MainThe Official Magazine of RAF HaltonpointSpring 2021

Mainpoint SpringSTATION 2017 SNIPPETS | COMMUNITY AND CHARITY | SPORTS SUPPORTING SERVING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RAF AND THEIR FAMILIES Is it time for a review of your Legal Affairs? After my first career in the Army, I strongly recommend that serving and retired military personnel consider having a Dance classes in professionally drawn up will prepared, and carry out planning for their, and their family’s future. Due to my background, I , Aston Clinton understand many of the issues that you and your family may be going through, with the various factors and demands and Stoke Mandeville of military life. Classes start 19th April. All safety • I am offering FREE ½ hour Consultations currently via videocall to discuss any wills and estate planning questions or guidelines and processes being concerns that may be on your mind – (later in the TCC when strictly followed and Covid restrictions allow). available to view. • I am pleased to hold a Registered Armed Forces Covenant and provide a 10% discount for any legal advice I provide to Offering ballet, modern and tap classes to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or 3+ years and adult classes, retired, and all non-military staff working at RAF Halton. new students welcome. • I offer friendly, bespoke, specialist legal advice on wills, estate & later life planning, succession planning, Contact us for more information powers of attorney and related matters. [email protected] - 07800 518654 www.jolatusdance.co.uk - @jolatusdance If you would like to get in touch, please call me on 01296 415700 or email me at [email protected] or or visit my website www.wanstallconsulting.co.uk

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XXXXX FamRel XXX x XXX.indd 4 24/02/2020 14:11 FromEditor The Editorial Team Station Commander’s Foreword Contents Spring 2021 Editor EDITOR'S Flt Lt Sarah Hindley D Startup RAF Tel: 01296 656666 STATION NEWS Deputy Editor One Team, Training People for Defence 06 Tried and Tested At RAF Halton FOREWORD Eleanor Tomlin 08 SATTS Support MACA In Merthyr Tydfil 10 RAF Regiment Put Through Their Paces elcome to the first My huge thanks, as always, Picture Editor 10 Hidden Halton - Burnett Gym Kate Parrott edition of Mainpoint to all contributors – without WELCOME EVERYBODY TO THE SPRING EDITION W for 2021. Despite you the magazine would not Distribution RTS the COVID-19 Lockdown appear. However, I am sad to Courtesy of the Central Registry OF MAINPOINT AND ONCE AGAIN MY THANKS curtailing so many station say that another major part and Fire Section activities, I am pleased to of Mainpoint is soon to be 14 CAS Leadership Conference 2020 TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO say that we have a magazine lost – Eleanor Tomlin, who has Photography Support 15 Talent Management Futures Associate packed with interesting been producing the magazine Kate Parrott, Luka Waycott 15 SATT Holding Scheme THIS EDITION. stories for you. for two years, is moving on & Greg Mandy 16 Graduation Round Up Tel: 01296 656117 to pastures new at High The vital role played by the Wycombe. Congratulations, Contact Us: STATION SNIPPETS military in the COVID-19 Eleanor, on your promotion! [email protected] You and your organisational he cold depths of response is featured in two articles, one about the skills will be sorely missed! winter are most 12 Halton Histories Submission Deadline COVID response on station Eleanor became involved definitely behind 13 Padre's Piece - St Clement Danes 1-May-21 which was an exemplar to with Mainpoint because she us, and I am not just 18 International Women's Day 2021 At RAF Halton our sister services and other had an interest in literature Ttalking about the weather. 19 Station Commander's Coin RAF stations, and the second and publishing whereas I got Through the depths of the 19 RMC Prescribe Laughs - Oh Yes They Do! involved because I wanted to Publishing Team COVID pandemic, Halton has showing the work of many know what was going on at operated safely, professionally RAF Halton SATTs in support Halton (I’m nosy!). Whatever Published and ably to ensure that the COMMUNITY & CHARITY of MACA at Merthyr Tydfil. your motivation, if you Lance Print Limited, 1st Floor, essential task of training We feature another well- have an interest in helping Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, people for the front line of 20 Astra Mental Wellbeing Chatbot known station building and to produce the magazine, Northants, NN16 8NL the , as well 21 Air Cadets - Full Of Bright Ideas its resident section in Hidden I would welcome hearing Tel: 01536 334222 as that required for career 22 Keep Calm And Carry On Broadcasting Halton and also delve into from you. Email: [email protected] progression, has continued. 23 TCC Gets Quizzical the station archives to look Visit: www.lanceprint.co.uk 24 Guiding Light Shines On Brownies at historical station events in Ed You will see within this 25 Michael Burton Obituary Advertising edition some of the ways in the month of March, in 1942 Ken which we have mitigated the and 1947. There is new news, Tel: 01536 334225 risk of COVID transmission SPORTS with the first RAF Regiment Email: [email protected] to enable us to continue to Fitness Tests being conducted on station. But much of our operate safely and how some 26 Book Review - Born To Run By Christopher McDougall news covers how activities Design of the innovative methods 26 Fit '4' Feb! have continued despite the Lance Print Ltd developed here have then 27 My Friend, Tanita? Amanda Robinson been rolled out across the rest pandemic, including Air Tel: 01536 334226 of Defence. There is definitely Cadets, the Brownies and a Email: [email protected] light at the end of the COVID MISC Medical Centre pantomime tunnel, but we will continue which had a much smaller audience than it deserved (oh Printed to embed the best ways of 27 JR Rank's Feedback Form Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon working, including ways of yes it did!). Road, Orton Southgate, mitigating disease, for the Peterborough, PE2 6TD foreseeable future. INTRODUCTORY Tel: 01733 390564 For all of those from outside 28 Meet the New... Shoe Repairs, Email: [email protected] of RAF Halton, I look forward ROZELLE Visit: www.lanceprint.co.uk to meeting up with you soon Key Cutting, SCHOOL of DANCE and rekindling the close Sports Trophies ties that the Station has & Engraving ~ Ballet ~ Tap ~ with the wider community. ~ Theatre Craft ~ Disclaimer: Halton remains committed This publication is copyright Lance Print Limited and Classes for children may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in to being a good neighbour be proud and grateful for Please enjoy this edition Also dry cleaning whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Print Limited. While every care has been taken and the lifting of the COVID the magnificent efforts that of the magazine and if you & watch batteries from 3 years during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Print restrictions will allow us to everyone here has made to wish to contribute to future Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy Tap Classes for adults of the information herein or for any consequence show how that commitment keeping us going. I know that versions of it or if you have arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication has manifest over the past Memorial Hall are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the the spring will bring a breath views of how RAF Halton can Wharf Road Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright year, and will also allow us of fresh air and a chance to do more for the benefit of us 27 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE For information unless otherwise stated. to do more. For those within get some well-earned break; I all, please get in touch. Tel: 01844 274651 Tel: 01296 622001 RAF Halton, I continue to promise that you will get it! Dan FOR ADVERTISING Email: [email protected] [email protected]

4 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 5 To further negate the chance At the beginning of the of a COVID-19 outbreak, year, myself and three other orders for a lateral flow Servicemen Awaiting Trade testing facility to be used Training (SATTs) were fostered TRIED AND TESTED by Halton personnel were to the COVID cell and were passed onto Wg Cdr Hough met by a weekend of testing. and the COVID cell. Hangar Having previously used lateral

