Inside this Issue: Keeping Safe Online • Airplay • Base Support Group

Issue 1 2020 £Free The official publication of Marham

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Cover Image photographer is Sgt Matthews www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 1 www.marhammattersonline.co.uk marham matters

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“A Fantastic Way to spend a couple of hours or more!!!” Shop Shut ORDER ONLINE Welcome Back! Click & Collect Pick-Up Available For Safer Shopping Please Order 24 hours before Treasures Treasures Britain’s Biggest Beer Shop from the Past for the Future

Antiques Collectables East Anglia’s largest Jewellery Books Vinyl Selection of Steiff Shabby Chic Vintage Bears & Animals Retro Militaria The Coins Medals Featured on Bargain Hunt Shop A stunning collection of Stieff ‘future heirlooms’ 20 A single floor showroom with a PLUS With a huge selection of German Beer, truely huge stock of fascinating, Fabulous Premium Quality Toys and International Craft Beer, Spirits, Wines, Puzzles from... high quality goods on display Ciders & Gluten Free Beer

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Well behaved dogs welcome in Antique & Steiff Shop

Turn at JSW The Car Sales Wheelchair Friendly Shop

The Warehouse Antiques, Beers of Europe& The Steiff Shop Garage Lane, Setchey, King’s Lynn, , PE33 0BE Tel: 01553 812000 TheWarehouseAntiques.co.uk [email protected]

www.marhammattersonline.co.ukAD-Welcome-Back-Warehouse-Antiques-A4-Marham-2.indd 1 ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM12/08/2020 MATTERS 10:12 3 marham matters

21 09 Editor: Diane Wilson Ext: 6739 Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk RAF Marham Web Page: www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham Designer: Laura Lang Email: laura@ lanceprint.co.uk Sales Manager: Jayne Bailey Tel: (01536) 334219 Email: jayne@ 12 16 lanceprint.co.uk Printer: regulars Security Viligance Area Lance Print Ltd Tel: (01733) 390564 Station Commander's Foreword ...... 18

...... 05 Cherry Tree disclaimer: Community Support The views expressed by the contributors to the ...... 18 Marham Matters are not necessarily those of ...... 20 the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are NEWS taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform Station Warrant Officer to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This From the Editor magazine is published by kind permission of ...... 08 the Station Commander. All Images © Crown As I write this foreword for some members of our Copyright 2020, unless otherwise stated. 207 SQN we are at the start of the community this has been an traditional summer holidays. incredibly difficult year. If you Stockists: The new Business as Usual Many places have started are struggling please speak The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical to open back up again and out, please talk to someone. Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, ...... 09 everyone is getting used If you don’t feel you can talk Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale to the ‘new normal’ of to your family and friends or Surgery, , Hollies Veterinary Local Hospital wearing face coverings in colleagues the Padres and Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary ...... 10 public places, lots of hand SSAFA are always there to listen Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham washing/sanitising and and to help where they can, Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at A day at the Paw-ffice keeping your distance from their details are all on page 20 VA Primary School, Marham Infant those you don’t live with. Thank you to everyone who School, Marham Junior School, Downham ...... 12 has sent in articles for this Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, There has been a chance for edition. We look forward Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, 617 SQN some extended families to to reading more of what Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed meet up but there has also you’re all up to in the next Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge ...... 14 been a chance for families issue. Don’t forget to send and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, Survival Skills who have lost someone your articles through to me All other RAF bases. to start grieving together. by the deadline below...... 16 We must all remember that Diane

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Station Commander’s Foreword We are still open! And practising social distancing... COVID-19 continues to dominate news headlines and will likely do so for some time. It has ...Please be patient affected almost every part of and help us protect our our daily lives and, for some of our families, has had a staff and each other profound and sometimes tragic consequence due to the loss of loved ones. Therefore, on behalf of everyone associated with RAF Marham, I offer my sincerest condolences to anyone who has suffered bereavement or hardship in recent months.

Looking forward from a Station perspective, we are progressing back towards a degree of normality in our day-to-day business. The Squadrons are back up and running at a high tempo, which is essential for a real team effort and thank you. Kings Lynn - 01553 773168 Defence to remain resolute in As we move into the second Downham Market - 01366 386655 its obligations to the nation; part of 2020, a year we will www.londonroadvets.co.uk particularly when the world never forget, I ask everyone to is becoming an increasingly remain cautious as we transition unstable place. Critically, 617 to normality and highlight the Squadron’s deployment on importance of not getting ahead TEL: 01366 387795 HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH was of government direction. Paradise Road, an outstanding achievement Downham Market, and a significant milestone But, most of all, I want to thank PE38 9HS towards developing a true everyone for the outstanding maritime capability; but it was way the community has acted Open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm the culmination of work from all during such a tough period. Saturday 8.00am to 12.00pm areas across the Station that set Jim the Squadron’s path for success – MOT Testing Servicing MOT repairs Fault Diagnosis Engine Remapping Deadline for Next Issue: 13th September Air Conditioning Please submit all entries for the next issue by the Motorbike Repairs date stated above Cars, motorcycles and quads Quad Repairs

a family owned and run business No journey Bishops Travel have a wide range of vehicles is too big or available for hire to suit every occasion too small!

