The RAFBF has a proud tradition of looking after it’s own from all those who are serving in the RAF, all those that have previously served, and their wives, husbands, partners, and young dependants too.  For over 90 years the RAFBF has been there to provide assistance with a wide range of issues; from childcare and relationship difficulties to injury and disability, and from financial hardship and debt to illness and bereavement. The RAFBF helps tens of thousands every year and with the pace of recent operational commitments this has not changed. 

What does the RAFBF provide in real support terms?The RAFBF spends over £20 million each year supporting over 60,000 people:

Major and Minor assistance grants – Whether this is to assist serving/ex serving personnel during tough financial times or to provide a home/car that can support an individual disability Airplay and Airplay Youth Support – a project supporting children

Naphill FC U11’s team plays in the South Bucks Football League as one age group of the Naphill FC. Naphill FC train on the RAF sports pitches (U10’s and older); and on Naphill and Walter’s Ash School pitches (U9’s and younger), and play matches most Sundays on The Crick (U11’s and older); The RAF Sports pitches (U10’s); and the Naphill and Walter’s Ash School pitches (U9’s and younger).

Naphill Football

Development and competitive fixtures are played in the South Bucks Leagues under the Beds and Bucks FA. Coaching is carried out by parents many of which have good experience playing football and who gain FA coaching qualifications along the way. Naphill FC is a good Village Football Club, running teams for all age ranges from 6-16, a youth side and a men’s side; they focus on playing and enjoying football and developing the team ethos amongst the boys and girls that play. The players come from both the local village and military communities. The club is always on the lookout for new members so if you are interested in playing, coaching, supporting or refereeing please come along any Saturday and introduce yourself - you will be made most welcome. Later this year Naphill FC will be celebrating its 25th anniversary; look out for some cerebration of this milestone in the summer months.

This season , following a move to 9-a-side football from 6-a-side football,  the U11’s team have being playing in the U12’s Colt’s league as the squad has grown, enabling players from the U12’s to turn out and ensure that full squads were available for matches. The team has played well and has had some

Other challenges can be found at: challenges@rafbf.or.uk

Im a legend and I want to get involved:

RAF High Wycombe has a RAFBF Committee - should anyone wish to assist me and my Ctee in promoting the Fund on the unit and/or help by fundraising for the cause – please contact me (Ext 6734) or the RAFBF Ctee Sec (Sgt Jason Smyth Ext 3035).  Last year the RAF High Wycombe Ctee raised over £6000; our inaugural year, but we know with your help we can do better! We’ve organised Cake sales, Live Music events, Pole Fit event, Fitness events, and even a School Colouring Competition. In addition to this, some of you competed/organised events on behalf of the fund including The RAF High Wycombe Pantomime donating circa £1700. So a big Thank you to all of you for your amazing support so far. Im sure you would agree that we can do even better this year- So, in summary the Fund can only continue its great work with great people behind it; supporting and fundraising. We need YOU!!

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excellent football matches with much oohing and aahing from the supporters of both sides! As well as achieving some good results and enjoying close football, the U11’s (as U12 Colt’s) were topping the ‘fair-play’  league for the age group at the season’s mid-way point.

As is the way with boys, they grew out of their existing kit earlier this season and needed to get a replacement team strip in a larger size. Following a conversation with Bryn Parry OBE, co-founder and CEO of Help for Heroes, the team gained permission to use the “Help for Heroes – support for our wounded” logo on the shirts. [See attached picture of the team on their new shirts]. In doing this the boys have raised money through paying to have their names on the shirts, taking collections at home matches and with some gift aided donations,  the boys have raised almost over £200 in support of Help for Heroes so far this season.

The Naphill FC club badge is a Red Kite reflecting local conservation work in the Chilterns area to re-introduce Red Kites into the local habitat. This is placed over a green and yellow Roundel in Naphill FC colours, reflecting the RAF Roundel and in recognition of the links the club has with RAF High Wycombe and the invaluable support that

Naphill FC gets from the Station. With many Service children playing for Naphill FC, and Service parents involved in the management and coaching of the teams at all ages, it is common for players to have parents detached overseas on duty, and the teams act as another source of support for deployed families.

Many will know that Help for Heroes was co-founded by Bryn Parry and his wife Emma, and was launched on 1 October 2007. Bryn had served with the Royal Green Jackets for ten years before leaving to become a cartoonist. The couple were profoundly moved after a visit to Selly Oak hospital where they met injured servicemen and women in July 2007 and decided

they needed to do something to help; the events that followed are well known. Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses whilst serving our country. This is provided through grants to individuals, other Service charities, capital build projects and at four Recovery Centers across the UK which offer support for life. The money raised has been used to support the wounded. Their philosophy is that soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need support from Help for Heroes tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives.

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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

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

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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

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

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

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Calculating the value of your

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ResettlemeNt ChaRity ResettlemeNtNewsHermes, the leading consumer delivery specialist is to help find employment for military personnel. P10

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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

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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

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CAS takes over Command of European Air GroupAt a formal Handover Ceremony on 30 January 2014, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Andrew Pulford, took over Directorship of the European Air Group (EAG) from Général d’armée aérienne Denis Mercier, Chief of the French Air Force.The event, held at the EAG’s HQ on 1 Site at RAF High Wycombe, was marked by the EAG Permanent Staff, along with the Air Attachés of each of the overseas EAG Nations, gathering to witness the signatures of the two Chiefs that would signify the changeover of Command.