Station News Station 2 was chosen as the best flow testing in Merthyr Tydfil, location due to its open we were familiar with testing AT RAF HALTON space, cleanable surfaces and and PPE protocols. Recruits position outside the security returning from Christmas Sgt William Day and Sgt Ole Gray, DE SNCO Cse perimeter. Under normal leave and arriving at Halton circumstances the hangar is were required to have two used by Chiltern Gliding Club; tests, once upon arrival and AF Halton’s response The cell was established however, gliding operations another seven days later. to the COVID-19 crisis by Wg Cdr Ian Hough, who have been stalled due to The testing team consisted began in March 2020. continues to lead it, and Ms lockdown. With plans to be of a mixture of military and Although little was Kerry Ruggles, with other used for Day Zero recruits, the civilian volunteer personnel Rknown about the impact members of the Station hangar also provided enough from across the station, with of the virus, the threat was Management Squadron parking and through-flow to the Station Commander obvious from the outset. (SMS). The first measure allow for a new intake of up to manning reception on one Recruit Training Squadron undertaken by the cell was 120 recruits to turn up within occasion. Once all intakes (RTS) sees thousands of to ensure station personnel a few hours of each other. were back at Halton, testing recruits through its doors displaying symptoms were resumed as normal, with each year - living, eating and isolated for the correct Towards the end of a new intake arriving bi- sleeping in close proximity length of time. Station transit November, Sgt Topping weekly and a second test to one another on a daily accommodation was used for and Cpl Wigglesworth were conducted a week later. basis. Everything about this and maintained by WO tasked with building the basic training is communal, Hammond and the Contract test facility and within five With the success of this first from buddy-buddy checks Management Team (CMT), days of construction it was site, a second, smaller testing and Physical Training (PT) in providing meals and welfare operational. After a deep- facility was planned in the groups to weapons handling checks. Another location on clean by Sodexo contractors, remote teaching building drills. Beyond RTS, the station station was also set up to distancing within the cohort. a potential bottleneck in cubicles from the old clothing in early January. This was a is generally a hub of activity accommodate those ‘cohorts’ This meant that only a single training, Sgt Paul Topping and stores were moved in to smaller area with three bays, and is home to approximately of recruits who had been cohort would be required Cpl Gary Wigglesworth were create 5 separated testing designed for use by Airmen’s 2,100 personnel from all three in contact with a positive to isolate, rather than the tasked with creating a remote bays. Screens, built by Command Squadron (ACS) armed services, civil servants, case, but had not tested entire intake, if any of the training facility. In doing so, station workshops, Babcock and occasional contractors. Amey contractors smoothed sites, whilst the isolation contractors and civilians. positive themselves. In each recruits tested positive. this would ensure training contractors, were set up This facility was self-run and out any final creases, blocks and remote teaching cohort there were around 15 objectives continued to be to maintain the safety of ACS visited Hangar 2 to learn ensuring all lights were facility will hopefully be To maintain RAF Halton’s recruits, who were able to With one obstacle met and reserved the need the testers, whilst PPE and PPE and testing procedures. working and electrical floor used less with the growing operational capability, whilst work closely together and, successfully negotiated and to back flight recruits for only supplies were ordered in. Replicating the previous site, sockets were removed. success of testing. Another remaining COVID-19 secure, due to the smaller numbers, the recognition that any the most serious of COVID Hazardous waste disposal we sourced more cubicles single bay test site has been a ‘COVID cell’ was developed. remove the need for social isolation period represented cases. A suitable location and cleaning contracts were from the old stores whilst Future plans involve the planned by the entrance to was found, and divided in also set up with Sodexo. Babcock built more screens. continued use of both testing the station for contractors half with a green (clean) and individuals, however at side and a red (dirty) side. the time of writing, building With classrooms and office has not yet started on this. space set up and arranged to allow for social distancing, Although we had only been audio and visual equipment with the COVID cell for a was installed by Information month while we awaited our Systems and Services (ISS) DE SNCO Cse, we learnt a to support remote, two-way, great deal in that time, and it conversation and teaching. was a useful insight into the As the location contained ‘behind-the-scenes’ running existing dining areas it of a station. I was surprised meant that meals could how many different groups be brought from the mess came together and worked and delivered to isolating seamlessly alongside each recruits, further reducing other, from civil servants movement across the station. to contractors to serving So far, approximately 100 personnel. Hopefully the recruits have been through COVID cell will not have the remote teaching to remain operational for facility, and it remains on very long; however, it is stand-by to receive any reassuring to see how more required to isolate. quickly an issue such as COVID-19 can be reacted to.

6 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 7 SATTS SUPPORT Station News Station MACA IN MERTHYR TYDFIL

Sgt Will Day and Sgt Ole Gray, DE SNCO Cse

s part of norm for those straight out to blocks and well on our RAF Halton’s of phase one training. way through the Reception, contribution to Staging, Onward movement providing Military With the assembled masses and Integration (RSOI) This provided enough time for From beginning to end, AAid to Civilian Authorities split into teams, we boarded package with the minimum any symptoms from the day to the deployment was well (MACA) on Op RESCRIPT, over the transport and headed for of fuss. The following day saw appear. We were fortunate not organised, especially sixty Servicemen Awaiting Sennybridge Training Area us cover various briefings to have any of the personnel considering the short notice Trade Training (SATTs) were (SENTA). The advance party and gain an understanding at SENTA test positive nature of the deployment deployed alongside other had clearly been productive of culture and history of the during our deployment and and it was made obvious RAF personnel from across and worked concurrently with local area, particularly the returned to Halton having to everyone involved that the country to Merthyr the medical team to ensure Aberfan Disaster of 1966 successfully handed over they had an essential part to Tydfil, Wales in November that we were tested, assigned in which the lives of 116 testing facilities to the MTCC. play in its smooth running. 2020. The requirement was For us as SATTs it was an In total, the RAF team in to support Merthyr Tydfil amazing experience to be Merthyr Tydfil conducted County Council (MTCC) in deployed in the UK so soon over 11,400 tests in the establishing and handing over after graduating from basic time we were there, whole-town asymptomatic training. Working alongside contributing to the 32,000+ COVID-19 testing sites for children and 28 adults were serving personnel gave us a tests that were conducted an area that, at the time, tragically lost in a landslide. good insight into what could between 21st November had one of the highest rates Understandably, the local be expected in our careers. and 18th December. of COVID-19 in the UK. population still hasn’t recovered from the disaster Earlier in the same month, and there are many people around 200 SATTs had been alive today who lost relatives. placed on readiness to move, with a vague inkling of We were soon separated what was in store. By mid- into our team ‘bubbles’ and November, sixty SATTs were travelled to the Merthyr activated and returned to Tydfil football stadium for Halton. Under the watchful training in Personal Protective eye of Wg Cdr Ian Hough, OC Equipment (PPE) procedures Ops Wg, a flurry of activity by the local Police force. This ensued as staff from Personnel Support Flight (PSF), SATTs staff and Direct Entry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DESNCO) graduates on hold, amongst others from across station, supported in delivering briefings and issuing kit. Wg Cdr Hough outlined everything from estimated time frames to was in readiness for visiting Lt and Cpl were reassured of accommodation and the our first testing station in our competence in no time. Station Commander, Gp Capt the Leisure Centre, where we Dan Startup provided much would be able to shadow the For the following two weeks appreciated reassurance and existing testing teams (joint we ran a total of 14 test sites, motivation. Once the logistics civilian and RAF personnel). taking shifts where required, machine was in operation As soon as our respective alongside volunteers from and the advance party had team leaders and 2I/Cs were the local area. To remain deployed to South Wales, the confident in our abilities to COVID-19 safe we were dust cleared long enough for correctly operate a testing required to stay within us to appreciate that we were booth, we could proceed with our team bubbles for the in the thick of something testing the local population. duration of the deployment that is certainly not the Fortunately, this was fairly and conduct self-testing straightforward and our Flt every evening at 2200hrs. 8 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 9 RAF REGIMENT PUT HIDDEN HALTON – THROUGH THEIR PACES BURNETT GYM

Station News Station Cpl George Dowling, PEd Flt, RTS Sgt Finlay Blyth and Claire Pearce