Taxis, Minibuses, Coach Hire, Private Hire, Airport Transfers 01366 324307 07767304684 www.bishopstravel.co.uk Barnfield Farm, 263 The Drove, Barroway Drove, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0AN www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 5 marham matters

We Are Open! • Lots of Friendly Animals • Outdoor Play Fun • Pig Racing • Tractor Rides • Homemade Cakes and Lunches • October Half Term Fun! • Online Booking Essential

“ We have made Church Farm a safe and fun environment for our returning visitors and families. PROTECT everyone, RESPECT everyone and ENJOY!” Elizabeth Esse (Owner)

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www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 7 marham matters news

RAF Marham and the FA CUP

On Friday 26th June a small team from JOTA Aviation arrived at RAF Marham.

They had just transported Norwich did not give up Manchester United Football their FA Cup hopes without Station Warrant Officer Club to Norwich where a fight, taking the match they were to play against into extra time. Following Norwich City Football Club Manchester United’s win, the in the FA Cup Quarter Final. team travelled to RAF Marham Thank you Marham for making me feel so Due to the ongoing Covid-19 to board their 27 minute pandemic Norwich Airport flight home to Manchester. welcome since my arrival in May. Having never have restricted opening hours which meant that the team Thank you to the team served at Marham or as a Station Warrant would be unable to fly back at VASS, the Ops staff, Officer before, I’ve been both excited and out of the airport to return Air Traffic Control, MPGS and the Police Flight. apprehensive about joining the Station. When home following the match. a fellow WO at my previous unit learned I’d landed the Marham SWO job he eloquently described it as “Marham, that’s a big gig!”. He was right.

When I applied for the position, to be part of that. I’m an ICT A family run fishing tackle I wrote that I thought the generic Manager by trade and have business since 2013 roles and responsibilities of a spent many years supporting • Fresh maggots Station Warrant Officer had Force Protection Sqns in the • Worms become a little stale and needed Ground Based Air Defence and • Casters modernising. I plan to be true tactical communications domain. to my words by putting the I’m hoping that I can blend some talented people of Marham first of my trade experience into my We also provide advice and and not unnecessarily stifling SWO role to help the Station. I’m knowledge on the local water innovation, leadership or the a champion of digital innovation ‘can do’ approach that has and new ways of working, but 10-12 High Street, impressed me so much during that won’t stop me pounding Downham Market, Norfolk, my first few weeks. However, the beat and taking a more PE38 9DB I’m also relishing the prospect face-to-face interest in what you of being involved in the more are all up to; It’s taken me nearly Opening Times traditional ceremonial activity 30 years to get my hands on a Monday - 9am till 3pm that an RAF Station with such SWO cane and I don’t intend Tuesday - 9am till 3pm a rich history attracts. With the for it to just live in my office! Wednesday - Closed arrival of 15 Sqn RAF Regiment’s Standard, Marham will have Marham has achieved so many Thursday - 9am till 3pm three Squadron Standards ‘firsts’ for UK Defence and I look Friday - 9am till 3pm with emblazoned battle forward to helping you achieve Saturday - 9am till 5pm honours. A mouth-watering the next batch as the Station Sunday - Closed prospect for many reasons! grows and moves forward into increasingly exciting times. Tel: 01366 858016 Astra, The Next Generation RAF, excites me and I can’t think of a Station Warrant Officer www.outdooranticsnorfolk.com better place than RAF Marham Martin Finney

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The New Business As Usual FA CUP CCVII continue to deliver

After a short interval designing a new way to work and manage the risk of COVID-19, 207 Squadron are back! With our new measures in place, our personnel are able to thrive and are once again helping to produce world class F-35 pilots and support personnel.