Brigadier General Miguel Villarroya, EAG Deputy Director, welcomed both Air Chiefs to the EAG HQ. He noted that although the handover was taking place between two individuals, the occasion marked the continuity of a unique organisation that had

been founded almost 20 years ago. He thanked Général d’armée aérienne Mercier for his leadership in his year as Director and stated that during his tenure the EAG has seen a renaissance, growing in relevance and becoming an important player within European Defence.

Général D’armée Aérienne Mercier made reference to the successes of the EAG and looked forward to its continued work on key projects of interoperability that are of tactical and strategic importance to the seven EAG nations. Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford thanked Général d’armée aérienne Mercier for his leadership of the EAG. ‘I want to continue the good work Denis started’ he said. ‘The challenge is to continue that momentum and maintain relevance’. He went on to say that ‘value for money was vital to the business of all of the EAG nations’ and expressed his commitment to taking forward the good work of the EAG as a ‘relevant and focussed organisation that supported the nations across the full spectrum of Air power’.

WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2013 WW: 15

Opening Ceremony for the European Personnel Recovery CentreOn 30 January 2014 an Opening Ceremony was held for the European Personnel Recovery Centre (EPRC).

The EPRC, located on the Ground Floor of Hunter Building, is the outcome of a lot of hard work from the Joint Personnel Recovery section of the European Air Group (EAG). In July 2013 the seven Air Chiefs from each nation of the EAG met for the annual Steering Group. It was at this Meeting that the Air Chiefs unanimously granted authorisation for the EPRC to be created. The RAF, represented by Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, was able to offer RAF High Wycombe as the location for the interim EPRC until July 2015 when it will then relocate to a permanent home on the mainland of Europe.

During the Opening Ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford unveiled a plaque to mark the event. Accompanied by Général D’armée Aérienne Denis Mercier the two Air Chiefs went on to sign the EPRC Visitors Book before meeting the EPRC staff.

The EPRC Implementation Team Leader, Col Domenico Fanelli (Italian Air Force), heads up the Team of 8 for the EPRC. The current staff include Lt Col Fred Wesseling (Royal Netherlands Air Force), Lt Col

Uwe Schleimer (German Air Force) and Cdt Nicolas Coucke (Belgian Air Force) who have recently been joined by Maj Barry Doesburg Smits (Royal Netherlands Air Force) the newest member of the growing Team. A British Logistician and a German Officer are due to arrive in the coming months. It is envisaged that the EPRC will have a total of 15 staff officers and up to 3 support personnel by the time they get to full operational capability.

Full Membership AvailableIndividual & Group Lessons

Visitors welcome (Some restrictions apply)

Driving RangeGroup Golf Day bookings

accepted 7 days a week

This small haven, nestled within green belt countryside in Chalfont St Giles in South Buckinghamshire a short drive from Junction 2 on M40 Motorway, is something of an exception when it comes to golf clubs in the local area.

Oakland Park, a family run business, is one of the most genuinely welcoming clubs in the south east. An air of serenity hits you as soon as you pass the threshold of the recently refurbished clubhouse and by the time you have ordered at the bar, the building - styled on a traditional Buckinghamshire barn - already seems familiar and the long standing staff and members feel like old friends and really add to the ambiance.

The kitchen is also run by a husband and wife team whose excellent reputation in the area, has been built on good home cooking and value for money. The pretty parkland course enables us all to enjoy a year round full golfing experience whilst easily walking the lightly undulating fairways.

We cordially invite you to come and look around this unique club and make friends for both now and the future.

Look forward to hearing from you please quote WW/DC

Oakland Park Golf Club

WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WW:WW: 1918 WW:WW:WW:

RAF High Wycombe Conservation GroupBy Sgt Neil Hutchinson

The RAF High Wycombe Conservation Group was formed to look after the heritage, flora and fauna of the site and immediate surrounding area.There is a surprising amount of interesting wildlife to be found around the station environs, some of which you will undoubtedly have seen including the Red Kites soaring gracefully overhead.

How many of us had heard of a Glis-glis before moving to the area? For those of you who still haven’t heard about them, I

For many of us, a combination of too much clutter and simply not enough time often means that we end up with garages and attics fit to burst.

Thrift Shop

At RAF High Wycombe Thrift Shop, we can help you recycle your unwanted items, earn some income and raise revenue for local charities and good causes. You can bring in up to fifteen items per week on Wednesdays between 09.00 and 13.00, or on the first

Wednesday of every month between 20.00 and 22.00. If your items sell, you will receive 80% of the sale price with the remainder being donated to local charities and fund raising projects.

By Dawn Grimwood and Sqn Ldr Maggie Boyle

Managing work & familyOn 21 Feb 14 a group from Employment Policy attended the Work and Family Show looking for practical advice and ideas on returning to work after a career break, which we could then share with the relevant organisations within AIR TLB.

There were a number of exhibitors offering advice on career and personal development; work opportunities; image, style and media resources; franchise and self employment; and family services, enablers and networking. In addition there were 3 theatres with debates and events as varied as “Who takes out the rubbish”, “Learn to juggle and ditch the guilt” and “Interviews – how to shine”.

