the official magazine for raf wittering · great raf wittering bake off and the winning cake! right...

Wittering View The official magazine for RAF Wittering

Features : In Brief • Station News • Puzzles & Competitions • Community News • Seasonal Recipe • Club News

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mer

201

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Casterton Business & Enterprise College

Casterton Business & Enterprise College is an 11-18 “Outstanding” Academy situated on two sites in the east of Rutland. The college

has along and successful history of educating service children stretching back over 40 years.

We work with SCISS (Service Children in State Schools) and have developed a unique pastoral support package which includes a Forces Families Liaison Officer and transition team who are very experienced in guiding service children through the transition process whether it be from primary to secondary or mid-year. We ensure that service children have a smooth transition into the college, we link with the student’s previous school to ensure continuity of education and ensure excellent home school communication is in place.

If you require any further information, please call 01780 762168 or visit our website www.rutlandcountycollege.com

4 Summer 2013 Wittering View Wittering View Summer 2013 5

Foreword

In Brief

Padre’s Corner

EX CHARIOT ROCK

Preparation for a Half Marathon

Runaway Success

Storybook Wings

Prince’s Trust

From Pigeons to Spitfires

ISS Update

2MT Head to Parliament

Pets’ Corner

Club News

SSAFA

Tea Break Time

Community News

Contents04

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Submissions Please direct all submissions for Wittering View Magazine to:

The Editor, Sqn Ldr Liz [email protected]

Please try to ensure that images are in .jpeg format and as large as possible. Text should be supplied in Microsoft Word .doc format or plain text if possible.

EditorSqn Ldr Liz Corry OC BSSExt. 7727Deputy EditorEmma StaceyTeam SAC Sarah Jones, Marissa Russell

Editorial DeadlinesDeadlines for editorial entries, Jun 18, Oct 21.

DistributionTesco Extra Serpentine Green, Morrisons Stamford, Waitrose Stamford, Families Spar Shop Wittering, Wittering Post Office & Local Doctors and Dental Surgeries

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Designed By Sherrie Bacarese

AdvertisingLance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NLTel: Marie on 01536 [email protected]

PrintingLance Print Ltd, Tel: 01480 492183

Wittering View The official magazine for RAF Wittering

EditorsSummer is here!

I am writing this while we are officially in Spring; hard to believe as I am sat with a heater on and looking out of

a window to see heavy rain and strong winds. But hopefully by the time this edition of the magazine is published the sun will be shining, we will all be over the winter blues and well into summer. Sadly we must bid the Station Commander farewell in this edition of the Witt View as this will be his last; the editing team thank him for his input and advice and wish him well in his next tour.

We had a great response to our Spring Edition competition and offer congratulations to the Stn XO, Sqn Ldr Alli Scott, who won a fantastic bag of Easter goodies and, if she hasn’t shared her prize, will be putting on the pounds as I type! Don’t forget to have a look at our summer competition on page 24. With the running season now in full flow, and knowing RAF Wittering enters a high number of runners into the Peterborough Great Eastern half marathon, the PEd team has provided us with a fantastic training guide which can be found on page 12. So with the sun shining (hopefully), the arrival of the half marathon season and many of us training hard – summer must be here!!

Sqn Ldr Liz Corry

“It seems impossible that my two years at RAF Wittering are nearly over; it can’t be more than five minutes since I was writing my first Wittering View Foreword, recalling how I had been plucked-out of a sunny Roman square to take over the Station some six months earlier than planned.

I f I’ve got the publication date right, as you read this, my two years will indeed be at an end, and Group Captain Damian

Alexander will have taken command during the first week in June. I hate to look back, but the achievements of RAF Wittering and its Force Elements over the last two years have been so great that it would be criminal not to do so. Given the constraints of space, though, a simple list will have to do: Op ELLAMY; Op OLYMPICS; Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, at Burghley House and elsewhere; preparations for Op ESCALIN; the return to contingency, with the delivery of RAF-wide Individual Contingency Readiness Training; and Op HERRICK.

Op HERRICK saw hundreds of individuals deploying as Individual Augmentees, HQ Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) just out of the door on their deployment, and 3 Squadron RAF Regiment with the bulk of HQ 1 Force Protection Wing’s personnel mid-way through their second tour. On top of this, we have run-down and closed RAF Cottesmore, dealt with two tranches of RAF Redundancies and moved into and out of 2 Group under the stewardship of four different 2-stars. Time for a rest, then? I don’t think so. We have finally had it confirmed that 71 (Inspection & Repair) Squadron will move to RAF Wittering, with elements arriving this year and the whole move finished by mid 2014. It

has been announced that, as we have known for a long time now, 2014 will also see the return of flying with 115 (Reserve) Squadron, 3 University Air Squadrons (Cambridge, East Midlands and London) and an Air Experience Flight arriving with their Tutor aircraft; and, who knows, the A4 Staff from HQ Air Command might even start their rustication..! What is certain is that RAF Wittering will continue to play a vital role in enabling the operational outputs of the RAF and Defence. Of course, it is actually the Station’s personnel that will make this possible; and it is their families that will continue to provide the underpinning support and carry much of the burden when their Service-people are deployed. There is no doubt, though, that the station that is RAF Wittering is a wonderful place. I am very proud to have commanded the Station for two of the busiest years in its long and illustrious history. And, for the first time in my near 30-year career, with no exciting role to go to, I am genuinely very sad to be leaving what I know will have been the best job that I will ever have – my heart-felt thanks to you all for making it so, and my very best wishes for the future.”

Group Captain Richard Hill

Foreword

Wittering

View The official magazine for RAF Wittering

Features : In Brief • Station News • Puzzles & Competitions • Community News • Seasonal Recipe • Club News

Sum

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201

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WITTVIEW Summer.indd 1

09/05/2013 12:32

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Members of the Road Safety Committee highlighted the issue of speeding drivers.

The Great RAF Wittering Bake Off proved far too tempting a challenge for Station personnel who were keen to show off their baking talents.

The event, which was held in aid of Comic Relief, attracted a number of entries from across the station and

Station Commander Gp Cpt Richard Hill had the tough choice of picking the winner. In the end it was the efforts of Lynn Conway from 1ELS that caught his eye and was proclaimed the winner. Afterwards the cakes were sold off and raised a fantastic £325 for Comic Relief.

PHOTOS: Main - Station Commander Gp Cpt Richard Hill with Lynn Conway, winner of The Great RAF Wittering Bake Off and the winning cake! Right - The yummy entries for the Great RAF Wittering Bake Off in aid of Comic Relief.

Comic Cake Off

COS Spt visits RAF WitteringRAF Wittering hosted COS Spt/XO Air, Air Vice Marshal Peter Ewen on a visit to the Station.

The aim was to provide him with the opportunity to be briefed on the roles of RAF Wittering and

the A4 Force, and the current challenges and opportunities facing the units, on the occasion of their transfer to his command.

COS Spt toured the Station receiving briefings and capability demonstrations from the various squadrons and took the opportunity to speak with the Station’s community support staff. It is not AVM Ewen’s first experience of the Station having previously served on the unit as the Senior Engineering Officer on 1(F) Squadron.

Disco FunThere are two discos planned for

the summer. They are being held at the A1 Bar on May 24

and July 12 from 1730hrs. For more information contact the HIVE on 01780 417541.

Bouncy Castle for HirePlanning a birthday party? Need

something special for a summer barbecue? The Station’s SIF Committee

has just taken delivery of a bouncy castle which is available for hire. To book the bouncy castle or for more information, contact the committee via WIT-GMB Sif Committee.