deployed around the UK in are making steady progress support of Op RESCRIPT. They through the familiarisation have provided military support phase. This is where the skills in the form of logistics and taught in ground school and advice to civilian authorities in the simulator are taken into planning the national response the air. This is the opportunity to COVID 19, as well as manning for pilots to practice the mobile testing units throughout various types of take-offs and the UK. Semper Paratus - Always landings, including the unique Prepared, is our motto, but Short Take-Off and Vertical perhaps with our fingers in Landings (sorry about the so many pies and COVID-19 noise!). A little further ahead so prevalent we should are Course 1-19, who are now adopt Nunc Manibus Tuis. in the applied phase. This is where pilots are taught how Back to our core business: the to employ the F-35 in front handle is once again turning as line roles, such as support we welcome the next course of to troops on the ground Where possible, support staff recently returned from being pilots to the F-35. Course 1-20 through Close Air Support and are working from home and deployed aboard HMS QUEEN have started ground school beyond visual range Air-to-Air social distancing is maintained ELIZABETH. This deployment at the Integrated Training engagements. In order to meet for those who must work was for a Carrier Qualification Centre where they will receive this challenge, the Squadron on the Squadron. This new period in the role of Landing instruction on the ins and outs family is also growing as we way of working is paying Signal Officer (LSO), supporting of how the jet was designed receive a number of additional dividends - we have recently training for the junior Squadron. and how it actually works. engineers and aircraft. These graduated our first pilot from The LSO is a vital supervisory The course will then take this personnel and F-35s will the OCU! We wish Cdr Mark role ensuring safe and efficient baseline knowledge with them provide a much needed boost Sparrow RN every success F-35B Operations whilst as they move into the simulator to ensure we can continue to in his new role as Officer embarked. The contribution to undertake a basic operations deliver pilots to the front line. Commanding 617 Squadron. from 207 Squadron ensured and emergency handling our sister Squadron are now syllabus. In lieu of a 2-seater Semper Paratus The workload of the OCU is not qualified to conduct embarked version of F-35, just limited to operating at RAF aviation in preparation for this robust process Marham. Two of our Qualified their cruise next year. is designed to Flying Instructors have We also have personnel prove they are fit and safe to fly the jet on their own for the very first time in just two months. Meanwhile at the Squadron, Course 2-19

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 9 marham matters News

How COVID 19 changed Armed Forces Week our home life in 24hrs 2020 at Queen Elizabeth and how teamwork is the Hospital, King’s Lynn key to making it work

Here at the hospital we have been quite Since COVID-19 hit, home and work life busy not only with the day to day changes has been thrown up in the air resulting in that are happening at the moment, but we a number of challenges. have been busy with our calendar of events.

I am a stock controller for the NHS luck as to how each day would Armed Forces week was a week role. Due to the guidelines we and my husband works for the pan out and who would be at for us to show our exceptional were unable to have our usual RAF. These fields in themselves home by the end of it. Life has thanks to those across all the NAAFI Break, so instead we held create a range of challenges, been challenging the last few Armed Services who have served a virtual NAAFI break and asked but we didn’t know what it months, trying to balance work and are currently serving. Our people to send their photos. would have in store for us. I am and home life and all that a Armed Forces do an exceptional Printed is my photo. responsible for managing the pandemic brings with it. job and without them things stock used in clinical areas across would be very different. We’ve Friday 26th June 2020 the hospital. Using the skills and knowledge have each released some images We celebrated our Cadets, we have with all that RAF and of what Armed Forces means to A lot of our cadets join in the first Within 24hrs of the pandemic spouse life has taught us, we us. Printed with this article are instance to then join their Force happening we were thrown in have managed to adapt and some of my personal images Full Time. They are the Future to the deep end, working hours overcome all the challenges from Armed Forces Day. generations of the Armed Forces. were changed meaning that we have faced. Now that my less time was spent at home, workload has settled we are Although celebrations were very Saturday 27th June 2020 holiday and special events looking forward to some quality different this year due to the Armed Forces Day were cancelled and we had an time away in August, at a spa guidelines, we still managed to The day we say THANK YOU to increasing workload. Teamwork hotel for some well needed rest partake. our Armed Forces for everything is a key to any marriage or and relaxation. This pandemic they do to keep us safe. We all partnership, but even more has taught us both that time is Monday 22nd June 2020 did our own thing to celebrate so when you both work for most important, we don’t get We celebrated our Global Armed Armed Forces Day and celebrate employers that are pretty much much quality time as it is, as Forces; we have a few colleagues all they do for us. the reverse of deployments can last from three that have been part of Armed each other. to nine months at a time. Services around the world. We also raised our Armed Forces Flag With my husband being on short We have had to take more time to acknowledge the beginning of notice to move to help with the apart which has highlighted to Armed Forces Week. pandemic as required, it was pot us that we need to take every opportunity to spend Tuesday 23rd June 2020 time together. Life Was innovation day and how are going forward will be Armed Forces have helped us. very different in one Marham have been so kind as to way or another, but we print us 500 PPE Ear Saver Clips. are hopeful that some form of normality will Wednesday 24th return. In this time June 2020 we find ourselves We celebrated our Reserves. Like in, it has made the everyone they play a key part in important things our Armed Forces, they manage more important and their time between their regular the material things job and being a Reservist for less important. their Force. It has taught me to utilise all the skills Thursday 25th June 2020 I have learnt in my We celebrated our Veterans; working life but also some of our colleagues who those that RAF life work here are Veterans of their requires you to have respective Forces. They bring to be ready for any their unique skills and attributes Kelly and apply them to their everyday