AF Halton has recently under 16 minutes. After a five- AF Halton Building way and were replaced by become a regional minute rest, the next element Number 366, a blend of FTRS PTI and testing centre for the simulates reaction to effective standing imposing Babcock positions. Today RAF Regiment Annual enemy fire (REEF) over 150m, at the bottom of the Gym is Staffed by one RFitness Test (RAFT). Using the requiring participants to run Rthe hill below RTS and by FTRS RAF PTI (Sgt Finlay Nuffield sports pitches, the the course, adopting the prone Station MT, was opened Blyth) and two Babcock first test was run on the 16th position every 7.5m, in time to in 1935. It is named after, PTs (Mrs Claire Pearce December 2020, lead by Sgt a beep, while wearing Combat and was opened by, AVM and Mr Mike Cattermole), Blyth, Cpl Dowling and Cpl Body Armour (CBA) helmet, Sir Charles Stuart Burnett who are supported by a Lyne, with nine IFPT Corporals webbing and carrying a rifle, KCB CBE DSO, who had Babcock Admin Assistant taking part. The test itself totalling a combined weight returned to the UK just the (Ms Finlay Lennard). consists of four elements, each of 20.5 kg, leading into a 30m year before having spent 2 with multiple stages, taking leopard crawl and sprint for years as AOC Iraq Command. As with all sections, the around 2 hours to complete time. The final two elements After 57 years of service the COVID-19 pandemic has in total. The first two phases simulate casualty extraction building was extensively forced the Burnett Gym Staff were paced by our two PTI and evacuation, with a 110kg renovated in 1992 to into new ways of working. Cpls, each carrying the same bag drag over 20m and 2 x become what you see today. Fitness Classes, COs Cup and weight as the test participants. 22kg jerry cans over 200m. the usual Fitness Testing The striking and have all been postponed. Sgt Finlay Blyth and Claire Pearce outside the Burnett Gym. They begin with a 4km Patrol RAF Halton will continue unmistakably military Our delivery has moved Action, (more commonly to conduct multiple RAFTs appearance of the Gym was online, with live classes known as a Tactical Advance every year, available for all clearly appreciated by the delivered each lunchtime to Battle or, ‘TAB’), each local regiment personnel makers of the 2019 Film and two available evening carrying a load of 40kg, as a outside of RAF Halton as ‘Military Wives’, who featured classes over Zoom, plus 1-1 squad in a time of 50 minutes. well as our own IFPT section, it throughout the film. consultations available to Following that, the weight is helping the RAF Regiment Starring Oscar Nominated book! The latest initiative is dropped to 25 kg and a 2km to fulfil their Physical and BAFTA winning actress ‘A Fresh Start, Train Smart’, TAB is to be completed, as Employment Standard Dame Kristin Scott Thomas a 12-week Health and an individual best effort, in (PES) requirements. and BAFTA Nominee Sharon Well-Being programme Horgan, it was a privilege created by Sgt Dale Wallace, Cpl George Dowling, PEd Flt, RTS. for the Gym Staff at the ACS, utilising the latest time to see and meet the technology, including every stars who entered the Gym participant being loaned a throughout filming. ‘MyZone’ belt to help log progress and reach their Over the 86 years of its individual goals. existence the Gym’s walls have witnessed countless As soon as measures sporting competitions, allow, socially distanced ranging from the pinnacle training in the previously of sporting ability in the popular “Burnett Boxes” Tri-service population, will return, as will monthly to memorable CO’s Cup socially-distanced section events such as ‘Human Table sports events! Football’ as well as many miles of ‘Beep Tests’! To better communicate the It is rumoured when alone latest PEd information the in the building at night, Gym has launched a Defence building ghosts repeat the Connect page that Station haunting words, ‘The test Personnel can access from starts in fifteen seconds.’ their mobile phones. All of the information for these The Burnett Gym is one of initiatives can be found on 3 Station Gym facilities and Station Announcements or is the home of the Stn Gym by contacting the Burnett Staff. It is unusual amongst Gym on extension 6612 other RAF Gyms in that, in or HAL-BurnettGym@mod. 2014, Regular RAF PTIs made gov.uk The popular Burnett Boxes.

10 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 11 K COLLINS ROOFING LTD FELT ROOFING SPECIALIST ROOFMASTER APPROVED CONTRACTOR Est. 1969

Kenny Collins K COLLINS ROOFING LTD 22 North End Road, Quainton, Station Snippets K FELTCOLLINS ROOFING ROOFING SPECIALIST LTD Nr .ROOFMASTER Bucks. APPROVED HP22 CONTRACTOR 4BD K COLLINS ROOFINGPADRE’S LTD PIECE - ST CLEMENT DANES FELTKEst. COLLINS1969ROOFING SPECIALIST ROOFING LTDK COLLINSK COLLINSROOFING ROOFING LTD LTD Tel ROOFMASTER01296 APPROVED 655526 CONTRACTOR K COLLINSFELT ROOFING ROOFING SPECIALIST LTD Est. 1969FELT ROOFING SPECIALIST KFELT COLLINS ROOFINGFELTROOFMASTER ROOFING SPECIALIST ROOFING APPROVED SPECIALISTLTDCONTRACTORPadre Ashley Mitchell MobileROOFMASTER 07831 465501APPROVED CONTRACTOR ROOFMASTERFELT APPROVEDROOFINGROOFMASTEREst. 1969 CONTRACTOR SPECIALIST APPROVED CONTRACTOR Email Est.Kenny [email protected] Collins FELTEst. 1969ROOFMASTER ROOFINGEst. APPROVED 1969 SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR ROOFMASTEREst. 1969 APPROVED CONTRACTOR Kenny Collins Est. 1969 Web 22 Northwww.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk End Road, Quainton, Kenny Collins Station Snippets Station 22 NorthNr Aylesbury. End Road, Bucks. Quainton, HP22 4BD Kenny Collins Kenny Collins Kenny Collins Nr Aylesbury. Bucks. HP22 4BD Kenny Collins22 North End Road, Quainton, Tel 01296 655526 Nr Aylesbury. Bucks. HP22 4BD Tel 01296 655526 Kenny22 North Collins End Road, Quainton,22 North End Road, Quainton, 22Mobile North 07831End Road, 465501 Quainton, Nr Aylesbury. Bucks. HP22 4BD Mobile 07831 465501 22 North End Road,NrTel Aylesbury. Quainton,01296 Bucks. 655526 HP22 4BD NrEmail Aylesbury. [email protected] Bucks. HP22 4BD 22 NorthNr End Aylesbury. Road, Quainton, Bucks. HP22 4BD Email [email protected] Tel 01296 655526TelMobile 0129607831 655526465501 Web www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Nr Aylesbury. Bucks. HP22 4BD WebTel www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk01296 655526 MobileTel 07831 01296465501MobileEmail 655526 [email protected] 465501 Mobile 07831 465501 TelEmail [email protected] 65552607831EmailWeb 465501 [email protected] Mineral Chippings Asphalt repairs Polycarbonate Corrugated PVC • Email [email protected]• • MobileWeb Email07831www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk• [email protected] www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Removal of Asbestos Repointed Chimney Stacks Web • www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk• Email [email protected] www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Roof Boarding Skylights Guttering and fascias Slate and tile repairs • • • Web• www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk

Peter provides a full range of HR services and support and specialises in Career Transition support He has had global roles within major international corporates and has nearly 30 years of HR expertise that he brings that benefit local businesses be they Public or Private in nature. His father served in the during WW2, based in Burma and then transferred to Baragwanath Hospital in South Africa for Vampire flypast for the Russian delegation, painted by Brian Payne. recuperation. There he met and married and Peter was born. Peter has worked in South St Clement Danes, Strand, London WC2, East end 2008. Copyright John Africa, Switzerland and the Middle East before Salmon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. deciding to set up his own business closer to home here in the UK. HALTON HISTORIES t Clement Danes in the previous 12 months. Each year St Clement Danes Francis Hanford, Trenchard Museum During this unprecedented time, Peter is a Church was strong advocate, that as society and workplace destroyed by fire in also celebrates a significant changes, he believes leaders and staff are the London Blitz of number of weddings and MARCH 1942 they were able to fly very MARCH 1947 visited the workshops, the recognising that good HR professionals are SMay 1941 and rebuilt, largely Christenings for past and slowly and in very tight circles. classrooms, laboratories and advisers and can add great value. Leaders are by public subscription, in present members of the RAF having to make tough decisions, release staff and n March 1942, No. 1448 This gave the calibrators a On 27 March 1947, Mr library in Kermode Hall, the 1958. The church was re- and their families, as well or close down whole operations/businesses. (Rota) Flight arrived at reference point on which to Aleksandr Aleksandrovich boys’ accommodation and as daily and weekly acts of As a result Leaders and staff are needing to make changes or transition consecrated on 19 October worship for the various faith RAF Halton as a lodger focus. Most of these were Fadeev, General Secretary of attended a formal parade, and Peter can support and advise both in this regard. 1958 as the Central Church unit. They were shortly to flown by pilots who had the Union of Soviet Writers, complete with bands and of the Royal Air Force. In groups across the RAF. Ibecome No 529 Squadron, owned them pre-war and and Colonel-General Milhail Lewis, the goat mascot. Peter is married and has two sons and a pet called Scruffy. His interest doing so it became the tasked with assisting in the had gone into uniform to Mikhailovich Gromov, are sport, reading and gardening ‘Spiritual Home of the Royal St Clement Danes is a focus of calibration of the Home continue to use them for the representing the Red Army The programme was to have Peter and Albert provide HR advice and support to businesses in Air Force’ in central London. ‘Value, Hope and Resilience’ Aylesbury Central and East Chilterns. They are part of a national Chain radars. This was done war effort. Based at Halton Air Force, visited RAF Halton. included a demonstration It still contains the ‘Oranges for the RAF. Its memorials network of HR professionals. using Cierva autogyros (the they were approximately 80 They were greeted by AM of all the aircraft types used and Lemons’ bells for which enshrine the ‘Value’ and contribution of the past and immediate predecessors to miles from each of the coastal Sir Ralph Sorley, AOC-in-C by the home commands of Website St Clements’s is famous. the helicopter). Although radar stations but well out of Technical Training Command, the RAF but bad weather www.hrdept.co.uk/east-chilterns/ current service personnel, these aircraft could not hover, the way of the fighter bases. the Rt Hon Philip Noel-Baker, prevented all but a skeleton LinkedIn It has for over 60 years been its ongoing activity and Secretary of State for Air programme of flying. The www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mcdonald-4486594/ a focus for the wider RAF engagement represents the 529 Sqn autogyros deployed and MRAF Lord Tedder, Chief highlight of this was a most family. Each year a ‘Founder’s renewing ‘Hope’ of the RAF for action. of the Air Staff. The visitors impressive low-level, high- Putting your business first Day’ service is held in early family and its regular pattern had come to see the aircraft speed pass by a Vampire, April to mark the formation of ‘prayer, worship and apprentices in training; they flown by Flt Lt G H Carter AFC. of the Royal Air Force in reflection’ helps to develop 1918 and each Christmas it the ‘Resilience’ of those who hosts the ‘RAF Benevolent serve and support the RAF in 529 Sqn, pictured at RAF Halton. To advertise in the next issue of Fund’ carol service to raise so many ways. Mainpoint much needed funds for the wider RAF family. In addition Being rich in RAF heritage, to this numerous units St Clement Danes is an ideal Please contact Ken and associations hold their place to go to for a ‘Force respective commemorations Development’ visit as part at St Clement Danes. of the ‘London RAF Heritage Tel: Walk’. There is also lots to 01536 334225 Each member of the RAF who discover on the ‘St Clement has passed away during their Danes’ website https:// Email: service is recorded in the stclementdanesraf.org/. ‘Remembrance Books’ and an Do contact the Station [email protected] annual service in November Chaplaincy for recalls the lives of all those further information. 12 who have lost their lives Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 13 TALENT MANAGEMENT SATT HOLDING SCHEME RTS