Deployed families from RAF Wittering were treated to a free trip to The Deep in Hull. It is one of the biggest aquariums in the country, which includes a number of sharks.

Where better to have your car washed than 2MT!

Ten personnel, led by SAC Rachael Jones, from B Flight No 2 MT Sqn, washed, chamoised and

polished cars in support of the Squadron’s nominated charity ‘Anna’s Hope’. Although damp and extremely cold, 2MT personnel

turned up in force to valet Station personnel’s cars to help raise £200. But not content with just one event in the day, the same 2 MT personnel donned their No 1 Uniforms to visit Priory Court residential home in Stamford where they served tea and biscuits to the residents. Taking time to sit and talk with everyone, Sgt Gareth Kane presented the home with a framed copy of the 2 MT Sqn History, which now holds pride of place in the residents day room.

2MT Charity of Car Wash

On The Deep

Children outside The Deep and outside the facility.

In Brief

Have you got a junk drawer in your kitchen? A place where you put everything that has no

other home. Old gloves, bits of string, keys for

locks that you changed long ago, broken pencils, pens and used up biros.

There is a mystery about junk drawers. Why is it that whenever you need something from the

drawer it’s always at the back, and to get it you have to take everything out? And why is it that when you’ve taken out what you want, leaving a little more space than before, there’s never enough room for everything else to go back, however hard you squeeze?

Life can seem a bit like that. The busier we are, the more complicated our lives are, the more we crowd into our lives increases the danger that we will push the simple things of life to the back of our ‘drawer’.

Here’s a challenge. As we head towards the summer, look for the simple things of life to engage with. Take a walk, go for a cycle ride or hop on a bus. Change the everyday rhythm of life for something simple.

Remember, when somebody is about to leave the land of living, you never hear them say: ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office’.

Padre Jesse Holland

Padre’s Corner


There are many reasons not to exercise but many people lack time, knowledge and motivation to achieve the results they actually want, following the same old tedious routines or workout incorrectly, not doing what they actually should do in order to see

good results.Personal training is a great way of creating habits within your

lifestyle so you achieve and see an overall result rather than the temporary results you get from fad diets and the odd gym session here and there. It’s a way of personalising your fitness regime so you understand what works for you, gaining an education as well as a workout.

Whether it is to shed that extra fat, gain muscles or to stay physically fit; personal training will offer you great results. It’s a great way to gain motivation and encouragement, knowing that your personal trainer wants to see you achieve and succeed, pushing you out of your comfort zone to get you to where you want to be.

Our friendly personal trainers strive to tailor each session to suit your unique goals and aspirations. All of the fitness instructors at USSC are qualified personal trainers, meaning that whatever your fitness goals are, we have the knowledge and know how to get you there. They analyze and provide feedback to your daily workouts regularly. As programs can be tailored according to your health conditions and fitness goals, it becomes easy for individuals to follow their workout programs and notice results effectively.

At USSC we offer a variety of packages to suit everyone and the personal training is not only available for members. We offer packages and one off sessions for non members of the centre too. Whether you are training for a marathon or want to generally improve your fitness, they work with you every step of the way.

With a portfolio of happy clients, our team can help you achieve your goals…..

‘Having been a gym member for years I took on personal training at USSC as I was bored of doing the same routine without seeing results. Within my first three weeks of one session a week I started to see progress in my fitness and my body shape. Every session brings a new challenge so the boredom has gone and I have new techniques I can use when I go into the gym on my own’ L Gary.

Why not try a session @USSC and see what a difference personal training can make. Visit us at Leicester Road, Uppingham or call today on 01572 820 830 to speak to one of our trainers.

Website; www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.ukFollow us on Twitter - @_ussc Email us; [email protected]

• Lifestyle improvement• Health benefits• Weight loss and toning• Strength and muscle increase• Posture and core strength• Improve lower back pain

• Flexibility, balance and co-ordination• Cardiovascular fitness• Speed and agility• Improved self confidence• Stress relief

There are many benefits to personal training including;

With the summer holidays to look forward to, Uppingham Summer School has a wide range of holiday activities to keep the children entertained. Whether they are into music or drama, sporty or arty, or into science or baking, there will be something they will love, whatever their age or interest.

The ever popular Hockey, Netball, Rugby or Tennis coaching courses will keep active children fully on the go. They will benefit from expert coaching and brushing up on skills, and make lots of new friends at the same time.

Musical children will love Young Musicians’ Week, or Total Music Powerhouse if they are budding rock musicians, and Creative Technologies Powerhouse is fantastic if you want to learn about iPhone app design or how to build your own robot. Glee Week is a chance to spend a week of singing and dancing, culminating in an

end of week show in front of parents and friends, and From Page to Stage is great for anyone who loves drama.

Other things to try include Get Write In, a creative writing course for teenagers, and Time Tunnel Tardis, a course that will bring history to life! Always popular is Baking for Kids and mixing up various potions and lotions in the Science Factory course. Or if they enjoy all things arty, the Arts & Crafts Workshops are the perfect opportunity to get creative.

Subsidised places are available on a number of Uppingham Summer School courses courtesy of the Windmill House Trust – please ask for details.

There really is something for everyone at Uppingham Summer School. Further details can be found on www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk or by phoning 01572 820800.

Summer Fun at Uppingham!


Amongst the passengers on the Liberator Bomber were the Polish Prime Minister-in-exile and his

daughter. Arrival for the Sub Aqua Clubs at Gibraltar went smoothly and the facilities at the Gun Wharf Training Centre were taken over in a slick manner. Within four hours of arrival the team completed the first dives to test equipment and everyone finally returned to Devil’s Tower Camp for meals, a planning session for the next day’s diving, a beer and then bed. The next few days were spent exploring the many shipwreck sites, improving the experience level on the RHIBs and practicing the underwater skills that would be essential to diving on the Eastern Threshold of Gibraltar Airport.

The night before the search of the Eastern Threshold a visit was paid to the memorial to those killed in the Liberator Bomber crash. L/Cpl Smith (MDHU) gave a presentation about the incident and its political and strategic ramifications. A prompt start the following morning ensured a flat transit to the Eastern side of the island whilst the minibus delivered the weightier stores to Catalan Bay, the nearest landing site to the Airport. A series of sweeps were carried out in the vicinity of, what were believed to be, the buoys that marked the centreline on the approach to the runway. The sweeps were conducted with an echo sounder in conjunction with Admiralty Charts and several anomalies were discovered and marked with shot lines. As soon as was practical, divers were in the water to identify what was causing the anomalies and a series of circular searches were carried out. While this was being carried out, the Gibraltar Harbour Police launch kept a close eye on things and, after the first dives, approached the boats to explain the team was diving in Spanish waters! The RHIBs beat a hasty retreat, although no harm had been done and Her Majesty’s Harbour Master was very understanding! Nothing conclusive was found but the area of crash site was clearly identified and a wreath laid in memory of those killed in the crash.

The rest of the expedition continued with further dives improving the skill levels and the qualifications of divers. As a change a visit to the St Michael’s Lower Cave was conducted, this 210m cave was an amazing sight, made all the more interesting by the guide, Dale. All divers improved their skills, Cpl Angie Dickinson qualified as an Advanced Diver and during the final dive, Cpl Noel Terry (RAF Coningsby) completed his 40m depth progression dive on the Europa Reef. Furthermore, Noel Terry also completed his Sports Diver qualification, Angie completed her 300th dive and SAC Kev Jones (RAF Marham) his 100th.

The Gun Wharf Activity Centre is an excellent facility with welcoming staff and first rate equipment. They offer a number of training courses and AT opportunities throughout the year.