The opening debate, “The Future of Work and Family: Politics, Ethics and Quotas”, prompted me to make the following notes:

When an individual takes a career break, the business/organisation loses a skilled worker, and then has to find and train a replacement, so it makes sense to use initiatives such as flexible working patterns to retain skilled individuals for the benefit of the business.

There are arguments for and against quotas for women at

board level in business – we still need to have the right people in the right jobs, but perhaps we need quotas/targets for diverse groups at all levels throughout the business, which may address why women and other diverse groups are not getting or taking the opportunities to move up.

It is proven that businesses with women at senior levels are more effective.

However the focus needs to be on the pipeline that develops our talented and diverse population to bring them through to senior levels.

At the same time we, as individuals, must put ourselves forward for development opportunities.

The Government has an initiative called Think, Act, Report:Think about where the blockages are in the workplace that prevent people from diverse groups progressing; Act to remove those

blockages: and report on the changes made and the results so that others can learn.

My colleague, Sqn Ldr Maggie Boyle, produced the following notes from the Managing Your Work and Family Team” session:

Important things to bear in mind when working with other members of your team.

You are the CEO of your team!

PartnerTeamwork, flexibility, planning your diary, agreeing roles. You don’t need to do everything yourself – delegate and agree who does what. Communicate. Ask for help when you need it.

Your DependentsWhen you are with your dependents, be with them 100% - don’t have the phone/blackberry beeping.Don’t be guilty if the plan doesn’t always work.As they grow up, make them part of the team, involve them.

Care ProvidersTrust them.Sometimes it’s easier to have a working relationship with a paid nanny, as opposed to a family member.Don’t be jealous that they spend more time with your dependents than you do – think of what they are allowing you to do.Find one that suits your circumstances – eg can be as

flexible as you need them to be around your work schedule.

ColleaguesBuild trust, do what you say you’ll do.Be aware of your own guilt – they may not be thinking what you think they are thinking.Don’t over compensate.Don’t try and compete with others – Do your best.Communicate.

ManagerAgree tangible targets.Both you and they need to be flexible – but don’t promise what you can’t deliver.Focus on output, not presenteeism.Be honest.Communicate.Don’t be apologetic.

YouYou are the most important member of your team!Be healthy, be happy, do the best that you can.Be honest with yourself.Don’t look at others who seem to be balancing work/family easily and compare it with your own internal stresses. You can’t see what’s going through their head – don’t compare your ‘inside’ with their ‘outside’.

Keep perspective – how important is that thing you are trying so hard to fit in?Address your stress.Good enough may not be perfect – but it is good enough!

recommend a quick search on the web for a picture of one.

There are some rare plants located within the boundary of the station, some of which are located on National Trust protected land in the least likely of places you would imagine.

There are also various heritage sites such as Grimm’s Ditch and some WWII pillboxes.

The HWCG aims to take stock of all this in time, and is looking for volunteers to help. It is open to all, both serving and civilian alike, and children are encouraged to join in and help. We don’t require any experience or training, but if you have either then so much the better. You will need a fondness for the outdoors and probably a pair of wellies!

If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more, please feel free to get in touch with any of the following;

Mr Chris Anderson – SHEF - Mil: 95221 6664 Civ: +44 (0)1494 496664 Mr Mike Byrne – SHEF - Mil: 95221 5904 Civ: +44 (0)1494 495904 Sgt Neil Hutchinson – Gauntlet – Mil 95221 3836 Civ +44 (0)1494 493836

Why not visit our new Facebook webpage, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1399941263568720 to see the kind of things that sell well, or to buy some items that we currently have in stock.

As an end note, we would like to say a huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers who give their time so generously and who, over the years, have raised a fabulous amount for local causes such as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Macmillan Trust, Walters Ash and Naphill School and many more, as well as keeping our customers’ pockets lined and their attics empty!

WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014WW: 20

Hennerton Golf Club is having an Open Day on Sunday 18th May – book your FREE tee-time with the Pro-shop on 0118 9401000.

Hennerton is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Wargrave, ideally located 15 minutes’ drive from the A404 (Henley) and 10 minutes from A4 between Maidenhead and Reading.

We have a friendly and relaxed club with a full calendar of events for members. Members have reciprocal rights with four clubs: Bicester Hotel Golf & Spa, Chippenham Golf Club (Wiltshire), Laleham Golf Club (Chertsey) and Thorney Park Golf Club (Iver). Subscriptions are good value with full 7-day for Service Personnel (active and retired) at £745pa. We have been GolfMark accredited since 2008 and offer tuition 7 days a week – try our “Get Into Golf” taster sessions for £5pp for an hours’ group class.

Once played, our course is loved – from terraced tees to contoured greens and always surrounded by beautiful views, it is varied and well-thought out. Book your tee-time with the Pro-shop or on-line from our website: www.hennertongolfclub.co.uk.

See our website for all our offers including society golf days – if you would like more information on the course, contact our Golf Manager Glenn Johnson (PGA-Professional) on 0118 9401000 or email glenn@hennertongolfclub.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you.