FUTURES ASSOCIATE he SATT Holding their command and how RTS CAS LEADERSHIP Scheme allows important their input Cpl Chris Kendall, JNCO Thompson Intake, RTS Servicemen Awaiting had been. One SATT Trade Training (SATT) responded, when asked Tthe opportunity for work what advice they would eing a Phase 1 • Talent Management CONFERENCE 2020 experience throughout the give to a SATT offered instructor often Strategy: Featuring Cpl Symone Bromley - JNCO Douglas Intake, RTS means lengthy heavily in our discussions/ Royal Air Force whilst awaiting a hold position, 'Take hours, extra work forums this strategy Phase 2 of their Trade the opportunity while Band an inherent need to outlines the current and Training. At the start of the you can, you get a great arly in 2020, I was My initial engagement with think outside the box, skills future process to better Covid-19 pandemic, nearly insight into all of the selected to take part the team in early September, all SATT holding placements RAF trades'. in the CAS Leadership was in order to pre-record I have found invaluable manage personnel who as a Talent Management present key talents in/out fell through. This meant that Conference, due to my presentation, as due to as stations got back to some The Holding Coordinators Ebe held on 15 Oct 2020. I COVID-19, the conference was Futures Associate (TMFA). of trade. normality, SATT Staff had the are also looking to have was tasked with completing being held virtually online. This secondary duty holds a number of roles and The TMFA has been a 5-year task of rebuilding its holding SATTs working throughout a 15-minute presentation on position portfolio. During the RAF Halton, as we had 'Next Generation Leadership: After that I was invited back responsibilities, providing venture which has kept me data from my peer group/ challenged and energised at first month of the rebuild, previously, and would A Personal Perspective', to Air Command on 15 over 70 positions were urge anyone who wants consisting of how I like to Oct in order to watch my trade, attending forums and the same time. Our combined seminars where we discuss efforts have now been established or re-established the extra support to be led, how I like to lead and presentation play and then thanks to many proactive get in touch. SATTs are any barriers/improvement take part in a 30-minute live a number of topics, some recognised in recent events of which have now been such as the Chief of Air Staff units around the RAF being currently working at RTS, opportunities I could foresee Question & Answer session. keen to provide opportunities PSF and the Police Flt. within those topics. I set This was a once in a career implemented service wide, ‘s opening address on his including: virtual seminar, in which the for the future Airmen/ It makes a huge difference about looking into what I opportunity which I was Airwomen. We currently have to a new member of the wanted to talk about, but extremely grateful to be a part Talent Management Strategy • Access to trade was released. SATTs holding at RAF Benson, Service and gives purpose initially, I was debating what of. The team at the Tedder RAF Brize Norton, RAFC to their hold period. the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ topics Academy of Leadership did a managers at any rank: Allowing individuals This Strategy, captured in Cranwell and RAF Waddington were to talk about. fantastic job and I would like to name but a few. to personally thank them for to contact the trade a short and detailed video desks empowered highlighting the ambition/ After discussing this with the compassion and forward- Early in this rebuild, Holding in a dynamic and changing stations to gain help and them to become more intent of the Royal Air Force some of my colleagues at thinking attitude to the whole Co-ordinators took the world and Air Force. Lastly, insight moving forward and involved with their to achieve a talent-focused RTS, they helped me to fully process. The conference opportunity to visit SATTs following some discussions progressing in their careers. career progression. future force, is proving to realise that I needed to give is available to view online holding at 33 Sqn and C4i I had in the live Q+A, my If anyone would like direction be a huge success with exactly as I had been asked, a on the Tedder Academy of at RAF Benson. The visit was attention was drawn to the on how to do this, please • SJAR system and how Junior Ranks and Line personal perspective. My own Leadership SharePoint page. very informative, and it was new RAF Mentoring Scheme, feel free to contact me via it could be modified/ Managers alike. views, complete honesty and great to see SATTs gainfully a Junior Rank's perspective on Moving forward from here, called MentorMe. MODNet. replaced: This tri-service document has often come As a TG6 (MT driver) employed and adding value leadership and what we want I would urge all personnel, to the Service. The SATTs It is available for all Everyone has a role to play in under heavy criticism for representative, I often find from our Air Force in the next especially anyone in positions themselves were grateful personnel to sign up to, leadership, from AC’s to ACM; its dated approach to myself answering/relaying 20-30 years. As well as my of leadership to have a for the opportunity as some either to mentor or become whether you are currently recognising an individual’s questions. Debating on own words, I also decided to good read through the new had been at home awaiting a mentee, giving personnel a leader or are aspiring to achievements annually. behalf of my peers, focusing gain the opinions of some of AP7001, detailing leadership their Phase 2 start for a few an opportunity to network lead, be the change you Our ambition is to update on their questions and my recruits at the time, which at all levels and how we go months, saying that they felt I included in my presentation. about being effective leaders with differing ranks/trades/ want to see. and make it a more ambitions whilst maintaining modern effective process, an objective approach, this all they were adding value to ultimately improving adds up to an amazing and their holding units and were career progression rewarding role to uphold and more motivated as a result. AC Sean McLoughlin & AC Jack service wide. a great team to be a part of. The Sponsors gave glowing Hughes erecting the 12m mast, reviews of the SATTs under during monthly servicing

AC Liam Harley gathering data for the upcoming Tech Refresh.

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14 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 15 RTS

Graduation RoundAll Images: UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED Up 2020 Station Photography Section.

16 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 17 Station Snippets INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021 STATION COMMANDER’S COIN RMC PRESCRIBE LAUGHS – OH YES THEY DO!