PHOTOS: Main - A wreath is laid on the crash site in memory of those who were killed.Inset - Left - Cpl Smudge Smith gives a presentation about the Liberator crash.Inset - Right - Cpl Noel Terry and Flt Tim Taylor wrestle a shark.

EX CHARIOT

ROCKMembers of the RAF Wittering, Marham and Coningsby Sub Aqua Clubs took part in an expedition to locate the remains of the Liberator Bomber that crashed on “take-

off, 3 July 1943, killing all on-board except the pilot.”

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Entering a race can be a great motivating factor as nobody wants to under-achieve, and it could be the kick up

the backside you need to get out and start pounding the pavements!

Completing a half marathon is a great achievement and will give you bragging rights over friends and colleagues. But also it’s a stepping-stone to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as no doubt you will want to beat your time next year or even step up to a full marathon.

This article will provide a basic 12-week plan for a half marathon, and is aimed at people with a good level of basic fitness, such as those who can run 10k in less than an hour.

The best bit of advice I received when I first started racing was to start at a steady pace, tuck in behind someone who ‘looks good’ and overtake them at the end. With this in mind, always run to how your body feels. If you feel you can’t do a specific day, do what you can manage, if you feel good, try and do

a little bit more. Remember a programme is only a guide and can be flexible.

Before you start your training, go out and ‘create’ yourself several different running routes. (I suggest map my run, or use a good map of the local area) even if the half marathon is a road race, it is a good idea to have varied terrain in each of the routes.

The distances I suggest are:

5-mile loop – This is good for speed work, and will help break up the long runs.

7-mile loop – Ideally this loop could be added to the above to give a steady long run, but its intent is that it is familiar ground and distance for those just moving from 10k to half marathons.

11-mile loop x2 – In the 3 weeks leading up to your race, you will be going around these a lot!

Preparation for a Half Marathon

Planning to take part in the Great Eastern Half Marathon later this year? Cpl Rachel Fisk of PEd Flt offers a basic 12-week plan to help get you ready.

15-mile loop – Although training for a 13.2 mile race, always train just above the distance. This will give you confidence that you can do the distance.

During the programme you may only be running for set periods of time, this is used for mainly recovery, or time on your feet just to get used to running for prolonged periods of time, other methods will include:

Interval – 30-50 minutes of your session/distance will involve speed play. Hard effort for approximately 100-300m then relax at a steady pace for approximately six minutes. (Adjust distances to suit your requirements).

Steady state/Recovery run – This is when you go at your slowest running speed. This is used to flush out your legs from any stiffness you may feel from the week.

Tempo run – This is a constant paced run. Realistically at a conversational pace where your answers would only include ‘yes, no and get lost’.

Nutrition

You can maximise your half marathon training efforts by maintaining an optimal nutritional intake. You can do this by learning to fuel your body with the right food and drink. Eating a healthy diet can give you more energy and help you to compete at your best, as well as to help you to focus and concentrate. Eating the right foods at the right times will also help you recover from training sessions. What could be better than knowing that your healthy diet will give you even better fitness and levels of performance!

It is vitally important to have a balanced diet throughout your training. Even if you are new to the running and fitness world, you may have already heard a lot about carbohydrates and the need to be well hydrated. With distance training it is very important to have the correct type of carbohydrates as they fall into two categories. Simple Carbohydrates, like sweets and some very sugary fruits will give you energy but it will not be well sustained or managed within the body for training purposes. You will get a “pick me up” feel which short term is fine, but over prolonged training you need fuel with more substance. This leads me on to Complex Carbohydrates. These would include the more starchy food, like pasta, rice, potatoes and bread. Complex carbohydrates will give you better energy during sessions, and this will also aid in recovery. This is due to the many molecules and bonds within them that require a slow break down leading to a slow release.

Post exercise, you need to replace your body with all the fluids lost through sweating. As well as water loss, your body will also need to replace salts. The most efficient way of doing this is up to half an hour after a work out, consume water and food. Eating an hour after food will still have benefits, however the majority of protein and mineral intake is more efficient up to half an hour after exercise.

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6

MON Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

TuES 60 minutes steady state

60 minutes steady state





WED 45 minutes tempo

50 minutes tempo

45 minutes tempo

50 minutes tempo

45 minutes tempo

50 minutes tempo

THuR Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

FRI 5 mile loop, fast

5 mile loop, fast

7 mile loop, fast

5 mile loop, fast

7 mile loop, fast

5 mile loop, fast

SAT Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

SuN 5 miles 7 miles 11 miles

6 miles. Record your

time here:

Minutes per mile:


time here:

Minutes per mile:


time here:

Minutes per mile:

WEEK 7 WEEK 8 WEEK 9 WEEK 10 WEEK 11 (TAPER) WEEK 12

MON Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

TuES 70 minutes steady state






WED 50 minutes tempo

60 minutes tempo

50 minutes tempo

60 minutes tempo

45 minutes tempo

40 minutes tempo

THuR Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

FRI 7 mile interval

5 mile interval

7 mile interval

5 mile interval

40 minutes speed

5 mile steady state

SAT Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day Rest day

SuN


time here:

Minutes per mile:


time here:

Minutes per mile:


time here:

Minutes per mile:


time here:

Minutes per mile:

6 miles at race pace.

Record your time here:

Minutes per mile:

Race day

Runaway Success for Wittering LadiesSisters are doing it for themselves, scooping the team trophy for the second year in a row. Report by WO Steve Marshall.

Another cross-country season comes to an end and what a glorious end it was! Having run through wind and rain, sunshine and

snow, across ground that made the battlefields of the Somme look quite inviting and up hills that would challenge a Chelsea tractor, our ladies triumphed. With a strong core of regular and motivated runners the season started with a win at 5 Trg Regt RLC and the pattern was set. Two more wins, three joint firsts and two second places ensured that the Wittering A team kept a strong Digby side at bay and took the team trophy again. So good were the ladies that the B team came third in a field of 19. Individually there were some tremendous successes too; Cpl Lesley Bowles (504 Sqn) regularly showed the youngsters how to perform and won the ‘more mature lady’ category. Cpl Carol Fountain (PSF) did exactly the same in the ‘slightly less mature lady’ category and, not to be left out, the whippersnappers, in the shape of Cpl Lydia Tapscott (MDHU), SAC Becky Scargill (LF Ops Sqn) and SAC Claire Forbes (PSF), took first, third and fourth. Outstanding!

Looking ahead, we have the road season on the horizon. League dates have yet to be finalised, but we expect to start the season in May and go through to September. One for your diary though is the Wittering home race which will be held on 6 Jun 13 and in conjunction with the CO’s Cup. The team is always looking for new members whether young or old, fast or slow, male or female, Army, Navy or RAF. Dependants are eligible to compete but sadly can’t use the transport; that of course won’t stop you entering the home run! So, whether looking to improve your running, fine tune your killer instinct or just fancy a free chocolate bar, you need to get in touch with either WO Steve Marshall ext 7101 or Cpl Adam Charlton ext 7277. We’ll also be entering a myriad of standalone events, these among others:

18 Ju RAF Road Relays (Wittering)27/28 Jul 24hr Thunder Run27 Jul Heckington 104 Sep Halton Hills12 Sep Benson 72 Oct Honington 10km13 Oct Great Eastern Run (Peterborough

half marathon) 16 Oct Henlow 101 Dec Nene Valley 10

PHOTO: Cpl Lesley Bowles - 1st Vet B, Cpl Carol Fountain - 1st Vet A, SAC Claire Forbes - 4th Senior, SAC Becky Scargill - 3rd Senior and Cpl Lydia Tapscott - 1st Senior, with League Chairman Flt Lt Mary Temple.