Hennerton Golf Club, Crazies Hill Road, Wargrave, Reading, Berks RG10 8LT www.hennertongolfclub.co.uk

THE WHEELNaphill Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011

A Traditional English Pub Purveyors of Fine AleGood Beer Guide: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

CASK MARQUE APPROVED

Home Cooked FoodSeasonal SpecialsLocal ProduceFamily FriendlyDog Friendly

Main Road, Naphill, HP14 4QA Tel: 01494 562210 www.thewheelnaphill.com info@thewheelnaphill.com

Real Ale – Real Food – Real Pub

WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WW:WW: 2322

Med

men

ham

Pa

tch

Ingredients 3 smoked streaky bacon rashers – finely chopped150g self-raising flour50g mature cheddar – grated1tsp mustard powder1 egg125ml milk

Method1. Preheat over to 180C/160C fan/Gas mark 4. Line a 24-hole mini muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Fry bacon in frying pan until crispy. Drain on kitchen paper.

3. Mix together the flour, most of the cheese, mustard powder and seasoning. In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, milk and cooked bacon. Add the wet

Parsnip, Blue Cheese & Pumpkin Seed MuffinsIngredients 150g butter – melted2 medium parsnips – grated200g blue cheese – cubed284ml buttermilk3 eggs300g self-raising flour1 tsp baking powder100g ground almondsPumpkin seeds

Method1. Preheat over to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Sift in the flour, baking powder, ground almonds, parsnip, most of the blue cheese and a pinch of salt. Mix together.

3. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases. Sprinkle the top with a few cubes of the remaining cheese and some pumpkin seeds. Bake for 30 mins until risen and golden.

© J

Sava

ge

© J

Sava

ge

Mini Bacon & Cheese Muffins

ingredients to the dry bowl and mix until just combined.

4. Divide mixture between cases and sprinkle over remaining cheese. Bake for 12 mins or until golden brown and springy to touch. Serve warm or at room temperature. ©

J Sa

vage

Well by now hopefully it has stopped raining and the land is starting to dry out, spring has finally arrived in all her glory, daffodils are in flower and the blossom is on the trees.

GardeningSpring is a good time to rejuvenate your boarders. Hoe over to prevent weeds from spreading and self-seeding. Apply a general-purpose fertiliser to borders and beds, taking care not to damage emerging shoots. If you have clumps of perennials which have been in for about three years and are not flowering as well as they used to, it is a sign that they need to be divided. Dig up the clumps and carefully separate them into smaller sections discarding the old centre if it has become very woody and showing no sign of coming into life. Replant with lots of organic matter and don’t forget to water even if the ground is wet.

Your pots and containers will also benefit with a refresh of their nutrients. Carefully remove the top 2in of soil from the container and top up with fresh compost, such as John Innes No3 or compost designed for containers. It is always worth applying a general feed, or slow release fertiliser designed for container plants. If your plants have become pot-bound you will need to pot them into a larger container to renew their vigour. Don’t forget to check to see if your pots need

water as even at this time of year they can dry out.

By mid March, hardy annuals (such as Candytuft, Pot Marigold, Californian Poppy, Cornflower, Nasturtium, Love-in-the-Mist and Sunflowers) can be sown directly outside if the weather is mild. By sowing in ‘drifts’ of different seeds you will get a more natural look. If you had already sown seeds indoors in early March or even February, you may now have young hardy annuals ready for planting out. Sweet peas can be sown outside this month, or if you have plants which were autumn sown in pots they can be also planted out. Build yourself a wigwam support out of garden canes for them to climb and use a light garden twine to tie in the plants.

It is always tempting to rush out and buy plants as soon as they are available in the garden centres and shops but only do so if you have someway of protecting them from any frost until the weather warms up. If you do get caught out you will only have to buy some more so just be patient. Towards the end of April, as long as the weather is mild and no frosts are forecast, you can start to plant up your hanging baskets and pots in

preparation for the summer, but keep an eye on the weather and protect them with horticultural fleece or pop them in a shed overnight if frost is forecast.

As the grass is now starting to grow, so lawns will need to be mown when necessary, ideally maintaining a constant height throughout the year. Apply a high nitrogen spring lawn fertiliser at the beginning of April to encourage good, strong growth. If moss is a problem, and here on the patch we have a lot of shade from the trees, choose a combined fertiliser and moss killer. Lightly rake over lawns to remove old plant debris and thatch. This will also remove dead moss a couple of weeks after applying the chemical moss killer. If your lawn is looking a bit thin then you can over-seed but make sure the soil is not too wet or the weather too cold as germination will be poor and at least 2 weeks have past since any weed and moss killer has been applied. If seeding, it may be better to wait until the weather improves and night temperatures are above 7-8 degrees. You must make sure that once seed is down that you do not let it dry out. Try to keep off the lawn as much as possible until it has established.

As April rolls into May the daffodils fade and it is now time to lift and divide over crowed clumps. Also don’t forget to deadhead your tulips and daffodils as this will allow them to put all their energy back into the bulb for next year’s flowers. Always let the

leaves die down naturally, do not cut them off, I know it looks a little untidy but when they turn brown they should just pull away easily.