Joanne Newbon, RMC Receptionist

Station Snippets Station AT RAF HALTON Flt Lt M Rowlands

nternational Women’s Day Forces, it still severely lags WO Andrea Culley, SWO, (second right) (IWD) is held annually on behind other sectors and attending an RTS Graduation Parade. 08 March, to celebrate is not representative of the women’s achievement, society which it serves. This Iraise awareness against bias, is why IWD is so important and take action for equality. It to our organisation. We need aims to promote the specific to celebrate our women, social, economic, cultural, showcase their achievements, and political achievements and as a result encourage of women across the world. more women to consider it Joanne with her charity bucket and some of the cast. According to the World as a serious career choice Economic Forum, none of us that they can identify with. decided to write and will see gender equality in direct a short COVID Snow White finally got her our lifetime, so projects like Here at RAF Halton, we friendly pantomime, Prince, played by Carol, IWD are very much current, are lucky to have such an Snow White and the who was very convincing ISeven Dwarfs, performed by with a wonderful hobby necessary, and relevant. inspiring collective of women across our community who the Regional Medical Centre horse and great sound The first IWD was held in have showcased their roles staff. Sadly, due to the effects. Georgina inspired ongoing pandemic we could us as The Mirror, while 1911 and has roots in the and achievements as part of RAF’s journey towards greater promote their success, and Images taken by Station Photography Section. only invite our staff with the Michaela made us proud campaigning work that the an International Women’s Day gender equality. From the champion equality. Without social distancing procedures managing to collect Women’s Social and Political project. Just some of those first female operational pilot an environment of inclusion in place. a substantial amount Union carried out in the UK in women include Sqn Ldr K (Flt Lt Jo Slater) in 1994, to and mutual support for 11 Dec 20 Lorraine Ferns Community Support of money for SSAFA. the early twentieth century, Steed, Officer Commanding the RAF being the first of the all, RAF Halton wouldn’t Jan Holdsworth Team Pantomimes are embedded A huge well done and with the main aim of securing Recruit Training Squadron, three Services to open up have these role models Julie Smith in British culture and are thank-you to everyone universal suffrage, allowing all who is in command of the all roles to women in 2017, to highlight, and that is considered a must for many involved, especially Andy, women a political vote. Since largest Squadron in the Mrs Culley has witnessed a thanks to everyone in the British families. who amalgamated all the then, it has expanded to a RAF. In such a high-profile significant part of the RAF’s community. There is still work We gathered to spread some songs for us; the event global event to acknowledge position, Sqn Ldr Steed has gender history. From seeing to be done, but Halton is 16 Dec 20 Sgt Topping SNCO Station seasonal sparkle. Our Ethan was a great success and the collective efforts of all talked about how important what has come before, she certainly leading the way. Management Sqn was wonderful as Snow boosted morale. people who are committed to it is for her to be a visible role can help to shape the way (SMS) White, exiled by the well- achieving gender equality. model to the next generation forwards towards even played evil stepmother, Rick of women joining the RAF and greater gender parity. The theme for this years’ how crucial it is for leaders Hannah, and rescued by 16 Dec 20 Tracey McNulty Contract Monitoring our seven dwarfs who did event is ‘challenge’ and asks to promote equality. Sqn Aside from our inspiring array themselves proud portraying people to reflect upon how Ldr Steed’s catchphrase is of female role models, we Team their characters. they choose to challenge ‘you can’t be what you can’t can’t overlook the fantastic stereotypes, prejudice, see’ and she demonstrates work that our male and unconscious bias, and this perfectly by confidently gender non-binary colleagues 16 Dec 20 Sgt Bayfield SMS – DE SNCO more overt discrimination. leading the Squadron do to support our women, Sgt Elson Support on the The Ugly Stepsister, played by It could also be seen as an through challenging Rick Hannah. opportunity to challenge times, and proudly Sgt Hawes Covid-19 Support Cell yourself, your friends and acknowledging her gender Sqn Ldr Katy Steed (second left) observing Recruits handling a casualty on Exercise family, and your colleagues identity as she does so. Blue Warrior at Bramley Trg Area. to make more of an effort to achieve gender parity. Another woman who the 18 Dec 20 Sally Phillips Babcock Stn project showcases is the Workshops Many people believe that Station Warrant Officer, Mrs there is gender equality Culley. As the most senior in the RAF, and although female Non-Commissioned 28 Jan 21 MACr Peacock Direct Entrant (DE) there are many positive Officer on Station, Mrs Culley FS Kinnaird SNCO Course Trainer developments towards a is another visible role model CT Ward Delivery Team fully inclusive workplace, the for everyone at Halton. With RAF as a whole (as of 01 Oct 30 years’ service, Mrs Culley Sgt Martin 20) is still comprised of only doesn’t feel that her gender Sgt Matterface 15% females. Despite this has made any difference to Sgt Stobbs being the highest percentage her career, however she has Sgt Wallace across all of the Armed seen many milestones in the Snow White, played by Ethan, and Prince Charming, played by Carol.

18 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 19 Community ASTRA MENTAL AIR CADETS – and Charity and Charity Community Community FULL OF BRIGHT IDEAS! WELLBEING CHATBOT Sgt King & Cpl Vint Flt Lt Megan Rowlands early a year on from course to members of other ne of the recent being listened to. We hate always the best way to get The Bot can help you to when we first began Sqns to complete the Bronze success stories to acknowledge that our things off your chest and to identify what sort of help you attending Halton award with us. A particularly to come out of problems aren’t worth the get the help that you need. might want, and the easiest Air Cadets virtually, enjoyable aspect was the Nit is incredible to look back Inspiring Digital Enterprise RAF Halton’s Astra time and money that a flesh But it’s not always easy. way to get in touch with Oinitiative is the creation of a and blood ear demands. the relevant organisations. on all we have accomplished Award (iDEA), an international mental wellbeing ChatBot. This is where the ChatBot It’s private, quick, and can in 2409 Squadron (Sqn) in award-winning programme But sometimes we don’t comes in. The Bot is a be accessed from anywhere this time. that helps to develop digital, We are all familiar with the want talk. Sometimes, we completely anonymous as long as you have a enterprise and employability concept of ChatBots; and just want a handy source signposting tool, open mobile device with you. Throughout our time in skills for free, something most of us will have had of information that is easily to the RAF Halton Whole lockdown, we have managed cadets mentioned they a conversation with one, accessible and can point us Force community, including Give it a try by scanning to maintain twice-weekly learned lots from. As well as especially if we’ve wanted to in the right direction – no families. It has a wide range the QR code! Virtual Parade Nights (VPNs) this, many cadets went on contact customer services judgement, no explanations of resources and points thanks to the commitment of to complete a presentation recently. This isn’t always necessary. Sometimes when of contact to help with a *please note that the both our staff and cadets. This skills course, giving a positive experience, and we’re struggling with the spectrum of mental health Bot isn’t a replacement has allowed us to continue presentations on topics such our training and engage with as recycling, animal testing we’d much rather speak to a demands of life, it can be and wellbeing struggles. for Line Management or Cpl Vint's certificate, winner of the Squadron Bake Off. real-life human being when hard to start the conversation From support for those with organisational support, and fun activities. Classification and quantum computing! we need some help. A shift about how you’re feeling. We a dependency on gambling, that the Stn welfare facilities training has continued, a codebreaking and escape entitled to accompany Lord to Artificial Intelligence (AI) might not be sure who to to information for the LGBT+ including the Medical Centre, series of mostly aviation room nights. Furthermore, a Lieutenant, Lady Elizabeth problem solving can leave talk to, or how to broach the community, and for those Personnel Management related subjects enabling couple of our talented cadets Howe, on high profile events us frustrated and feeling as subject. Talking to someone struggling with feelings of Squadron, and Chaplaincy Cadets to progress through competed in virtual Wing within the county. Looking though our struggles aren’t you trust, in person, is often low mood and anxiety. are always available. the ranks, gaining badges talent shows, both earning forward, we are excited to see on their brassard. Training places in the finals. For what else we will achieve in starts with simple subjects, Remembrance, we decorated the coming months. building up to understanding poppies, creating a beautiful complex engine systems window display for our and aircraft construction. building, and had 2 cadets FOR FURTHER When the ‘Master Air Cadet’ place crosses on War Graves, INFORMATION is completed, Cadets gain Squadron Bake-off. continuing our ongoing a BTEC in Aviation Studies, Century of Sacrifice project. CONTACT strengthening their CV. We have benefitted from As a Sqn we have also been engaging VPNs by several fortunate enough to have [email protected] In addition, we have guest speakers, and in order one of our cadets awarded undertaken courses to achieve to keep up competition the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Commonwealth War Graves at badges such as Blue Space despite being stuck at home, position for Buckinghamshire, Halton Churchyard, Century of and Bronze & Silver Cyber, we recently held a very through which they are Sacrifice Project. with cyber being a focus for popular bake-off using the our Sqn. Four members of Teams App. Other activities Jack Fines-Allin attending the twice weekly Virtual Parade staff have become qualified to improve teamwork and Nights. trainers, and we opened our cadet’s engagement included

Squadron windows decorated for Remembrance Sunday.