The Prince’s Trust was set up by HRH The Prince Of Wales to help young people aged 16 to 25 develop skills including confidence, communication, teamwork and self improvement. Volunteering to undertake the 12-week programme upon completion the students gain an NVQ qualification.

As part of the on going commitment towards youth activities, RAF Wittering recently hosted the Leicester and Corby

Prince’s Trust. Young people aged between 16 and 25 regularly visit RAF Wittering to undertake group activities including low ropes, military skills, climbing activities; visits to the Harrier Heritage Centre have also been undertaken. RAF Wittering has a dedicated team of eight volunteers who host students from the Prince’s Trust. Recent visits by the Prince’s Trust have enabled the team to assist in the development of communication skills and trust. Particular emphasis is placed on increasing confidence and teamwork.

Students from the Leicester team (Team 96) first visit to RAF Wittering saw them go straight to 504 Sqn to meet their hosts FS John Day and Cpl Lee Tomas as well as to meet the 504 team. The students undertook team building exercises with communication and teamwork being the main focus. Looking dapper in their magnificently fitting NBC suits, the students quickly learned how difficult it is to complete tasks in full NBC

dress. After a quick respite for lunch it was straight onto the snow covered, freezing cold low ropes. Hosted by Cpl Carol Fountain, activities that challenged the students both physically and mentally were set. Initially working as individuals the group started to communicate, build trust in one another and gel as a team. Despite some reservations all team members undertook and completed all of the tasks successfully.

During week five the students, hosted by SAC Saunders and his colleagues, completed a visit to 5131BD Sqn at St Andrews Barracks. Undertaking team challenges including ‘The Vallon Hunt’, ‘The Dragon Runner’ and ‘The Bomb Suit Relay’; it was a day that was enjoyed by all.

Returning to RAF Wittering during week 11 of their placement, the students undertook visits to 5001 Sqn and The Harrier Heritage Centre. From a group of individuals in week one they had now formed a strong team bond. At 5001 Sqn the students completed climbing challenges under the supervision of Cpl “Call Sign Gorgeous” Saunby; these challenges included a self-rescue from an inverted position and having to rely on their team mates for rescue. With excellent vocal support from their peers even the most apprehensive student gave it a go with regular squeals of “I can’t do this”. A visit hosted by FS Perrett to the Harrier Heritage centre followed with each student having their photograph taken in the Harrier Cockpit.

RAF Wittering are also affiliated with Corby Prince’s Trust and have recently started hosting their students as well. Again, the students have undertaken activities with 504 Sqn, 5001 Sqn and Low Ropes. Feedback has been exceptional and many thanks go out to all those individuals who assisted in hosting the students.

If anyone would like any further information about the Prince’s Trust or wish to be involved in future activities contact the station Youth Activities Liaison Officer (YALO) Sgt John Watt Ext 7680.

Editors Wanted

Storybook Wings goes from strength to strength... but they still need your help!

RAF Wittering is proud to be the home of the RAF Association initiative ‘Storybook Wings’.

Storybook Wings provides a vital link between RAF parents and their children whilst they are deployed. It enables parents to record bedtime stories, along with personal messages, for their children to listen to while they are away helping to ease the anxiety caused by separation. Some major changes have happened with the project since January 2013 - the most important one being the fabulous new software for editing.

As the new software is free, there are no limits to the number of editors that can get involved and Storybook Wings would love to ensure that every family who wants to can record their stories and this is where you come in! There are currently five very busy volunteer editors who are a mix of serving personnel, wives / partners of serving personnel and civilians. There are six more training, of which three are serving personnel.

If you are interested in finding out how you can become a Storybook Wings editor, please contact Lisa Thipthorp (Storybook Wings Manager) here at Wittering to find out more. Pop in to TDF to have a chat (the Storybook Wings office is open Tuesdays and Fridays) or drop her an email at [email protected]

Many RAF children and their parents, and the RAF Association, would be extremely grateful for your help, as feedback received shows:

“We are finding the Storybook Wings a valuable service for detached personnel and their family left at home, especially on a foreign posting. Please continue your amazing service, you are appreciated here in Cyprus!!”

“Thank you for all of the time, work and effort everyone on the Storybook Wings team puts in to producing these recordings - it’s difficult to understand what a three-year-old must be thinking when his mummy doesn’t come home for four plus months but to see James’ excitement and how he interacts with his mum while she’s reading him one of his favourite stories makes me realise how important this service is...”

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A trip to the old Officers’ Mess at The Petwood Hotel and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby were just two of the destinations for General Duties Flight Personnel on a recent Force Development day.

The aim of the day was for the group to learn more about the role the RAF played during World War II.

The morning kicked off with a clay pigeon shoot at RAF Digby. For most of the group it was the first time they had attempted clay pigeon shooting and as a result they experienced varying degrees of success. However, if anyone asks they all achieved a full house! The guidance provided by the team at RAF Digby was first class which helped put everyone at ease and made for an enjoyable morning of shooting.

The group then embarked on a magical mystery tour of Lincolnshire – map reading provided by OC GD – before arriving at The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa. The hotel is best known for its stint as the Officers’ Mess for 617 Squadron. The RAF requisitioned the building in 1942. It was originally the home of officers from 97 and 619 Squadrons, before the decision was taken to make 617 Squadron a special duties squadron and they were moved in. After a pleasant lunch at the hotel, everyone made their way to the Squadron Bar which features memorabilia from this period of the Dambusters as well as tributes to those involved.

From there the group headed to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby where they were met by Jack Hawkins, who until recently worked as the BBMF adjutant. His role as tour guide on this visit was even more special as he also happens to be the father of GD Flt team member Emma Stacey. Jack provided a fascinating insight into the history of the different aircraft on the flight ranging from the somewhat overshadowed Hurricane and the iconic Spitfire through to the Dakota, which transported injured troops from the front line, and the legendary Lancaster. He gave a moving account of the experiences faced by the Bomber Command aircrew, all volunteers, who had little chance of escaping from their aircraft if hit. The average age of aircrew was just 22 years old and 55,000 members of Bomber Command made the ultimate sacrifice.

Sadly the visit came to an end far too quickly and it was time to pile back into the minibus for the journey home but everyone agreed it had been both an enjoyable and thoroughly insightful force development day.

PHOTO: Jack Hawkins talks to the GD Flt team about the history of the aircraft on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Easter has come and gone and we are now rapidly approaching the end of the second year of the Super CRL contract at RAF Wittering.

Awards

The positive attitude and practise throughout all personnel in the Catering, Retail & Leisure outlets has earned RAF Wittering the ISS Facility Services Defence Compliance Award 2012. This award was for excellence in compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations, alongside other auditable activities within the business. The award was presented at the weekly Stn Monday brief to OC Catering Flight, WO Ritchie White, further showing the strength in the ISS-RAFCRL Partnership; a partnership that we are all very proud of at RAF Wittering.

Also receiving an award at the brief was Cath Condley, who received the quarterly Go the Extra Mile (GEMS) award that is presented to a recipient (Service or Civilian) who has been nominated by fellow workers. Cath was recognised for her outstanding service to customers and the staff she is responsible for. She has been described by those who nominated her as: “a very hard working team leader;” someone “who has genuine concern for the welfare of her staff;” someone “who promotes a friendly and positive working environment.” Cath is very passionate about delivering an outstanding service and ensures that the Junior Ranks Mess facilities are maintained in an excellent condition.