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[email protected] Find us on Facebook:

BY APPOINTMENT TO HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS

500 years of endurance See Oxburgh Hall like never before as we We have a full range of services to undertake our most ambitious offer you and your company: conservation project to date, plus delve Recycling Cardboard, Plastic, Metal, Glass, deeper into the fascinating story of the Weee waste, Rubble, Soil, Wood and Plasterboard Bedingfeld family with a brand new house •Third party tipping •Events experience and guided tours. Open daily 10.30am - 5pm. Innisfree Trading Estate, , King's Lynn, PE32 1EX Call 01366 328258 for details www.baco-compak.com nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburghhall [email protected] TEL: 01553 630 247 #nationaltrust When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places such as Oxburgh Hall for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2020. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images. Caring for your environment www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 11 marham matters Paw-fficeA day at the

The 26th June was National ‘bring your dog to work day’.

SAC Mayfield of the RAF Marham Photographic Section captured these stunning images of Goose, a one year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with his owner Jim.

Dogs are allowed in some departments across the station but only once an application has been submitted and approved. All dogs entering station must have their own pass, your dog will be refused entry to the station without one.

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We put you in touch with your own mortgage expert. It’s their job to review your circumstances and needs and recommend the best mortgage for you. They can talk you through schemes like For clarity on your Forces Help to Buy, which helps both first-time next mortgage call buyers and those moving up the property ladder to buy a home. Plus, they’re always at the end of the phone – happy to clarify anything you’re not 01543 440 944 sure about. We are open Monday - Friday between 08:30 - 17:30

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www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 13 marham mattersnEWS

After the turbulence of the last two months, the Dambusters have once again managed to 617 articles forge ahead on the path to providing the UKs most cutting-edge defence capability.

Prior to the COVID-19 viral pleased to see the arrival of our embarkation to ensure the aircraft initially a tiny grey dot against outbreak, the Squadron had Lightnings, ready to start training were in perfect condition for the blue waters soon became a very busy few months lined in earnest with the ships primary embarked ops. When the day the UK’s largest ever warship. up, preparing for our first weapon system. came, four Lightnings made their For myself, as the squadron’s embarkation aboard HMS way from Marham to meet the youngest pilot, this was my first QUEEN ELIZABETH in June, as Our engineers worked tirelessly ship in the North Sea. The weather ever deck landing. Thankfully the well as several multi-national in the weeks prior to our was near perfect and what was weeks of training in the simulator and Joint Force exercises in the UK. All these plans were called in to doubt somewhat by the emergence of various government restrictions across the UK but fortunately, agile planning allowed us to carry out our plans more or less unhindered. Of course, the trade off in this progress has been considerable personal sacrifice for the personnel of 617 Squadron and RAF Marham, who have worked through the COVID restrictions and isolated at work for 2 weeks away from friends and families prior to embarking on HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. The crew of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH had a somewhat more protracted time at sea, having isolated onboard the ship since April. As such, they were

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617The Dambusters Sqn

prepared me well and the carrier. We were also joined quickly land, refill and depart As July rolled around the final flight went exactly as planned. by Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent again without shutting down. missions were planned so that Of course, the simulator can’t and the anti-submarine Merlin The exercise saw the F-35s our four aircraft could depart and prepare you for the real world, helicopters of 820 NAS. Flying a conduct reconnaissance and complete the exercise tasking on visceral experience of landing tactical mission from a ship adds attacks against surface ships, their way back to Marham. a jet on a ship and the first few another dimension of planning strike land-based targets on the As we launched, the ship was take-offs from the Ski Jump were and mental arithmetic Northumbrian coast and defend sailing south back towards the certainly eye-opening! After my in the cockpit. the Carrier Strike Group against channel and her home port of first landing there was very little simulated enemy bombers. Away Portsmouth, where the rest of time to think about anything The position and range of the from the relentless pace of flying, the Squadron would disembark other than carrying out pre-take ship, along with fuel and timing life on the ship continued more for the long road journey back to off checks before I was heading must be constantly checked or less as normal. Norfolk. After a few days respite up the Ski ramp for another lap to ensure the mission can be back at home we’re now once of the ship and a second conducted whilst able to return Unfortunately, the planned again full steam ahead, preparing vertical landing. to the ship within 5 seconds of “run-a-shore”s in Rotterdam and for our next deployment in the the planned “Charlie” time and the UK were cancelled due to the Autumn, this time with the US Carrier Qualification or CQ is all with enough fuel to safely land. risk of viral infection onboard. Marines of VMFA-211 about repetitions. Flying take off The exercise was a great success Instead we made do with an alongside us. and landing patterns, including with near perfect serviceability evening off, watching the sun instrument approaches in cloud, and making full use of the set on the quarter deck, on the The opportunity to work once to build up experience operating flexibility of an aircraft carrier middle weekend of the exercise. more with our US brethren is from the much more dynamic to find areas of good weather The ship also hosted a 5k “park- hugely exciting and will offer environment of a ships deck. for launch and recovery. run” on the flight deck a great opportunity to learn After 10 vertical landings for the following Sunday morning. from each other and compare each pilot, CQ is complete and Another advantage of embarked our different procedures, whilst the Squadron was ready to get operations is the speed with A chance to let off steam, which standardising ourselves in stuck into Exercise CRIMSON which the aircraft can be turned out to be somewhat more preparation for future combined OCEAN. The first front-line refuelled and rearmed. All of refreshing than expected thanks operations. exercise involving F-35 and a the spots on the deck have fuel to a 30-knot wind over the deck Queen Elizabeth class aircraft on tap to allow the aircraft to off the coast of Yorkshire. Hux www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 15 marham matters NEWS Survival Skills