20 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 21 Community

22 and Charity CARRY ON BROADCASTING KEEP AND CALM T Jonathan Kempster,Jonathan War Imperial Museum leave dueto theCOVID-19 but essentialstaffhadto However, lastMarch, all licence exam. Foundation radiothe exercises, andinvigilating through classroom andfield training for theAirCadets, radio communications andfacilitatingsupporting operational officers, by of RAFtechnical and forging generation thenext Another essentialrole is sign G1RAF. with thespecialradiocall- representing RAFHalton operators around theworld, They talkby radioto other communications equipment. radioex-RAF shortwave aswell asvintagethe-art, volunteers operate state-of- room’. From here, theradio the team inthe ‘radio club introduced to therest of mug oftea inhandIwas Malcolm Wood, andwith Ldr Sqn Officer-in-Charge, Falklands War. Imetthe ofthethe 40thanniversary year,open next marking Archive, exhibition,dueto Imperial War Sound Museum preparing for stories the while Society Halton Radio too. Icameacross theRAF onstationradio community amateuralso athriving from RAFHalton, there is radio messagestransmitted thanthe Other ‘official’ taken in2020by Jonathan. Taking abreak withabrew - defeat avirus. it canalsohelpto crosses borders, but sayhey thatradio mod.gov.uk account: radio.laser@rafac. org.uk, orthegroup email Kempster, JKempster@iwm. Jonathanplease contact For information further voice for thearchive. recorder to capture your I amready withmy tape theFalklandsduring War, remember their experiences so, ifanyone onstationcan pick upwhere off... I left Personally, Iamitching to way offfor now. thatmay bealittlelooks like onceagain–butitworld radio voice heard around the the cadets, to gettheHalton withand continueworking to getbackonstationkeen course, are they allveryOf and wide. visitors calling infrom far intouch remotely,kept with RAF Halton radiofamily out for eachother, andthe lookedLockdown. Everyone most challenging of period from the homeduring able to exchange messages the radiovolunteers were to theeast ofHalton Camp, station located onthehill Using anautomatic relay daily meeting ‘on theair.’ to theestablishment ofa innovation ofmembersled Fortunately, thedriveand radio room sincethen. to meet and operate the hasnotbeenablesociety emergency, andtheradio Jonathan. From Home-taken in2020by to theworld inhisRadio Shack Jonathon Kempster ready to talk

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C fJ Coins Cash ewel 23 Av 19 ailable lers Vale Life: COMP Including Spring2021 Mainpoint Fo &W 8 Nov/Dec 2019 rY HP2 atches. our AN 01 SH Y 23 Mainpoint Spring2021 Mainpoint W first quizwent withouta fears becamearealityasthe up? Thankfully noneofmy and would anyone show letmedownmy ITwouldn't good),and watches are very forget onphones it(alarms sure thatIdidn'twas making part thescariest forward; straight wasvery advertising upthequizandSetting Quiz'. aZoom 'Virtual to try been popular, we decided the Patches' hadpreviously Halton and, asthe'Battleof 'grown up' membersofRAF for themoreentertainment some muchneededlight that we neededto provide some debate itwasdecided of homeschooling. After adding to thepressures withoutthe Community we couldengagewith with thechallengeofhow HIVE team were presented and Support Community TCC QUIZZICAL GETS Lorraine Ferns number 3,the of lockdown introduction ith the quiz butthatwasquickly no onecouldaccessthe wrong Zoom meetingand did manageto loginto the happen and, oneweek I The occasionalmishapdoes enjoy soIthinkthey it. week, teams who jointhequizevery now aregular numberof Wendover??) butthere are many pubsare there in answers how (exactly debate over someofthe occasional, light-hearted WhatsApp. There isthe over sent being regularly 'guess theflag'questions 'stay whatyou see'and to digital rounds with ha), butithasprogressed anyone iscompetitive (ha ask thequestions. Notthat towe itinturns allnow take andbecome theQuizMasters the contestants have now As theweeks have progressed back thefollowing week. especially asmany came people hadagoodtime- hitch andIeven thinkmost Facebook page. Halton Support Community details orcheckouttheRAF mod.gov.uk, for theaccess me atHAL-PMSHIVEIO@ Zoom Quizpleaseemail you wantto jointhe If Virtual have to provide your own gin! own homethoughyou do oftheir inthecomfort part cantakeslippers aseveryone having to getoutofyour of findingababysitter or future. thestressThere isn't continue for theforeseeable this issomethingthatwe can the CSandHIVE Team hope to 'normal', findthenew try now plannedandaswe all With theexitofLockdown is aprize for thewinners. fairest way possibleandthere I have recorded themthe questions thatothers, but moreteams are asking complicated assomevery whichisprovingbeing kept, 'Scores onthedoors'are added to theentertainment. andI'msure thatonlysorted another story!! to thebathroom, butthat's controltake whilstyou nipof letyour husbandis don't whilst hostingaZoom Quiz learntOne lastthingI've aircraft manufacturer - Answers onpage29 Q3. What breed of Q1. Which British wind hotorcold? the quiz,ranging Q2. Is aChinook Below isataste of sometypical questions from dog isSnoopy?dog produced the in difficulty: Spitfire?

23

and Charity and Community Community Community GUIDING LIGHT SHINES ON BROWNIES MICHAEL BURTON OBITUARY and Charity Wg Cdr Karen Moran he staff of the main gate. Identifying the Michael explaining the aileron control mechanism on Trenchard Museum Aylesbury ringleader, he veryone involved so quiet and don’t expect to an early glider during a Cool Aeronautics event. and Charity Community Community with 2nd Halton see it again anytime soon. In regret deeply to report invited him to “come with me.” Brownies are addition to online meetings, the death of Michael They walked up to the corner TBurton, in December 2020. of Groves Mess, from where incredibly proud of many Brownies committed Eall the girls’ determination extra time to complete the visitor could see some and resilience under difficult activities and gain their During his declining years he 1,000 apprentices milling lock down restrictions. The interest badges in Space, refurbished our Dart aero- about with more joining them leaders quickly adapted and Aviation, Baking, Jobs and engine and proved a fount of from the barrack blocks. With moved to online meetings Zero Wastage, all exciting technical knowledge. Above a muttered “we’ll be back,” to allow the girls to access subjects to explore. all, he was ever ready and the young man returned to the benefits guiding brings; able to enthral the visiting his friends, who dispersed, having fun, making friends school children engaged never to be seen again! and challenging themselves. in the Cool Aeronautics programme with facts about After marrying in 1970, he We started lockdown with flight. He will be sorely missed; decided to leave the RAF. the Brownies having great ‘Guiding Light’, by Ren. his legacy is tremendous. However, he reappeared the next day as a civilian fun gaining a sleepover meetings, support from all about their daughter(s) instructor with his enthusiasm badge through a virtual ‘Stay the parents. Thank you all joining Brownies, becoming Michael first came to Halton for the task undiminished. In, Sleep In’ weekend. They for keeping the Guiding a leader or supporting in 1968, to become an Cranfield and then free-lance, where it had been used for Thus, when he was asked were challenged to pick light shining in Halton over 2nd Halton Brownies, then instructor in the Airframe finally retiring in 2010. development projects. With to restore Spitfire Mk 16 somewhere in the house, or the past months. If anyone please contact the leaders at Training Squadron. He was a However, Michael has left so many modifications it SL574 in December 1985, garden, that they would not would like more information, [email protected]. newly promoted Sergeant his mark on RAF Halton. was unsuitable as a Halton normally sleep and build a who had worked on a wide the challenge was accepted In 1986 he heard that the training airframe. After shelter for the night. We saw selection of aircraft, ranging enthusiastically. With a team Station Commander was appropriate preparation, a mixture of tents in gardens from Chipmunks to Vulcans. of volunteers, which included unhappy with the absence of one Friday afternoon, he and Here he rapidly revealed his wife and 12-year-old and indoor hideaways, but Bella preparing dinner. a Gate Guardian. Surveying a band of “trusties” quietly the most inventive was a breadth of technical son, the task progressed his workshop his eye fell on wheeled it down the road turning a trampoline into a On Remembrance Day, one knowledge and a ready apace with the latter proving Hawker Hunter F6 XF527 past Old Workshops and luxury den. We hope all the Brownie and Leader, instead wittiness which gained him extremely useful when which had come to Halton into the position which it families enjoyed the meal of the whole pack, attended the respect of the lively, accessing the inside of the from Boscombe Down, has occupied ever since. they had to plan and prepare a small, but poignant, intelligent young men whom fuselage and revelling in the and shall say no more about socially distanced Service he trained in New Workshops. Blue Peter and John Craven's their antics making and at the Commonwealth War Newsround interviews eating ‘arm pit fudge’! Yes, it Graves in Halton, where they He was equal to any occasion, which got him a day off is a thing, look it up! laid a wreath on behalf of as he demonstrated one night school. When completed in Girlguiding. when Orderly Sergeant in the 1989 it was exchanged for Frankie ready for her sleepover. Henderson/Groves Guardroom the North American P-51D During this turbulent period, (now the Armoury). A large Mustang 44-73415 which is 9 girls have completed their Olivia’s sock puppet. crowd of Aylesbury youths had in the RAF Museum. Spitfire Brownie Bronze Award, 2 of collected outside the gate, SL574 is now in the San Diego which went on to complete demanding to be let in to, Air and Space Museum. their Brownie Silver Award; “sort out those apprentices.” an incredible achievement Telling the Orderly Corporal When Airframe Training given the limitations placed to order all apprentices to moved to Cosford in 1988, on activities. All this could assemble on the barrack Michael left the Civil Service only be achieved by the square immediately, he and became a ground- endeavours of committed walked slowly down to the school instructor first at leaders, young leaders and, with the lack of face-to-face Michael’s legacy to RAF Halton: Hawker Hunter F6 XF527.