Comic Relief

Having made Pudsey Bear shortbread to raise funds for Children In Need back in November, Junior Ranks Mess Chef, SAC Lance Cook, was keen to raise further funds for Comic Relief. So along with SAC Matt Dangerfield they produced 130 Red Nosed Cookies, which they took around various sections to ask for donations. Working on getting a donation of 50p a cookie, they set themselves a target of £65. It was not too long before Lance & Matt were back at the Mess having sold the cookies and doubled their target, coming back with £130.

Funny Fokkers at Wittering

The comedy tour was in the planning for some time; conference calls, emails and an action plan. The GM Andrew Carter left no stone unturned. Wittering hosted the Comedy Tour on Thu 21st March, with 3 Squadron

RAF Regiment having their pre deployment welfare briefs in the same venue earlier on in the day. Sophie West from the HIVE anticipated over 250 people attending the welfare briefings and informed all families attending that the “Funny Fokkers” event would be on after.

Having performed at Kendrew Barracks the night before, one comedian, Barry Castagnola, stayed there overnight affording him the opportunity to come across to Wittering in the morning to meet some of the 3 Sqn RAF Regiment personnel. Once the show started it was laughter & banter from start to finish. A lot of extra hours were put in by all concerned in making the Funny Fokkers a great success and, as hoped, the reaction of the audience was tremendous; feedback has been positive with the word used the most being AWESOME!!!!

Refresh of Pay As You Dine Menu (PAYD).

April saw the refresh of the PAYD menu and changes brought about by customer feedback to demonstrate the “You said – We listened” policy of ISS. There are 101 new or amended Menus throughout the Classic & Retail options, with 12 new Healthy Eating options. The Retail Choice prices have been increased by less than five per cent and in accordance with the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Board 2013, the Classic Choices have been reduced in price in line with the Daily Food Charge. A comprehensive list of options and prices can be found on your ISS website at www.iss-rafcrl.co.uk

Earlier this year 2MT Sqn deployed three of its finest Airmen, alongside the Stn Cdr and a number of other

RAF Wittering personnel, to The Houses of Parliament. To prepare for the day ahead the party stopped at Central Hall for bacon butties and cups of tea; with the exception of SACs Wiley and Dunn. SACs Wiley and Dunn remained outside and were soon engaged with local tourists asking them questions requiring a local knowledge, including where was the Central Hall; standing under the sign “Welcome to Central Hall” they looked confused as they directed the tourists to a different street. Thankfully they were not in RAF uniform openly letting the side down!

The group were hosted by Mr Bob Stewart MP, who met them in the Great Hall commencing the trip with an interesting and in-depth brief of the Hall and its regular activities. Of interest was the procedure followed in the Great Hall when a member of the Royal Family passes away; the member is laid in state in the

Great Room remaining protected by the Royal Guard.

The building itself is the home to a high number of works of art and ornate gifts that have been presented over the years. Moving the group through to the House Of Lords and Commons, Mr Bob Stewart MP gave an insightful explanation of the working of the two Houses; additionally and interestingly, was the differing history and traditions of both the Houses.

Being treated to a drink in the MPs Private Bar by the Stn Cdr, followed by lunch, the group then moved onto the room where HM The Queen prepares for conducting the official opening of Parliament. The group were surprised to learn that whilst HM The Queen is allowed to open Parliament she is not allowed to enter the Houses.

Many of the group felt that the

most interesting part of the visit was the opportunity to sit in the gallery of the House Of Commons and watch the MP’s debate afford the group to observe how it all comes together and there really is not a fight despite all of the shouting and name calling. The group all agreed that the day had been truly excellent and would recommend anyone given the opportunity to undergo the visit certainly takes up the chance.

Head to ParliamentRAF Wittering send

one lucky group to the Houses of

Parliament for a tour and informative visit.

2MTFrom Pigeons to Spitfires

ISS update


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Monday: ClosedTue: 11.30 - 3.30 then 6.00 - 10.00 Food 12.00 - 3.30 then 6.00 - 9.00Wed - Fri: 11.30 - 3.30 then 5.00 - 1.00 Food 11.30 - 3.30 then 6.00 - 9.00Saturday: 11.30 - 9.00 Food 12.00 - 9.00Sunday: 12.00 - 4.00 Food 12.00 - 4.00

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- Lunchtime menu -


The sale was held straight after school so the children and parents could pick up an end of the week treat as

they left the school. In just 30 minutes we managed to raise £135.25 and our SSAFA profile among the parents.

The SSAFA Committee would like to thank the local supermarkets - Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco - who provided us with vouchers to spend in-store to buy cakes for the sale, we were also well-supported by the local community who provided delicious home-baked treats, like Rocky Road bars, chocolate cake, gingerbread airplanes and cinnamon and raisin loaf.

Also huge thanks go to Wittering Primary School’s head teacher Mr Rhys Thrower, who continues to support the local community and SSAFA.

Sarah Hetherington, SSAFA Chair at RAF Wittering said: “I would like to thank the SSAFA Volunteers who turned out on such a cold day to help and all the parents who stopped to buy from the stall. I would also like to remind everyone that SSAFA provides financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Forces as well as their families, and the money we raise in our community is spent in our community. I do hope that our fund-raiser at school has helped to raise awareness of what we do and that people in need will contact us if they need help.”

Regular readers of this column might, or might not, have noticed that SSAFA have re-branded their identity and have changed the look and style of their logo. As from the April 10, SSAFA would like only to be known and recognised as plain and simple SSAFA, although that is still an acronym for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens & Families Association (SSAFA). They would like their new branding to be recognised and known straight away that it stands for a Charity that supports all serving Members of the Forces and the families of all personnel who have served in the Forces past and present. Look out for posters and literature with our new look logo around your sections and the Station.

Future EventsDeployed Families trips will be up and

running during the summer months and some of the SSAFA Volunteers will be in attendance to offer help and support to the families, so keep your eyes open for the notices advertising where, when and times of the events. Feel free to come and say hello to us for a chat at any of these events. Also while 3 Sqn RAF Regt are away, and as part of the welfare support for families of other deployed personnel, Wittering Primary School will be holding regular coffee mornings. A SSAFA Volunteer will be there to offer any help or advice that might be needed. Keep a look out for the notices at the Hive and SPAR shop for details about when these are taking place.

And finally, if anyone has any problems, large or small, please feel free to contact the SSAFA Volunteers or SSAFA Social Worker who is here to offer any help that is required. Contact the co-ordinater on tel. 07717 858008 during working hours or Terry McNalty can be located at Wittering on 01780 417793.

The RAF Wittering Angling Club is split into two parts - Coarse and Game angling. The Coarse team are part of the East Anglia Wednesday League, which is made up of teams of three from service stations in the eastern region.

The season is split into summer and winter leagues with seven matches in each. The summer matches are mainly

held on lakes and the winter on rivers and drains. The club also enters at least one team in the RAF Champs which this year is being held at Maver, Larford Lakes on July 18. The Game anglers are part of the Central League and even though there are only six of them they consistently do well in all competitions with many members representing the RAF. The Coarse and Game teams are always looking for new members at all levels. Members of the Angling Club also have the use of the Station Balancing Reservoir (The Pond). This is a two-acre lake, which used to be in the past used by the Station Fire and Emergency Services as a reserve of fresh water if needed.