We are part of the RAF Marham Survival Equipment Section. In our role we deliver survival training to the F-35 pilots.

This involves teaching them what We had planned to open a to do if they have to eject from new survival training facility their aircraft. We teach them this year and invite local what to do under the canopy of groups to visit. Unfortunately their parachute and how they due to Covid-19 we are should prepare to impact the unable to have any visitors ground. We focus heavily on sea for the foreseeable future. survival, so if they land in the sea and become isolated we teach We decided to make a video them how to survive with the library to be able to connect equipment that they carry. F-35 with people virtually, school can operate all over the world children, cadets and the wider and in different environments station. We hope that people therefore we can also deliver will enjoy the videos and learn training on how to survive in something about survival. desert and jungle environments. The series of videos are We have put together a number being uploaded to the of short videos to show the RAF Marham Community community what we do to Noticeboard Facebook page. contribute to the F-35 program.

16 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2020 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ marham matters Animals at Home (King’s Lynn & West Norfolk) Ltd. At Animals At Home we offer GOOD NEWS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES FOR professional services such as: BUSINESSES! Enterprising duo Lynette Watson and AJ Walsh have just launched their PET TRANSPORT business Animals at Home. A pet care business offering a diverse range of DOG HOLIDAYS services for all types of pets and smallholding animals. CAT CARE Lynette said: “Now that businesses and workers are getting active again, our services are available for walking dogs, feeds and checks for cats and PET FEEDING other furries. If you are unable to get your animal to the vet, we will take DOG WALKING you in our Pet Taxi and return you home after your appointment. If you go away for any reason, we will host your dogs with our trained hosts and Ask us THE NATIONAL PET CARE COMPANY they will be treated as they would normally be at home. We are also on about call for emergencies. our Defence If you are moving home, our Relocation Transport will take your pets Services anywhere in the UK. Our Airport runs deliver your pets direct to the discount! airport animal reception centre and ensure they are left in good hands. Our animal ambulance is authorised by DEFRA for pet transport, as well as comfortable, safe and air conditioned. The animals are our main concern so we will stop for rests and refreshments as many times as is necessary.”

AJ added: “All our services are all tailored to suit your pet’s needs. The smart and friendly pet carers are fully trained and insured for your peace of mind and your pet’s wellbeing.”

Animals at Home (KL&WN) covers the areas from Spalding along the coast to and Wells and inland as far as Thetford, Marham and March and anywhere in between. Call for a FREE, no obligation consultation today:

T: 078822 38397 www.animalsathome.co.uk 07882 238397 E: [email protected] W: www.animalsathome.co.uk/area/kings-lynn-west-norfolk FB: Animals at Home King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Ltd

Kings Lynn Coastal Rowing Club

General Motor Factors & Retail store Fancy exploring Norfolk’s coastline and wildlife from a rowing boat? Come out with the Kings Visit our store for a wide range of Toys, Gifts, Household goods, Lynn Coastal Rowing Club (KLCRC). Started in Cycles, Car parts and Accessories. 2014, we built our first St Ayles skiff to promote amateur and competitive coastal rowing within the U.K. and particularly King’s Lynn and the adjacent coast. No equipment or previous experience required and all over the age of 16 are welcome. Training, lifejackets and safety equipment is provided. Come to some free sample rowing sessions with no obligation to join.

Full details about the Club and contact information can be found on our website www.klcrc.club.