In early Autumn, we were briefly able to return to face-to-face meetings, but only for one half term before restrictions drove us back to weekly Zoom Brownies.

Undeterred, we returned to online adventures and all Michael introduces the Blue Peter learnt to sign our Brownie presenter Caron Keating to SL574 Promise. We have never and volunteer painters Mark known the Brownies to be Harriett tucking in. Poppy Hinkley receiving her prize by abseiling teddy. Cheshire and Pete May.

24 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 25 BOOK REVIEW - BORN TO RUN BY CHRISTOPHER MCDOUGALL FIT'4'FEB! MY FRIEND, TANITA? Sport Sport Fg Off Nicole Burger, OC FDTF Fg Off Nicole Burger, OC FDTF Jeni Knight, FDTF Admin Clerk orn to Run is the history and evolution of the s from 1 Jan ran by the team is 8124.47 perfect book to running style, the running You should weigh yourself was better than ‘obese’, which 21, RAF Halton km which is the equivalent follow the January shoe and the running on the machine at the gym. I have encountered a few personnel have been of running to MADAGASCAR, running craze obsession. An interesting It’s a Tanita!” was my first times since. sweating, freezing and an elevation climbed of Band RAF Halton's Fit'4'Feb read even for those who do “introduction to this gadget. If you are Aand scrambling their way 81,121.4m which is the same Challenge. The book is not run, the scientific facts, through the lockdown as 10 times up and down “This is terrible,” I interested in marked as one of the the running showdown After a few weeks of intrigue blues. Station personnel mount Everest. Top Female greatest running books with and hidden tribes are alternating with the very real muttered quietly. meeting Tanita, have been walking, jogging is Alice Rogers recording a a legendary showdown recommended for everyone. reluctance to confront the and running in horrendous total distance of 748.2km. Top “What’s your between a barefoot running truth of the state of my health one of the weather striving towards our Male is Carl Tucker Recording tribe and the world's best This book has led me to and weight, curiosity got the visceral fat?” Strava Challenge lockdown a total distance of 567km. many benefits ultra-marathon runners. question my own running better of me. This particular Claire asked. I goal (100km for bronze, The winner of the elevation style and training, especially morning in October, I strode of working at 180km for silver and 250km contest is John Crabtree with looked at the The tale begins with a simple following an ongoing knee purposefully to the gym and for gold). The total distance 11,041m climbed. RAF Halton, question, a question almost injury and ankle niggles. was introduced, by Claire, slip and told her. every runner has asked, Although I haven't taken on to Tanita. “Ahh! It’s not so please call the “Why does my foot, ankle or the minimalist and barefoot Fg Off Alice Rodgers, CTS, is the Top PEd staff at the knee hurt?”. Is the answer approach, I have adapted Female for the Fit’4’Feb challenge. I stripped to my lightweight bad. You only because of the modern my running style to a more clothes and stepped on, while have to worry if Burnett Gym running shoe industry? forefoot approach, which Claire guided me through the on 6604 or mimics the barefoot running information Tanita needed: your visceral fat McDougall finds himself style. So far this has worked weight of clothes, body type is over 13. Yours 6612 and make evading dangerous drug wonders for me (following – whether you don’t exercise isn’t.” I relaxed a booking to cartels in Mexico to track further research, expert much (standard and code down the mythically framed physio and PEd guidance for pretty unfit) or the other and made a meet her. Tarahumara tribe. They’re and coupled with a 6-month category, male or female, mental note to known as “the barefoot graduated approach to age, height in centimetres, running people” who forefoot running.) and press enter. Trrrrrrr. Tanita find out about have exceptional stamina, hands you a something the danger of speed and enthusiasm I stress that this book is resembling a supermarket for running all fuelled by aimed at providing an receipt. If you are overweight, visceral fat. I had chia seeds and aided by engaging read, not a lifestyle she tells you by flashing a red a reprieve. Mine basic leather sandals. or running change. PLEASE FAT light. was far lower follow expert advice and McDougall argues that the visit the PEd flight if you I wiped down the scale and than 13. Misc human body is designed wish to make any changes computer, breathed in deeply to run for long distances to your running style - it and looked at the slip. Tanita Without facing the truth, without all that cushioning is not a 1 size fits all when Body Composition Analyzer the hard, cold, emotionless and arch support, and that it comes to running. DC-430MA, date and time were truth, there is no moving on such “protective” shoes visible at the top. I glanced at to freedom or better health. are the reason behind If it isn't broken don't try to my weight. That could have In a moment I had my goal. such a high incidence fix it. been more. In life, sometimes Rather than working on losing of running injuries. one celebrates ‘not such kilograms, I would work for The book is available to bad news’. This was one of a younger metabolic age. A Born to Run is a marvellous loan from the station those moments. healthier body. My body would book which delves into the learning centre. thank me, and my quality of Scanning the list of life had to improve. Any loss Fg Off Nicole Burger, FDTF, with her abbreviations in Tanita’s of fat and muscle, and bone recommended book 'Born To Run' and Think Print special brand of code: BMI, gain, would be a positive Fg Off Alice Rodgers, CTS, running in FFM, TBW, etc., I noticed investment in my life. With Lance Print is an established printers based metabolic age. I took a closer the background. in Peterborough. At Lance we combine my new goal in place I walked skill, experience & knowledge to provide a look. 68. What? My heart sank. contentedly out of the Burnet complete professional service. No! I’m 59. That’s crazy. Tanita Gym. The sun was shining, and

We aim to fill our clients with confidence says my body acts as if it’s 9 I had a plan. I’m aiming for my in the knowledge that any work years older. metabolic age to be two years undertaken by us, will be completed younger than my real age! to the highest possible standard. The truth hit me. Tanita was Call Today: objective, even if I didn’t like it. I left, knowing I’d see my Then there was the physique new friend, Tanita, the next (01733) 390564 rating. Solidly built. week, and that she would

As this was our first meeting, I accompany me on the path to www.lanceprint.co.uk had no idea that ‘solidly built’ a healthier life.

26 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 27 MEET THE NEW... OC P1, WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE… SO3 HARD FM, BOOK: Any Patricia Cornwell MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS BOOK: The Unicorn who SITE MANAGER, QUICK QUESTIONS… FG OFF ELLIE HINKS. FILM: La La Land FG OFF MEGS MURRAY. MUSICIAN OR BAND: OFFICER (MCO), Wanted to be Seen MARCO VILEAS. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF BOOK: Divine by Mistake by P.C. I love lots of types of music, LAURA WILSON (D). MUSICIAN OR BAND: Spice Girls YOU WON THE LOTTERY?