As the days get warmer, harden-off plants raised from seeds and cuttings by leaving them outside for gradually increasing periods of time. Start with only the warmest part of the day for a few hours and gradually build up to overnight exposure; this will take 10-14 days, before planting them out. Always keep an eye out for late frosts and protect the plants if necessary. Thin out direct sowings of hardy annuals to between 4-8in, using the upper limit for tall or spreading plants, and the lower limit for smaller plants.

As we move into June regularly mow lawns to keep them in shape, removing ‘little and often’ and no more than 1/3 of the total height, is the key to a good quality lawn. Another constant task around the garden at this time of year is dead-heading – remove spent flowers from containers, pots, hanging gaskets, beds and borders and feed them all occasionally with liquid feed as this will encourage new flowers to shoot on some plants.

Your main job for June is to sit out in your garden with a glass in hand and enjoy it after all your hard work, and hopefully the sun will be shining.

If you live on the Medmenham patch and you need help in your garden and feel I can help, do not hesitate to contact me theladygardener@outlook.com

By Sgt John Carberry-Rogers

Danesfield Arms Dining-In NightLove was most certainly in the Air at the Danesfield Arms this Valentines’ with the Medmenham Families Club, the Danesfield Arms, hosting its first ever Dining-In-Night.

Just before Christmas, the Ents Cttee of the Danesfield Arms decided that it would be a good idea to stage a Dining-In-Night in order to raise the profile of the Club and it was therefore agreed that a Valentines’ evening would be the first such event. So, on Sat 15th Feb, 30 residents of the FMQs at Medmenham arrived for the much anticipated evening. The function ran along the lines of what you would expect at any Dining-In-Night with the Club’s outgoing OIC, Sqn Ldr Nicki Carberry-Rogers taking up the role of PMC & Ents Member, Sqn Ldr Mike Neaves acting as Mr Vice.

After months of preparation from numerous Cttee Members, the evening began with resident

photographer, Sgt Johnny Carberry-Rogers taking arrival photos followed by the PMC greeting guests with arrival drinks. We were then treated to a fantastic 3 course meal, cooked by ‘Medmenham Masterchef’, Sqn Ldr Mike Neaves. As the wine, beer and conversation flowed, the ‘snitches’ were out in force ensuring that those ‘stepping out of line’ were fined accordingly. At the end of the meal and after the traditional passing of the port, the PMC handed out the fines. Due to this not being a Mess function where port can be used at future events, it was decided that there would be financial fines with the total raised going to RAF High Wycombe Station Charities. In total £100 was raised.

With fines and speeches out of the way, it was time for our very own DJ, Sgt Paul Satterthwaite to spin his discs or in modern speak, plug in his laptop and play his carefully crafted ‘romantic playlist’. With Paul filling the dance floor and Sgt Ash Higgins filling the glasses from behind the bar, the romantic vibe was in full flow with much hilarity going on due to some ‘interesting’ dance moves from certain people, no names mentioned.

As the night ended, everyone went home with a full stomach and a smile on their face. The first ever Dining-In-Night at the Danesfield Arms had been an overwhelming success and will be the first of many such evenings.

For those of you living at Medmenham (or further afield), the Danesfield Arms is there for you to come along, have a drink and enjoy. We are open every Friday night and we have other events going on throughout the year. Be sure to keep a look out for leaflets coming through your door with details of upcoming events and please come along and enjoy ‘your’ Families Club.

WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WW:WW: 2524WW: 24

RAF High Wycombe Ten-pin Bowling Showcase“A day in the office is a day wasted”. A disgruntled employee perhaps? A pilot? A navigator? An Olympian?

No, these are the encouraging words of the Station Commander at RAF High Wycombe delivered to all personnel in the hope that they will try a new activity during their busy schedules to promote a ‘whole force’ ethos and develop skills of competitiveness and athleticism.

‘Tenpin Bowling is played by over 100 million people worldwide in over 90 different countries with over 10 million people competing either at professional or amateur level. The number of bowling lanes worldwide is now up to 250,000. There is an active movement to make bowling an Olympic sport. A sport that has truly demonstrated international appeal, bowling has seen huge growth in Western Europe over the past two decades, especially in Britain and France. Its popularity as a competitive sport was recognized with its acceptance into the Commonwealth (since 1998) and Asian (since 1978) games as a medal sport.’

To make this event work, I was keen to deliver a package to show the opportunities within Tenpin Bowling and recruited the help of 2 current Team England bowlers; Matt Miller, 2011 Gold medal winner in the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships and regular Adult Team England representative and George Ackerman, scoring his first 300 at age 14, a 767 series at age 15 and now a regular for Junior Team England.

A very large thank you must also go to the 28 RAF Regular serving members, the 19 MOD civil servants and the solitary MAC employee through a plethora of ranks, grades, age and ability taking to the lanes following a warm welcome from Matt Miller, the CEO of the British Tenpin Bowling Association (BTBA), who in attendance with Chris Hillman, Technical Director of the BTBA, were more than happy to spend their time at an event that could produce a male or female of the future, representing Team England or at the very worst merely enjoying the sport of Tenpin Bowling.

The games commenced and the diversity of levels of ability soon became apparent with Matt and George hiding their amusement but still enthusiastically helping as many of the competitors as possible.