The Pond started out as very weedy water with very little access, for fishing, but over the past 10 years the Angling Club and its members have put a lot of time, resources and money into improving the venue to bring it up to its current standard. Back in 2006 the Environment Agency donated over 250 Rudd and 250 small Bream to the Pond to help get the Club started and along with over 800 carp up to 2lb purchased by the Club the stock levels where increased and turned the Pond into a venue worth fishing. The Pond this year has had its final improvements completed with new steps and every peg has a purpose built platform. It now has 21 platformed fishing pegs all with safe and easy access, of which two are double sized (pegs 9 & 10). These are classed

as family pegs and priority is given to Club members and their families, which has been used with plenty of good feedback from Club members. The Pond now contains a variety of fish, Carp to 20lb, Tench and Bream to 6lb and plenty of quality Roach, Rudd and Perch. Most baits work, but there’s no guarantee what you’ll catch, which is half the surprise. The Club also supplies keepnet and landing nets for member use, which has stopped the introduction of any disease. We have work parties throughout the year, which help keep the Pond in a fishable condition.

If you would like any further information on the Angling Club or would just like to get involved with a great Station asset you can contact Sgt Andy Wilson on Ext 7352.

Mavis the Hamster joins the Witt View team.

Hi, my name is Mavis and I am the new addition to the Editor’s home and have taken over Pets’ Corner. I am only a couple of months old but have already had an eventful life as on the first night in my new home I slipped on my cage and broke my leg. Thankfully I am all mended and raring to go now, and am keeping the Editor on her toes having already broken through three exercise balls to play hide and seek behind the washing machine and sofa. I have a lovely cage that is really big as advised by Woodgreen Animal Shelter, where I came from. This is because in the wild us hamsters can travel up to five miles a night so we like to have lots of room to run around. I’d love to hear all about your pets and what they like and dislike so please send the Editor an email with a picture of your pet and all of their and your details.

• Please send your photos and all the info about your pet, together with your name and age to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing your pet stories.

PETS’ CORNER

D D

D

D

Two-month-old Red Setter Archie will soon be joining

the Ogden family and Lauren, Lucy

and Lily can’t wait. So far he’s a big fan of cuddles, sleep, cuddles, sleep, cuddles and sleep. As for dislikes – watch this space…

ARCHIE

This is Jack and Harvey. Harvey is only a year old but he loves having cuddles, gnawing on bones and Sage the Chicken. However, he’s really not a big fan of pigeons.

HARVEY

D

D

D

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SSAFA VolunteersThe Chairmanship of our new Chair, Mrs Sarah Hetherington, got off to a flying start recently, with Sarah getting her sleeves rolled up and getting stuck-in with our SSAFA Cookies and Cake sale held at Wittering’s Primary School.

CLuB NEWS

AT RAF WITTERING

Sarah Hetherington (Chair), Mr Thower, (Head Master) and SSAFA Volunteers at the cake sale.

RAF Wittering Angling Club

Station Balancing Reservoir.

This is Josh and Sage the Chicken. Sage is two and

she likes cuddles from Josh, eating

corn and Harvey the dog. She dislikes foxes and lively big dogs.

SAGE

D

Wittering Community Youth Club is for 8 - 12 year olds and is open term time only. Wednesdays 6pm to 8pm. We meet at the Community Centre on Welland Road, RAF Wittering. The cost is £1 per session and young people will be offered a food-based/cooking activity, arts and craft, games and running around activities to hopefully tire them out before they come home to you. We no longer have a tuck shop, but each week we do offer fruit and squash which is free.

The club is organised by Airplay youth workers and dedicated and committed team of volunteers. If you want to join our group, please come along.

Project Tuesday, meets on Tuesdays, 7 - 8.30pm, and is a new youth club for 10 - 14 year olds meet at Wittering Youth Drop In, 14-16 St Georges Road, Wittering. This new youth club will provide an opportunity for young people to take part in youth drop in activities, complete tasks to gain certificates and plan and organise activities. Cost is 50p per session, which will cover refreshments.

Wittering Youth Drop In, 14 -16 St Georges Road for 13 - 18 year of age will be reopening on Thursdays, 7 - 9pm, for young people to drop by, grab a coffee, have a chat, and tell us what they want to do. This year there will be a cost of 50p per session to cover insurance.

Airplay Youth Activities at Wittering

RAF Wittering Summer Activities Programme

Week beginning Monday July 22 - 26 for age group 8-11 there will be a week of activities, trips

out, games, sport, arts and craft. This is being centred around 14/16 St Georges Road, Wittering.

Week beginning Monday July 29 - 2 August for age group 11 -15. A week of activities,

including trips out, games, graffiti workshops, barbecue and lots of fun.

Week beginning Monday August 5 - 9 – selected days of activities for age group 13+. All to be held

at 14/16 St Georges Road, Wittering.

If you want any more information about any of the clubs or are interested in more details on our

summer activities programme then please contact Station Youth Worker Carol Chapman by email [email protected] or Mark Davis, Community Development Officer, RAF Wittering,

tel. 01780 416303 or email [email protected]


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The Qualities of Rose Oil and RosewaterRose Oil is much in demand by aromatherapists and practitioners of natural medicine. The oil has been used throughout history as a scent or basic ingredient of perfumes. Its uplifting and reviving fragrance has a therapeutic psychological effect as well as physical healing properties.

Wedding Receptions at Cawthorpe HallCawthorpe Hall is an ideal venue for the couple looking to celebrate their wedding day in a lovely English garden. If you are thinking of an open-air reception which you can plan just the way you want without spending a fortune then Cawthorpe may be the place for you. The garden covers three acres for your guests to wander over and children to play in. There are also three more acres of fragrant roses for guests to enjoy. The hall is surrounded by open fields and is safe and secure. Cawthorpe is well situated for Stamford and Peterborough.

Cawthorpe Hall B&BCawthorpe Hall is a beautiful 19th century stone built house with Heritage Grade 2 Listing. Located at the edge of the Fens where the land starts rising into a rolling landscape, large forested areas such as Bourne Woods are within walking distance.The setting is very peaceful. The lawns and borders unfold from the house, extending over three acres amongst the ancient cedars and limes. Guests can wander through several acres of roses and see how rose oil, one of the most precious essential oils, is extracted from the fragrant roses grown in the grounds of the house.

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TEA BREAK TIME

Summer Wordsearch Fun!

Spot The Difference

Answ

ers

Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs? Answers at the bottom of page 25.

Why is the feast of St John the Baptist on 24 June unusual in the Christian calendar?

The first Oxford v Cambridge boat race was held on 10 June 1829, but who won?

Which posthumous author began her only work in Amsterdam on 12 June 1942?

Match the events to the dates on which they occurred;

1. Fingerprints first used for identification2. In which year were equal voting rights

granted to women3. 999 emergency services were introduced4. The first potatoes arrived from Columbia5. Euston Railway Station, the first in

London, opened

a. 28 July 1586, b. 21 July 1837c. 1 July 1937d. 2 July 1928e. 28 July 1901

August was the sixth month in the Roman calendar. How was it named before the Romans changed it in honour of

Augustus Caesar?

Who made his famous “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963?

Which volcano erupted on 24 August 79AD?

Only one country has won at least one gold medal at every summer Olympiad of the modern era, which country holds

this distinction?

The apricot is a member of the rose family and native to China; how can large

quantities of apricots be harmful?

Summer Wordsearch

Fun!Identify which word from the list has not been used in the

wordsearch.

Fill your answer in on the reply slip and forward to Sqn Ldr Liz Corry, OC

BSS, for a chance to win a Summer Goodie Bag. The closing date for

entries is June 28, 2013.

Summer Wordsearch Fun!

The Answer:.................................................

Name and rank:...........................................

.......................................................................

.......................................................................

Section:.........................................................

Ext:................................................................