J. W. SARGEANT Family Butcher Join our retail store ‘loyalty The Best Traditional card’ scheme Butcher in the Area Free local delivery FAMILY RUN Established for over 75 years We produce all our own cattle and only Facebook.co.uk/ use farm produce atjohnsonretailstore FREEZER AND COOKED 46 - 48 Bridge Street Horsleys Fields MEATS Downham Market Kings Lynn to suit your requirements Tel: 01366 383407 Tel: 01553 760962 Stow Bridge Nr Downham Market Tel: (01366) 382232 www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 17 marham matters NEWS Security Vigilance Area (SVA) Cherry Tree

A SVA is the ground outside a MoD establishment or Service Families’ Accommodation, which can be observed and/or attacked by criminal or terrorist organisations.

These groups will spend considerable time observing and making preparations prior to mounting an attack. One or more members of the group may reside within an SVA, watching the intended target prior to attack. It is within the SVA, particularly during the reconnaissance phase, that the criminal or terrorist is vulnerable to identification. However skilfully he or she merges into a local pattern of life, they are a stranger, in an unfamiliar environment. It is this vulnerability, which the RAF Marham SVA Plan attempts to exploit. You can help by reporting anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to us.

Please do not approach the person, package, or vehicle. Write down as much detail as possible and It has been a very different year at Cherry report it to the RAF Police at RAF Marham on 01760 Tree Academy, from floods under the floor 337261 ext 7214/7227. to broken boilers and lockdown we had to change direction several times and adapt Security Vigilance Area Aide Memoire to a different way of working, very quickly. Date ...... Time ...... Place ...... What did you see/hear? . . . . . Finding ourselves separated settled into their bubbles, ...... from the vast majority of the adapted quickly to the new Vehicle Details ...... children from the 23rd March routines and we could not be was a challenge but, thanks more proud of them. We have Shape ...... to the amazing support of the managed to do many of our Colour ...... families, adaptable children traditional summer celebrations Registration Number ...... and fantastic staff we were able adapting each one to fit the new guidelines and advice. Identification Marks ...... to continue to provide access to learning from the very first Sports day was a socially Make and Model ...... day of the academy closure. distanced event on the Junior Person 1 The support of our community field and virtually with children Age ...... also helped ensure that we at home. Special end of term were able to keep our doors assemblies and our annual Build ...... open to children of critical celebration of Marham’s Got Clothing ...... workers throughout lockdown. Talent took place virtually and Distinguishing Marks ...... across both academies. Height ...... It was a great day when we were able to open our doors The power of virtual meetings Face ...... again to Reception, Year One has not been lost on our day to Hair ...... and Year Six to join the Key day activities. Person 2 Workers on 1st June. Since then we have had the pleasure of We are now looking forward Age ...... seeing Year Two, Year Three, to September and everyone Build ...... Year Four and Year Five and returning to the academy to Clothing ...... able to teach around 150 continue their learning at both Distinguishing Marks ...... children a day across both the Infant and Junior Academy. academies. Until then we are going to rest, Height ...... recharge our batteries and Face ...... The children have been enjoy the Summer. We hope Hair ...... absolutely amazing. They have you do too.

18 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2020 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ marham matters