A blast from the past, WO Neil Bailey, soon found his natural ability and scored the afternoons ONLY 200 plus game and like all good sportsmen did not allow this to break his concentration and followed the 211 with a 111 game. This inevitably provided enough of a cushion to be the Top Male of the event with a 476 series but a special mention must go to SAC Paul Campbell who bowled very consistently with games of 163, 153 and 154 to finish 6 pins behind Neil. Of the 28 male competitors, 21 averaged over the score of 100 and showed enough potential, enthusiasm and certainly sportsmanship to

represent the Station at one or more of the 8 organised Tenpin Bowling Tournaments by the RAF Tenpin Bowling Association (RAFTBA).

The Top Female ended up being Sarah Stroud who scored higher than 23 of the male competitors and continued her impressive increase in average score with a 131, 130 and 146 for a 407 series and some 70 pins ahead of her nearest female competitors Piquita Robinson-Lobbett, Cpl Michelle Harvey-Perkins and Marie McKeon who all showed either a misspent youth or a very natural ability to represent in the sport of Tenpin Bowling.

The overall Team Champions, as if it was important, were Wanderers I who totalled 1245 and was made up of Sqn Ldr Andy Bryant, Dave Conner and Sarah Stroud with Pin Pals the Runners-Up with 1188 and made up of WO John Sanderson. Sgt Craig Farrington and Sgt Dave Podmore. Third place went to CBC who scored 1114 and was made up of Cpl John Croucher, SAC Paul Campbell and Dylan Browne so congratulations to all those who received an award on the day.

Not one to miss an opportunity, the Station Commander, Gp Capt Clifford kindly presented 5

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current members of the RAF High Wycombe Tenpin Bowling Squad with their Station Colours; these were Sgt Brian Hallam, SAC Rachael David, Dan Nichols, Sarah Stroud and Rob Yandell.

The event was showcased by Matt and George kindly agreeing to participate in a single game bowl off against the Top Male and Top Female on the day. This resulted in a generous support of the RAF High Wycombe competitors against 2 semi-professional Team England Tenpin bowlers, an atmosphere that was obviously too intimidating for Matt who succumbed to another 200 game from WO Neil Bailey and was comprehensively defeated but despite an indifferent start from George the competitiveness of youth meant a close fought victory over Sarah Stroud, so 1-1 to the Wanderers and a re-match to be concluded at a later stage.

Thanks to some generous donations from Matt Miller of the London Pro Shop, Heathrow Bowl, AMF bowling and Mrs Ruby Smith a raffle took place to gain funds for the 2014 season charity of the Association for International Cancer Research.

I must thank the Station Commander for his attendance at this sporting event and most importantly to all 48 of the competitors who maybe just didn’t want to be in the office on another wintry afternoon but I would like to hope that they entered to develop some hidden skills and who knows maybe continue the sport of Tenpin Bowling for many years to come.FS Les KeatesRAF High Wycombe Team ManagerRAF Squad Member 2013-2014

For further information of the representation in the sport of Tenpin Bowling contact your Station PEd Flight for details of the Officers In Charge or the RAFTBA Secretary, SAC(T) Chris Smith at ODI-ELW-ESSGEFmech17@mod.uk or on 95235 7744.

Contact HouseBy WO Kev Wise, SCSO

RAF High Wycombe has 3 welfare houses which are predominantly used to allow serving personnel to have access to their children in a home environment.

The day to day running and booking of these houses is undertaken by Tracey Clark, RAF High Wycombe’s HIVE Information Officer, who works tirelessly to

ensure that the houses are always in a condition to be occupied at a moments notice.  The Station has had the 3 houses for some time but because of their popularity it has been difficult to carry out improvements to them. However, the time had come where it was felt that they needed to be updated, but funding to undertake this work was insufficient to meet those costs, therefore Sqn Ldr Adrian Morris approached Rory O’Connor, Director of Welfare at RAFA HQ to seek assistance with this valuable welfare resource.  Following a visit to RAF High Wycombe, part of which included viewing the Welfare Houses, Rory O’Connor gave approval for £15,000 for the updating of these properties.

As the properties are ultimately managed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), their local office was approached to consider replacing some of the existing flooring with new, as they were life expired.  Also Modern Housing Solutions (MHS), DIO’s housing maintenance contractor, were approached to seek their assistance with having the appearance of the houses addressed.  The MHS staff undertook this task has part of their community project work, to which they gave 2 days of their time to undertake work, both inside and out of the properties.

Work commenced on 25 Oct with the removal of everything from the houses into a skip (except curtains, carpets and cooker). We managed to load the skip in just one morning, allowing MHS and their workforce to start work with the redecorating and minor repairs the following Monday, taking 7

working days to complete. The bedroom furniture was delivered the following Wednesday from Dreams, which responded to a request for possible assistance with the provision of furniture or essential items, and I cannot praise them highly enough for their contribution to the welfare provision for service personnel and their families at RAF High Wycombe. Tracey Clark and Dani Bowman, Community Development Officer, had a good idea as to the colour co-ordination that would work with the furniture and off they went to purchase the majority of the ancillary items required. 

It is with heartfelt thanks to all concerned that RAF High Wycombe now has 3 newly refurbished Welfare Houses, and none of this would have happened without the generous support from RAFA.