Introductory Cast especially Hans Zimmer or Take That – anything cool really Go into property developing MUSICIAN OR BAND: Drake film scores – right through FOOD: Chips IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL FOOD: Italian to the classics of Queen, PLACE: Florida WHERE WOULD YOU GO? 60’s PLACE: Home Abba and Billy Joel so I don’t ANIMAL: My cat WHAT DID YOU ANIMAL: Elephant really have a favourite! HAVE FOR TEA LAST FOOD: Chocolate or cheese QUICK QUESTIONS… NIGHT? Skinny fry up QUICK QUESTIONS… PLACE: Lake District or Mexico WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WHAT WAS THE LAST WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU ANIMAL: Horse WON THE LOTTERY? Vegas baby! FILM YOU WATCHED? WON THE LOTTERY? IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL Hunger Games Buy a town house in London QUICK QUESTIONS… WHERE WOULD YOU GO? WHO WOULD ATTEND YOUR IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF I’d love to go back and see IDEAL PARTY? Jimi Hendrix WHERE WOULD YOU GO? 80’s YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Frank Sinatra in concert WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR TEA Buy a house with stables WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR TEA WOULD YOU HAVE? Flying LAST NIGHT? Bubble & Squeak IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL LAST NIGHT? Vegetable biryani WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM WHERE WOULD YOU GO? WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM YOU YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? YOU WATCHED? Ford v Ferrari Into the future, just far enough WATCHED? Wonder Woman 1984 Sky diving experience WHO WOULD ATTEND YOUR to be out of a global pandemic WHO WOULD ATTEND YOUR DID YOU MAKE A NEW IDEAL PARTY? Madonna WHAT DID YOU HAVE IDEAL PARTY? Right now, just all YEAR RESOLUTION? WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER FOR TEA LAST NIGHT? my friends and family – we’d party WHAT WAS IT? WOULD YOU HAVE? Flying Steak pie and mash hard to make up for all the birthdays Lose weight (Standard) ROLE SUMMARY WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU ROLE SUMMARY ROLE SUMMARY ROLE SUMMARY Officer Commanding Service Providing Infra support WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM I produce content to promote and holidays we’ve missed. Amey- Site manager WHAT IS THE MOST HAVE EVER RECEIVED? YOU WATCHED? Crimson Tide WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER EXCITING THING YOU’VE Discipline at RAF Halton Friends Boxset across RAF Halton and publicise RAF Halton and WHO WOULD ATTEND its activities across various WOULD YOU HAVE? ABOUT YOU DONE IN THE PAST FEW WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR IDEAL PARTY? Teleportation like in Rentaghost WEEKS? Cycling in the snow ABOUT YOU YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? ABOUT YOU communication channels, both HOW LONG HAVE YOU HOW LONG HAVE YOU HOW LONG HAVE YOU James Cordon, Hans Zimmer internal and external. To quote a WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT WORKED FOR THE “I have found that if you love life, WOULD YOU RATHER… WORKED FOR THE MILITARY/ WORKED FOR THE and Sam Warburton line from Bridget Jones, I “fanny YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? MILITARY/CS? 3yrs on life will love you back.” TEA OR COFFEE: CS? 18 months in the RAF, 2 ½ MILITARY/CS? 15 yrs (with WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER about with the press releases”. Signed artwork by Bob Mortimer housing, 3yrs on Regional prime DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR Coffee / strong years as a CS a 5 yr gap in service) WOULD YOU HAVE? WHAT IS THE BEST WHAT IS THE BEST OR RESOLUTION? WHAT WAS IT? CAT OR DOG: Dog The ability to be in more ABOUT YOU ADVICE YOU’VE EVER WORST JOB YOU’VE DONE? Start meditating SAVOURY OR SWEET: Savoury WHAT IS THE BEST OR WORST WHAT IS THE BEST OR than one place at once! HOW LONG HAVE YOU RECEIVED? You can do this This is my best Job WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING SUMMER OR JOB YOU’VE DONE? Trite as it WORST JOB YOU’VE DONE? WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU WORKED FOR THE DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR WHAT WOULD YOU THING YOU’VE DONE IN THE WINTER: Summer sounds, I’ve enjoyed aspects of Worst – sales assistant in HAVE EVER RECEIVED? MILITARY/CS? CS – 3 years RESOLUTION? What was it? BE IF YOU WEREN’T IN PAST TWO-WEEKS? EASTER OR CHRISTMAS: all my jobs (and there have been high street clothing store My horse – Lexi. Haha no chance THE MILITARY/CS? Getting a caramel latte from Costa. Christmas a few) WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE WHAT IS THE BEST OR WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING Property Developer Lockdown life. NIGHT-IN OR NIGHT- WHAT WOULD YOU BE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? WORST JOB YOU’VE DONE? THING YOU’VE DONE IN HOW WOULD YOU OUT: Night out WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE Your worst mistakes are Minimal Bounce Bra Model THE PAST TWO-WEEKS? In DESCRIBE YOURSELF WOULD YOU RATHER… BE AN ADULT OR TEEN: Adult WEREN’T IN THE MILITARY/ MILITARY/CS? Equine Vet often your best advice lockdown? Probably watch all 5 IN THREE WORDS? TEA OR COFFEE: Tea ROM-COM OR HORROR CS? A writer DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU seasons of This is Us. Nailed it! Hard worker, short CAT OR DOG: Dog FILM: Rom-com HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RESOLUTION? WHAT WAS IT? WEREN’T IN THE MILITARY/ HOW WOULD YOUR WOULD YOU RATHER… HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? No, not this year – things CS? Full Time Netflix Watcher PARTNER DESCRIBE TEA OR COFFEE: Tea YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? Chatty, Confident, Bubbly are bleak enough without YOU IN THREE WORDS? CAT OR DOG: Cat Kind, hardworking, sensitive giving something up! . HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE Good father, Husband HOW WOULD YOUR WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? WHAT ARE YOUR HOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER PARTNER DESCRIBE YOU THING YOU’VE DONE IN THE Enthusiastic, positive, honest HOBBIES AND PASTIMES? DESCRIBE YOU IN THREE IN THREE WORDS? PAST TWO-WEEKS? There’s not HOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER Shooting, Cycling WORDS? Focused, Caring, Driven a lot you can do during lockdown! DESCRIBE YOU IN THREE WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST Thoughtful, hilarious, supportive WORDS? Creative, kind, loyal ACHIEVEMENT? Having Kids WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES WOULD YOU RATHER… WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND PASTIMES? TEA OR COFFEE: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES WHAT IS YOUR AND PASTIMES? Reading, Horse riding, knitting, walking Coffee every time AND PASTIMES? Is drinking FAVOURITE… collaging, journaling, walking, CAT OR DOG: Dog wine a hobby? If so, that. FILM: Pulp Fiction dinners with friends DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN SAVOURY OR SWEET: Sweet BOOK: Operation Sudden Death TALENT OR SECRET? SUMMER OR WINTER: Summer DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN MUSICIAN OR BAND: DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN SAVOURY OR SWEET: Sweet WHAT IS IT? No EASTER OR CHRISTMAS: TALENT OR SECRET? WHAT IS SAVOURY OR SWEET: Sweet Dizzie Rascal TALENT OR SECRET? WHAT SUMMER OR WINTER: Summer Christmas IT? I can whistle with my fingers. SUMMER OR WINTER: Summer FOOD: Mexican IS IT? The ability to organise even EASTER OR CHRISTMAS: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST NIGHT-IN OR NIGHT- EASTER OR CHRISTMAS: PLACE: Portugal the unorganisable Christmas ACHIEVEMENT? Becoming OUT: Night out WHAT IS YOUR Christmas ANIMAL: Tiger NIGHT-IN OR NIGHT-OUT: a Commissioned Officer BE AN ADULT OR TEEN: Adult PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? NIGHT-IN OR NIGHT-

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST Depends on the weather ROM-COM OR I’ve got to say my kids haven’t I? OUT: Out-out

ACHIEVEMENT? BE AN ADULT OR TEEN: Adult WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE… HORROR FILM: BE AN ADULT OR TEEN: Adult Beagle 3. Hot, 2. Supermarine, 1. Commissioning as an officer in ROM-COM OR HORROR FILM: FILM: Pretty Woman Rom com WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE… ROM-COM OR HORROR FILM: QUIZ TCC ANSWERS the RAF Rom-com FILM: Beauty and the Beast Rom-com

28 Mainpoint Spring 2021 Mainpoint Spring 2021 29 You could be in the Algarve, Everyone has a relaxing in the sun... story to tell. www.algarve-retreats.com/ Whatever your tale, fiction or property-to-rent/apartment-meia.htm reality, short or long, we can help you get it out there. Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but Send in your manuscript within walking distance (5 mintures to the marina and another 5 to the town centre). and we can professionally It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom, the lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat set up and publish four, a TV and DVD are also available. Both the lounge and Bedroom have Patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos. your story. There is ample car parking space in front of the building. Working with a skilled team of graphic designers, we work hard to make your book a reality. For more details,

PRICES ON REQUEST contact us: STARTING AT £295 PER WEEK

01536 334 220 [email protected] www.lanceprint.co.uk

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected] ©shutterstock/ Simon Dannhauer Simon ©shutterstock/ Car Insurance

PLUS Have a Costa 10% DISCOUNT Coffee on us when you buy* when you get a Car Insurance quote before 30 April 2021†

Grab your coffee with 2 simple steps!

1. Get a quote online at forcesmutual.org/car or call 0151 363 5290 2. You’ll receive a £3 Costa Coffee e-gift† by email within 7 days of your quote

Just be quick... this offer is available for new quotes taken before 30 April 2021, limited to one e-gift per person. So, call or go online today to get a quote.

Car Insurance is provided by Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc. *10% discount terms & conditions - Please see forcesmutual.org/car or call 0151 363 5290 for details. †Costa Coffee offer. See website or call for full terms & conditions.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The firm is on the Financial Services Register, registration number 114942. Registered in England & Wales number 1073408. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored. PMGI3066 A4 Advert 0421

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