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Heavens Above

‘Its fine Padre, just let go…’ 6 you to be open about those simple words that certainly left challenges, what has affected me feeling less than fine. The you, what has been left behind. occasion? Me deciding to be Perhaps on reflection you aren’t winched out of a helicopter onto just ‘fine’ and if you’re not then a small patch of rock protruding that it is ok, try and locate yourself from the ocean, all in the name within your support network, tap AMEY SFA into the station welfare provision Community Contact Details of training. However, let go I www.ameydefenceservices.co.uk did and here I still am to write that is what we are there for. COMMUNITY SUPPORT - OC Tel: 0800 707 6000 this article, it was as promised WO Graham Spark absolutely fine. Of course I styled Perhaps we need to find what Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 Repairs Maintenance it out and took it all in my stride it is that grounds us, that firm or 95951 6136 Requests foundation. Jesus in the Sermon Email: graham.spark984@ Option 1 (24/7, 365 days a year) (or so I thought), the problem is, mod.uk from the photos taken that day on the Mount encourages us to Allocations, Move you can see that though I am ‘not worry about tomorrow… community support Appointments, Furniture, smiling, my eyes tell a completely each day has enough trouble of advisor Retention and Other its own’. Perhaps easier to say and Maydie Smith Help with SFA different story. Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 Option 3 - Option 3 (Central harder to do, but I encourage you Email: maydie.smith594 region - Marham), Open Monday That event in the summer of 2019 to take on board these words, mod.gov.uk to Friday from 8.30am till 3pm has been a bit of a metaphor tackle the challenges as they for me over the last 12 months. come and try to not worry about MARHAM LODGES / RAF Marham Amey Local those things we can’t plan for, CONTACT HOUSES Customer Service Centre As the COVID 19 pandemic Zara Murfitt 3 Woodview Road, RAF Marham, hit we had to think how to ground yourself in the reality of Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 Kings Lynn, PE33 9NP (Monday work differently, communicate each day. or 95951 6136 9am till 3pm & Tuesday to differently, greet each other Email: zara.murfitt515@ Friday 9am till 12 noon) As I think back over those last mod.gov.uk differently. Perhaps we weren’t quite invited as I was to ‘just 12 months to that winching STATION YOUTH WORKER Welfare let go’ rather we had to throw experience, it took place when Ian Savage ourselves into it and at times I was in Cyprus as part of OP Mobile: 07850 973228 SSAFA hope for the best, hope and even SHADER, I then returned to RAFC Email: ian.savage@ ADMIN SUPPORT & Cranwell to finish my 3 years actionforchildren.org.uk APPOINTMENTS pray that it would be just fine. Teresa Smyth But let go we have, we have let there, and now almost exactly 12 Community Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578 go of patterns of life that were months on, I find myself posted Development officer ingrained within us, that can, here to Marham. I’m excited to be Jocelyne Newman Welfare workers here and look forward to meeting Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6082 Carol Bullas just like being winched, be an Email: jocelyne.newman395@ Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 6501 exhilarating but also a scary many of you, so please pop by, mod.gov.uk Adele Berryman experience, hoping against say hello and perhaps we can talk Tel: 01760 446378 hope that you will make it onto about a crazy 12 months. Safer Neighbourhood Helen Layfield something with a firm foundation Padre Jonathan Team, Watlington Tel: 01760446199 Ext: 6199 Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101 Out of hours easily and quickly, that life will 03000111723 return to a ‘new normal’ RAFP Community Officer Cpl Tia Butterworth SSAFA Volunteer However, even if we come out Ext: 7214 Co-ordinator Tel: 0777 395 8067 Tel: 07984 908622 the other side smiling, actually (this phone is manned 24hrs 7 days) our eyes, the proverbial ‘window WO PMS to the soul’ might tell otherwise. WO AL Creeth These last few months have been Housing Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231 a bruising time that will affected SCSO PADRES all of our physical, emotional and Flt Sgt Terry Norman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 7550 spiritual wellbeing. Whilst the Tel: 01760 446052, on 07876 395920 temptation might be to just smile base 95951 6052 through it, I would encourage Email: terrance.norman134@ Charlie Houlder-Moat mod.gov.uk Chaplaincy families worker Twitter: scsomarham (Methodist Forces Board) 07773636607 or x7550 Contact Us:

Alison, Chaplaincy Clerk: ext 7550 • Alex, Senior Chaplain: ext 7225 Charlie, Families worker: ext 7550

Group email: [email protected] Emergency/Out of Hours number: 07876395925

20 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2020 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ community support marham matters Chaplaincy Culinary A prayer lawn has been installed outside the Chaplaincy Centre Corner by the main gate. You can come along to ‘plant’ your own prayer, or if you are unable to do so you can send your request in to the Chaplaincy team and they will ‘plant’ a prayer on your behalf. What’s in We’re now in the middle of August; a month booming a they reach 70 degrees Celsius or lot local produce from leafy until cooked through. This can greens, juicy fruits and berries to be easily seen by cutting one in fresh fish and quacking geese. the middle and no longer seeing Alongside this, the last Thursday pink inside. Then top with a of August is National Burger Day layer of cheese and wait until across the UK. melted.

In Season recipe Now on to the bun. I find talking So with all that in mind, here is a to people about burgers can quick recipe for Pork, Apple and turn personal very quickly! I like Wild Rocket burgers for you to to toast the buns, put a layer of try at home! sauce or chutney on the bottom then a bed of rocket then the • 1 Green Apple, burger, but then others would • 200g Lean Pork Mince, say burger then sauce then a • 1 Crushed/chopped Garlic salad! All ways are good! Enjoy Clove, your homemade burger with • 10g Breadcrumbs (If you don’t some chunky chips or your have any in the cupboard favourite side. blend one slice of lightly toasted bread) What’s coming in • 2 Burger Buns (I favour sesame With September fast seed buns) approaching, we can now look • 1 Slice of your favourite cheese forward to seeing the colours • 1 bag of Fresh Wild Rocket of Autumn bringing in the • Salt and pepper. likes of Chestnuts, Damsons (Perfect for gin!) leeks, Quince In a mixing bowl - throw in your and bright yellow Corn! mince, a pinch of salt, a grind or pinch of pepper and your Around Marham, we have breadcrumbs. Grab a grater and an abundance of wild grate the apple, then try and produce. Keep an eye out squeeze out as much moisture as for Blackberries for crunchy possible. This can be done with crumbles, Elderberries for your hands or get a clean towel Juicy Jams and one last put the grated apple in the middle interesting one is Bilberries. then squeeze out You’ve probably seen them the juice. before, also called Wild Blueberries which will make an Finally mix the apple in with the amazing Bilberry and Almond mince. Don’t be afraid to cook a Streusel. If you’re not familiar little bit off in a frying pan to see with them, now is the perfect if it suits your tastes! Try adding time to gain new knowledge more apple or a teaspoon of and try something new. whole grain mustard to add to the flavour. SAC Pulham Chef Now onto cooking. This can be Junior Ranks Mess done in different ways, some people like to grill their burgers - others will fry them or if the BBQ is out throw them on there! You are aiming to cook them until