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

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WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WYCOMBE WORLD SPRING 2014 WW:WW: 2928WW: 28

Team GBR Make it into the GRM World Cup roundWorld Cup 2013/14 Natural Luge

By Sqn Ldr Claire Adamson

It was a weekend of firsts for team GBR at the 2nd GRM – World Cup Natural Luge January 4th/5th, 2014 at Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi (ITA). Four athletes from the GBR Team entered the race; SAC Lizzie Driver was the first female ever to be selected for the GBR Team & SAC Ben Mackintosh made it into the GRM World

Cup Round and slid against the World Champion Patrick Pigneter.The organisers expected a record number of participants in the first parallel race in ten years.  Almost one hundred athletes from nearly twenty nations entered the race.  Not many of today’s stars in the Natural Luge had been around for the last parallel race, but they all agreed: anything new in the Natural track World Cup was great.  The parallel race has

been reintroduced to make the Natural Luge more exciting for the spectators and to prove that tracks can be made anywhere, making it more desirable to become an Olympic sport.  The fifty men, thirty woman and approximately fifteen doubles competed in a direct elimination table after one run on the red side and one run on the blue side of the track.  The position in the table depended on the rank in the qualification.  The fastest meets the slowest and so on.

SAC Ben Mackintosh slid his way into the World Cup and came 30th overall which was a fantastic achievement and was cheered on by the Novice Sliders who were out on the RAF Novice Natural Luge Championships.  Unfortunately, SAC Sam Budd was disqualified after a crash in the second qualification run which bent the finger guards out of shape on his sled.  SAC David Clayton battled the elements and battled through several rounds , although did not make it through to the World Cup rounds and ended up thirteenth

in the Nations Cup.  Lastly, SAC Lizzie Driver overcame her nerves and came thirteenth in the Nations Cup.  Coach Flt Lt Eddy Dunlop spent time with the group training them to give them the skills and confidence to slide in the parallel race, working specifically on correct lines to extract more speed and avoid crashing.  He said  ‘All four athletes have trained hard and impressed me in training.  However, the race is something else and all had to overcome pre-race nerves and deal with the ever probing TV cameras in the start hut. Sam learnt a valuable lesson by not checking his sled after his second run and that cost him, as he got disqualified on a technical reason.  Lizzie and Dave stuck to the game plan and put in a solid and safe finish in the Nations Cup.  The plan is to build up their track and ice time and not get injured, the speed will come naturally.  Ben has weeks left in the RAF and this could be his last appearance for team GBR which is a shame as he had good potential and to his credit he demonstrated this on the ice qualifying for the

World Cup.  The first draw could not have come with more pressure, as he was up against the sports number one slider and current singles and doubles world cup champion and world champion.  A poor start cost Ben but he had the speed elsewhere to match the best in the world and finished in a career best at thirtieth position, and made me immensely proud of all the GBR athletes’.

SAC Mackintosh added: ‘Following a late decision to enter before Christmas, I booked my flight and instantly I knew it was the right decision, as I became very excited and slightly apprehensive, knowing there would be very little chance to train before the race.  I also felt a little extra pressure to perform, in order to repay Eddy Dunlop for the commitment he had shown me through our 5 year journey, as this could be my last year due to leaving the Service.

On the morning of the training and qualifying I felt that this was the point to start sparking, I decided to put in a safe run on my first training run and learn the track from a sliders

WW: 29

perspective.  On the second training run I took out some brakes which, felt great and built up my confidence.  Then came my first qualifying run which was the moment I knew I wanted to showcase the talent that GBR had to offer.  I held a little back, Eddy was in the back of my mind saying that you have to be in it to win it, as this would was a knock out format this advice was more pertinent than ever.

The next day was the second qualifying run and I knew if I got a sub nineteen seconds I could be fighting for a top three finish in the Nations Cup, with this in the forefront of my mind I set to it and achieved my goal.  This gave me a massive high going into my second race runs, I then found out I had done enough and qualified in the World Cup which felt amazing especially knowing I hadn’t scraped through but had two sliders slower the me.  I then found out my opponent was the World Champion in the first round, this did nothing but relax and remove any stress as the pressure was on him to beat me and if he buckled I would be there to win.  The second run is where I gave it all as not doing so would leave me regretting this, unfortunately he did beat me on both runs but I can hand on heart say I gave it my all!!! The best feeling was seeing Eddy with a grin from ear to ear saying; “you have done me proud thank you, this has made all the planning and prep worth it” and such high praise from a man who prides him self on his name is praise indeed. The second best thing is knowing I am GBR number one and thirtieth in the world that still hasn’t fully set in yet!’

Sam, Dave and Lizzie have been enrolled in the Federation of International Luge field Camp, which is the only way team GBR can afford to train and compete on the world Luge circuit.  They are currently on the European leg of the World Cup circuit which will see them sliding and competing in Austria, Germany and Italy to name but a few.  To follow the GBR Team visit the British Luge Facebook page.

By Flt Lt Hayley AdamsonExercise Snow BomberTo beat the January blues, the new Aerospace Battle Manager within the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Force Headquarters thought that a force development day away from the office was appropriate.Inspired by the Winter Olympic games, and the proximity of facilities, I organised for skiing instruction to be undertaken at the Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre. Cpl Kelly Collins, the RAF High Wycombe Adventurous Training Instructor, advised of all the administration that needed to be completed and with

paperwork in order, we set off on Thursday 6th February.