B L E L A P L W D E W I A TA A L L S A D I R N L Q I AL L T I O T V E L T A K A NL B S H R R C S U O F S S NA R A J I Y X A O P F N Z GP T C Y E N C L A B W J Y AA A W A L I G G N I N N A TH S R Y S L N L W G H J D KC Z C T T I V A N B N M I LA A W G M H A S D T T R L TE X S M S N W S A U S A O YB E I T L A S E s T A T H RB W A T E N U S E A H I T AS S D Z L I L S W A G N A P

Ball • Bathing • Beach • Castle • Glasses • Hat • Holiday • Lilo • Party • Sand • Sea • Sun • Swimming • Tanning

While it’s easy to grab the first card from a shop, there’s something very special about a homemade Father’s Day card.Here we show you how to make a personalised card that will show your dad just how much you appreciate him.

You will need:1 card - blank (the example is 15 x 15 cm), 1 sheet coloured card, 1 sheet thin white card, 1 sheet mirror card, 1 sheet good quality paper and 1 sheet glossy/photo quality printer paper OR2 small photos -1 of your Dad, 1 of the person/people who the card is from, Pencil, Ruler, Scissors, Double-sided sticky tape, 3D sticky pads, Colouring pens/pencils and Glitter glue (optional)Note: We have used a PC and printer to produce the lettering, but if you have a steady hand or artistic children it might be quicker to draw it freehand. And now the safety bit – If young children want to have a go at making the card for their dad we suggest that a responsible adult does all the cutting out for them.

Instructions:Create and print the lettering for the front of the card, or draw it freehand, making sure it will fit on the front of the card blank. We’ve kept it simple, but you can be as creative as you like. Print out a greeting for the

inside of the card on the other half of the paper.

To add depth to the card, create, resize, print onto thin white card

and cut out the roundel.

If you’re using photos stored on your PC, resize them, print them off using the photo quality paper and allow the ink to dry before cutting out. If you’re using hard copy photos, cut them to size.

If you haven’t printed your image in colour, colour it in and stick it to the front of the card blank using the double-sided tape and trim any excess paper with the scissors.

Summertime and the Quizzing is Easy…

Just one more thing…

It commemorates his birth rather than his death or martyrdom.Oxford.Anne Frank.1e, 2d, 3c, 4a, 5b.Sextilius.Martin Luther King.Vesuvius.Great Britain.

Just one more thing…The average apricot kernels contain 0.5 mg cyanide.

Measure and cut the border for the card front, the example has a border of 1.8 cm. The easy way to cut the centre out is to gently fold just the centre to get the aperture started. Stick the border to the card front using double sided tape.

Mat and layer the two photos; this entails sticking the photo to the coloured and mirror card in alternate layers leaving a thin border all round each time. The example has just one layer each of the card types. Stick the completed mat of the Dad photo to the card front.

Stick the roundel to the card front using enough 3D sticky pads to give the image support.

Stick the other matted and layered photo to the left hand side of the opened card.

Cut the greeting for the inside of the card to size and stick it to the right hand side of the opened card. If you didn’t print it as part of the printed greeting, write who the card is to and from.

Optional: Close the card and add a blob of glitter glue to the centre of the roundel. Leave overnight to dry.

Father’s Day Card


SuMMER MENuAn exciting summer three-course meal: Tomato and Feta Tart with a Balsamic Dressing; Barbecue Chicken Salad; Lemon and Strawberry Shortbread stack with Raspberry Coulis

TOMATO AND FETA TART WITH A MIXED LEAF SALAD AND BALSAMIC DRESSING

THE PASTRYIngredients - 145g plain flour; ½ tbsp salt; ¼lb butter; 3 tbsp water

Method 1. Sieve your flour then add your salt

and butter.2. Rub the flour, salt and butter together using

your fingertips - until coarse.3. Add the water slowly until all ingredients

are combined and the mixture becomes a dough.

4. Wrap the pastry and place in the fridge for two hours.

5. When ready to roll, bring the pastry up to room temperature before rolling.

6. To roll, slightly flour the pastry and work top, roll out gradually.

7. Once rolled out lay the pastry into a greased tart case and pre-bake at 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3 for seven minutes, remove from oven and allow cooling.

TART FILLINGIngredients - 4 eggs; 4 tbsp cream; salt & pepper; block of feta; 4 tomatoes

Method 1. Place the eggs and cream in a bowl with a

pinch of salt and pepper then whisk together.2 Dice the feta and place in the tart case. 3. Slice the tomatoes and also place in the tart

then add the egg mixture. 4. Place in oven at 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3 and

bake for 12 minutes.

BALSAMIC REDuCTION1. Pour a cup of balsamic vinegar into a small

pan over medium heat.2. Bring to the boil.3. Once boiling stir occasionally and allow

to simmer until the vinegar has reduced by half.

4. Allow to cool and place in an air tight container and store in the fridge until required.

BARBECuE CHICKEN SALAD

Ingredients - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh coriander; 1 tbsp ginger; 2 cloves of garlic; ½ tsp of chilli flakes; 2 large yellow peppers; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; mixed leaf salad; ¼ tsp salt.

Method 1. Put the fresh coriander, soy sauce, half the

oil, ginger and garlic in a bowl and whisk together. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat well. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or for up to one day.

2. Meanwhile, cut the peppers into quarters, pre heat the grill using a medium heat. Grill the peppers for about 15 minutes until they just start to blacken. Remove and place them on

a plate. Place the chicken under the grill on a medium heat for around 10-15 minutes each side ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.

3. Chop the warm peppers into ½in wide strips and the same for the chicken. In a large salad bow, toss the chicken and peppers with the greens and the remaining oil, vinegar and salt and serve.

LEMON AND STRAWBERRY SHORTBREAD STACK WITH RASPBERRY COuLIS

FOR THE SHORTBREADIngredients - 2 tbsp icing sugar; 115g/4oz plain flour; 4 tbsp corn flour; 4 strips lemon peel chopped

FOR THE RASPBERRY COuLISIngredients - 150g/5oz raspberries; 1 tbsp caster sugar

TO SERVE10 strawberries sliced; 230g/8oz clotted cream; 2 tbsp icing sugar; 2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Method1. Pre heat oven to 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2.2. For the lemon shortbread; blend the icing

sugar and butter in a food processor until pale and fluffy and well combined, then add the flour, corn flour and lemon peel and blend again until the mixture is well combined and resembles breadcrumbs. Bring the mixture together with your hands to form a dough ball.

3. Roll the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface to a 1cm 1/2in thickness. Cut six 5cm 2in discs from the pastry, transfer to a baking tray and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until pale and golden brown.

4. For the raspberry coulis, blend the raspberries and sugar in a clean food processor to a liquid. Sieve to remove the pips and reserve the liquid.

5. To serve; place one of the shortbread discs into the centre of each plate and then place a layer of strawberry slices on top of the shortbread disc. Add a spoonful of the clotted cream. Repeat the process to create a shortbread stack, then finish with the final shortbread disk. Dust the stacks with icing sugar, then drizzle the raspberry coulis around the edge of the plate, serve the vanilla ice cream in separate dishes.

Community NewsFind out what activities and deployed families events are happening in and around RAF Wittering.

Deployed Families Trips and Activities

• Showcase and Cineworld tickets are available to pick up from the HIVE for families who have partners/family members away on detachment. Please call in and collect.

• Free bowling at Wittering Café Bowl for families of deployed personnel. Come to the HIVE and pick up a voucher; contact the bowl to arrange a time and enjoy some ten pin bowling.

• Family tickets to visit Sacrewell Farm are available from the HIVE office.

• Deployed Families Coffee Morning takes place on the first Tuesday of every month in the Real Bean Community Coffee Shop in the village between 1000-1100hrs. Come along and meet other deployed families and some of the community support team at RAF Wittering.