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk ISSUE 4 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 21 marham matters community support Service Family Accommodation Keeping pets in SFA

Keeping pets in SFA chickens, we’ll need to access your for those who move frequently, avoid any disturbance If you want to keep a pet in your property to make sure it’s suitable. have childcare or other caring to your neighbours and Service Family Accommodation Contact our Occupancy Services responsibilities. If you wish to run a neighbourhood. Noise should (SFA), you will need to get team. business from your Service Family not be heard outside the permission first. Accommodation (SFA), you must property during the evening, Moving out of a house where gain prior written approval from night or early morning. Are you applying for SFA and you’ve had a pet? your Local Service Commander already own a pet? • Make sure there are no pet (contact the SCSO) and from the • Do you need to use your You will need to make it clear that hairs or pest infestations in Occupancy Services team. garden? you will be keeping pets when you your house. If you use your garden as part apply for your home. Your request • Remove any cat or dog flaps What type of businesses can of your business, such as a will be taken into consideration as you have installed and put you run from your SFA? play area for childminding, part of the application process. any door panels removed In general, businesses that cause make sure all risks are back into place. no disruption or damage to your managed, and that noise and Decided to get a new pet? • Make sure any damage to the house and your neighbourhood damage is limited. We ask that you please ask garden is repaired. are permitted, for example, home permission before introducing a • Remove any faeces in the working, running an internet- • How will you avoid new pet into your Service family garden. based company, running a small damages? home – even if you already have • Have any floor coverings registered childminding business, You are responsible for a pet and are getting another. professionally cleaned offering beauty treatments, etc. limiting damage to the SFA Contact our Occupancy Services (evidence will be required)? Or either by yourself, your family team. have you used an appropriate You must not run a business or visitors, and for taking cleaning treatment on the that would require installation of action to make repairs. What types of animals are carpets? industrial machinery or require allowed? storage of heavy, large, toxic or • Will your business cause a You can seek permission to keep Pet safety explosive materials. Doing car nuisance to your neighbours domestic animals, like dogs, cats, If an engineer visits your home to repairs at your SFA is not permitted. or neighbourhood? rabbits, hamsters or other small carry out repairs or maintenance, Any suitable business should be Businesses or commercial caged animals. keep your pet out of the way safely managed. undertakings that cause to ensure a safe working a nuisance to neighbours/ What type of pets aren’t environment. This will ensure your Things to consider when neighbourhood are not allowed? pet is protected from potential running a business from permitted, for example, You’re not permitted to keep exotic injury. your SFA providing advice services animals or farm animals in your • How much noise do you where members of the public Service family property. Working from your SFA produce when running your would constantly visit the SFA, Running a small business from business? or running a business that Keeping chickens home makes sense for many When running a business involves keeping a large If you’re thinking of keeping families. It offers greater flexibility from your SFA you should number of loud animals.

22 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2020 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ marham matters

• Is your SFA suitable for what went in to Lockdown as many did your business needs? to prevent the virus spreading. The Ministry of Defence will The final phase is pushing to get not fund any improvements back on track and is going well to your home to allow you and hopefully will be finished to run your business. If you around about October this year. want to run your business from your SFA, consider if it Other smaller projects have already suits your business been completed such as External needs. lighting being fitted to SFA on Woodview to help families There has been a lot of activity during the dark winter nights. around the SFA Estate over the last year. The Oak Avenue Play Park old wooden fencing being has Nearly 200 properties on been replaced with nice new Burnthouse and Windmill will safe metal fencing, safer for the have had new External Wall children and with the removal of Insulation fitted along with new the wooden fencing around the windows, doors and roofs. swings has provided more space All designed to reduce the for the children to run around. carbon footprint of our homes, Picture attached this will help reduce energy bills, reduce noise and make them There are more projects in the cosier for all the family, at a cost pipeline for Marham which will of £2 million. The project has had benefit all the families over the some issues and Covid-19 hasn’t next couple of years watch this helped as in March all contractors space.

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