The more experienced members of the group, reluctant to class themselves as “Advanced”, quoted themselves as “Intermediate” and were suitably excited at the prospect of a day out of the office. However, the three beginner skiers approached the trip slightly more

hesitantly. We needn’t have worried – we were suitably looked after by a very experienced instructor, Richard, who taught us the very basics – from walking across snow, through maintaining balance on the skis, up to the dizzy heights of snow plough turns! The “Intermediate” group moved directly to the main slope and had individual assessment and guidance from their instructor, Doug.

It was great to experience a new sport and to push our physical boundaries, as well as laugh at ourselves. A good sense of humour is definitely needed on the slopes! Across the breadth of experience, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was a refreshing way to bring the ATM Force Headquarters staff closer together.

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Air

Cad

ets

Red Arrows return to High WycombeThe Air Cadets from 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron received a special visit from Wing Commander Neil Fraser, Officer Commanding the Red Arrows.As well as being in charge of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander Neil Fraser is a former Air Cadet at 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron.  He talked about his experience as a cadet and how he progressed to becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force.  His

presentation included how the Red Arrows was formed, how they perfect their formations and highlighted the various roles the Red Arrows plays at home and aboard.  The cadets asked many questions about the Red Arrows and the Royal Air

Force itself. Wing Commander Fraser was happy to chat to the cadets afterward and had photos taken with many of them.  It was a truly inspiring evening for 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron.

“When we found out that Wing Commander Fraser was visiting we were surprised and excited. It’s not every day you have such an amazing visitor on a parade night. He gave a really interesting presentation on the history of the red arrows, as well as showing us some awesome videos. I would love to be one of the ‘circus engineers’ for the red arrows – I’d really like my own aircraft to look after and to travel the world with the Reds” - Cdt Cpl Matthew Goff

Flight Lieutenant Pamela McCarthy, Officer Commanding 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron said “I am very grateful that Wing Commander Neil Fraser took time out of his busy schedule to come back to his old Squadron. As his formative years mirror that of our current cadets he sets a fantastic example of both how a passion for and career in aviation can evolve from being an Air Cadet and more generally how with hard work and dedication a young person from High Wycombe can rise to the top of their chosen career. On behalf of everyone at 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron I would like to wish the Red Arrows Team all the best for 2014 season. We are all looking forward to seeing them in action in the summer.

First aid successAnother seven High Wycombe Cadets achieved their St John’s Ambulance Youth First Aid Qualification in February.Cdt George Keeley was one of them. “The weekend started out having lessons on different illnesses and accidents, for example how to spot hypothermia, and what to do if someone has inhaled smoke – then we moved on to practical exercises. We practiced CPR on dummies, and the recovery position and bandaging on real people!

To get our badges we had to pass a test which was on everything we learnt, but in a role play situation. Thankfully we

all passed, and five of us were recommended to go for a higher qualification.

The weekend definitely broadened my knowledge of first aid – the three tips I would give to anyone are:

1. Never put yourself in danger2. Always check if the person will answer you when you talk to them – you don’t want to start emergency first aid on someone having a nap3. Always stay calm

Fledgling marching band about to take flight

In 2012, 332 Squadron began to offer a new activity to High Wycombe cadets by forming a squadron band.The raw materials were already there; the squadron owned enough equipment and had several cadets with no musical training but with an aptitude for learning.

After a crash course of a few months, we had a very effective static corps of drums which we took to the Herts & Bucks Wing Field Day to compete against other squadrons. Despite our short time together as an ensemble, we beat the competition and represented the Wing at the regional level. After that success we started developing other areas, and in 2013 we entered other competition sections with a choir, soloists and

instrumentalists. We also performed with the High Wycombe Ladies’ Choir at Armed Forces Day. After seeing the Band of the Life Guards perform at the same event (sadly not on horseback), we were inspired to take the final, slightly scary step of marching and playing at the same time.

At regional field day 2013 we joined up with 936 (Hertford & Ware) Sqn who were representing the Wing in the Full Marching Band section to form a ‘massed band’. It didn’t take us long to identify our common repertoire and put together a routine.

Another highlight in our musical year was selling

programmes and flags at the Wycombe Swan theatre when the Central Band of the RAF came to town, touring in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. The cadets were able to watch the second half of the concert, and were surprised and delighted when the RAF’s Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs announced a change to the programme and conducted a newly commissioned Air Cadet March to thank the cadets for their hard work on the night.

One hurdle that we are working hard to get over is our lack of a drum major – this is the ‘pilot’ of the marching band – deciding the speed and direction of the

musicians! It’s a difficult job, you have to know the music well, have excellent drill, and be able to wield a fairly large mace without hurting anyone. We’ve begun training some potential cadets in this area, and they are showing great promise.

In February our first group of cadets were awarded their Band Badges - and after the hard work and dedication they’ve put in which has led to the band representing the Squadron and Wing at competitions and public events, they are well deserved.

Achieving our goal of becoming a fully functioning Marching Band will mean you’ll be seeing a lot more of us in the near future – so watch this space!

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