• A trip to Woburn Safari Park is being held on Sunday June 16. After travelling on the coach to and around the safari park, there will be free time to explore all the attractions, cafes and shops on site. Early booking is advised.

• There will be a deployed families trip to Wicksteed Park on Thursday July 25. Booking essential.

• On Friday August 23, there will be a trip to Twinlakes Park at Melton Mowbray. A coach will be provided to the park and there will be plenty of free time to explore all the different rides and activities.

To be eligible to attend trips or any of the above events the service person needs to be deployed for 28 consecutive days. Places are limited on trips and early booking is advised. Bookings will be closed on the previous Monday at 1200hrs. If you are interested in any of the above activities please call the HIVE on 01780 783838 ext 7541 or email Sophie at [email protected]

Mums and Tots

The Mums and Tots sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Community Centre on Welland Road, on camp from 0945-1130hrs and on Tuesday from 1300-1500hrs for a trial period. Pop in, have a natter and meet some new people. For more information contact Sophie West at the HIVE on tel. 01780 783838 ext 7541.

Children’s Centre

The Wittering Children’s Centre is based at Wittering Primary School. It is open Monday to Friday during term time only with different activities taking place daily. The baby clinic is held twice a month. For more information contact tel. 01780 782236.

RAF Wittering Families DayBy kind permission of the Station Commander, the RAF Wittering Families Day will be held this year on Saturday July 13 between 1000 – 1700hrs.

T he annual RAF Wittering Families Day will have a myriad of fun and exciting attractions taking place including Ferrari

and TVR Thrill Rides and a Bungee Run.In addition to the usual hive of activity, this year will also see an ‘It’s A Knock-Out’ challenge that will take place between 1300 – 1630hrs; this event is supporting When You Wish Upon A Star Charity for terminally & critically ill children. The challenge will see teams of 10 people invited to challenge inflatables, water and foam and each other in a battle to see who will be the Wittering Champions of 2013. Will your section/club or group be victorious? Please apply or seek further details through FS Pete Russell, QCIT.

Attractions confirmed so far include:

TVR ‘Thrill Rides’ - Experience the thrill of acceleration in a TVR Ride.Ferrari ‘Thrill Rides’ - Experience the thrill of acceleration in a TVR Ride.Bungee Trampolines - All the Fun of Trampolines and Bungees.Bouncy Castle - Bounce till you drop.Bungee Run - How far will you get, before being pulled back?Climbing Wall - Do you have a head for heights?JRB Dance - Mixed Dance Show.Mad Science - Two Big Shows plus the chance to have a go yourself.Market Street - Displays from home made jewellery to Retro Sweets.Defence Animal Centre - Display of defence animals.

Attractions to be confirmed include:Circus -Three Shows plus chance to have a go yourselfFairground - Tea Cups /Inflatable Slide + more

More details are being confirmed each day so keep an eye out for posters, fliers and leaflets both around station and through your door. See you there!

Wittering HIVE Office Opening times

Monday – Thursday – 0830-1630hrsFriday 0830-1530hrs

• The Information Officer is Sophie West. Contact her on 01780 417541 or mobile 07771 836059

HIVE Clinic Times

Legal Clinic – A solicitor from Buckles comes to the HIVE on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Child Support Agency – Visits on a monthly basis as required.

Citizens Advice Debt and Benefits Advisers – Debt adviser on the last Tuesday of every month from 1000-1600hrs; Benefits adviser first/second Monday of the month 1000-1600hrs.

Independent Financial Advisers appointments available if required with local firm.

For all of the above clinics please make an appointment. Call 01780 417541.

National Family WeekA whole host of events are being planned for National Family Week at RAF Wittering which is being held from May 27 – June 2.

A Families Picnic is being held at the community centre on Tuesday May 28, from 1100-

1400hrs. Attractions will include a bouncy castle, face painter and the BFBS Ice Cream Van. On Wednesday May 29, a day trip to Hunstanton is taking place. There will be free time for families to enjoy the seaside.Circus Skills workshops are taking place at the community centre on Thursday May 30. It will be open to children aged five and over but sessions will need to be booked. For more information contact Sophie West at the HIVE on tel. 01780 783838 ext 7541.


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1. What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?Engaging with the personalities actively involved in the myriad of roles and responsibilities on the Station.

2. And the least?Still fulfilling the role of the highest paid ‘Traffic Warden’ following 34 years of RAF Police service.

3. What is best advice you have ever received? There are no stumbling blocks in life – just stepping stones in disguise.

4. Describe yourself in six words?That’s hard. I guess that I’m…

5. What career would you have followed if you had not pursued your current profession?Civilian Police Officer.

6. Is there one piece of criticism that sticks in your mind?Remember there are actually three sides to a story, the first account, second account and the truth.

7. How would you change the MOD?Greater exploitation and dissemination of information across all ranks and at all levels. Failing that, DRILL FOR ALL!

8. What would be your first act as the world leader?Ensure Scotland receives full independence.

9. Name your desert island essentials?Internet connectivity with full subscription to the West Ham web, Xbox 360 (with Kinnect), fishing rod, my children (they will love me for that), millionaire who has influenced the worst financial deal ever (Karen Brady), a small pet that requires minimal upkeep but nevertheless provide an adequate amount of nutrition should the need arise (probably a hamster).

10. What food would you choose for your last supper?The most awful smelling selection of cheeses ever, whelks, oysters, foie gras, washed down with gallons of Iron Brew.

11. Who do you most admire in the world?Nelson Mandella – the person who views everyone as equal.

12. Name four people you would like as a dinner guest – and why?Sir Bobby Moore – Would be interesting to establish who actually stole the ring during the 1970 England v Brazil game. Along with Gordon Ramsey to cook the meal, Alan Carr to provide the entertainment, and Wayne Rooney to wash dishes along with any other degrading menial tasks I can find.

13. What one piece of music would you like played at your funeral?Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

14. How would you like to be remembered?Always the comedian and entertainer.

In the Seat

Name: Barry TanswellRole: Station Warrant OfficerAge: 51Marital Status: Married

Wg Cdr Mark Shephard has recently taken Command at the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit based at Peterborough City Hospital. He took over the role in March from Wg Cdr Kevin Mackie who is retiring from the RAF.

Wg Cdr Shephard is a Yorkshire-man who originally trained and worked as a radiographer in the

NHS before joining the RAF radiography Trade in 1987, subsequently specialising in diagnostic ultrasound scanning. Following Recruit Training at RAF Swinderby, his first posting was to the RAF Hospital at Ely which provided Secondary Healthcare services to the same military population that subsequently became the remit of MDHU(Peterborough). He went on to serve at RAF Hospital Wegberg in Germany, RAF Hospital Wroughton in Wiltshire and The Princess Mary’s Hospital in Cyprus; he also completed operational tours in the Falkland Islands and with the Army in Kosovo. Wg Cdr Shephard has completed a wide variety of appointments as a Medical Support Officer (MSO) spanning Ops, Logs, TG15 Personnel Policy, GP Training, Career Management and, most recently, Strategic Medical Planning at HQ Air. Operational tours as an MSO have taken him to Oman, Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2007, he was selected to undertake a year of full-time external study, gaining an MSc in Healthcare Policy & Management at the University of Birmingham. Wg Cdr Shephard and his wife Andrea, a primary school teacher, have a daughter and a son, both currently studying at University. In what little spare time remains he enjoys travelling with his family, cycling, fell-walking and pursuing that ever-elusive desired level of fitness.

Meet the new

Commanding Officer

at MDHu Peterborough

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