RAF Shawbury in the Community liaison with Council and local businesses to RAF Shawbury in the support the Armed Forces Covenant. Additionally, the (Helicopters) (CFS(H)) supported Community the RAF Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) by ferrying Red 10 to public displays on 41 occasions. RAF Shawbury also RAF Shawbury’s mission is to deliver world leading offered its facilities to clubs, groups, and professional helicopter crews and air operations staff for sports teams, including hosting the inter-Services defence. Trainee helicopter pilots and rear crew Football matches. A summary of engagement activities from all three services receive their instruction is detailed below and within Annex A. at the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS), while the School of Air Operations Control (SAOC) trains RAF and RN air traffic controllers. The Flight Establishing Good and Operations Training Squadron, part of SAOC, also Friendly Relations with trains RAF and Army personnel. Overseas Communities In addition, the largest military Aircraft Maintenance and Storage Unit (AMSU) in the UK is located at RAF International Students. As well as training students Shawbury, as well as the Air Traffic Management to world leading standards, RAF Shawbury also Standards and Evaluation (ATM Staneval) Squadron and supports International Defence Training (IDT). the Central Flying School Helicopters (CFS(H)) Squadron (and examiners). RAF Shawbury parents a further 180 During 2018, the DHFS delivered pilot training to HRH units (covering welfare, funding, logistics and security), Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, who completed his of which 149 are Air Cadet/Combined Cadet Force flying training on the final courses taught on the Squirrel units (7000 young people). The base is also home to and Griffin helicopters. The graduates were delighted 28 (Shawbury) Squadron , providing to receive their Aircrew Brevets from the Reviewing additional youth activities for local young people. Officer, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The highly During 2018, RAF Shawbury also delivered an successful Royal visit was ensured by a significant and unprecedented number of transformation projects. sustained ‘Whole Force’ effort. The Chief of the Air Staff, These included the transition of the Defence ACM Sir Stephen Hillier said: “The graduation of HRH Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) into the rotary Prince Mateen is an opportunity for us to reflect on the element of the UK Military Flying Training System UK’s long and steadfast alliance with Brunei which has (MFTS) and the introduction of 2 new aircraft types, the endured since 1979, supporting a close relationship Juno HT1 and Jupiter HT1. between our Armed Forces.”

Whilst MFTS has, perhaps, received the most attention, CFS (H) Sqn also provided QHI training for 2 activity in support of other transformation initiatives international aircrew from Jordan and the USA. The such as Programme MARSHALL, the Battlespace School of Air Operations Control (SAOC) also trained a Management Transformation (BMT), Project HADES student from Germany. and Project HESTIA should not be underestimated. The challenges in delivering these transformation RAF Shawbury welcomed children from Chernobyl. programmes have been significant and, despite 10 children aged between 9 and 11 years old from the the Station’s relatively small size, with 539 military area affected by the Chernobyl disaster stayed at RAF personnel, 53 Civil Servants, 480 contractors and Shawbury for a week in August as part of a month- approximately 200 military trainees on strength at any long visit to the UK. The Chernobyl Children’s Project given time, the tempo and operational effectiveness of supports families in Belarus by bringing their children the Station has not faltered. to the UK for recuperative holidays. The children have all been affected by cancer or leukaemia and Throughout 2018, RAF100 also presented an are either in remission or still receiving treatment. As opportunity to highlight the RAF’s enduring role in insufficient host families could be found in Shropshire, supporting national security and other Government the programme was in danger of being cancelled objectives, to recognise the quality of our people and when RAF Shawbury stepped in for the second year to inspire the future generation. 2018 was, therefore, running to accommodate the children in surplus an exciting year for all personnel at RAF Shawbury accommodation at the base, along with their Doctor, as we supported a nationwide campaign of events interpreter and Carers. The C4i section raised funds and initiatives. The base hosted 110 visits and to pay for the children’s visits to local attractions such carried out liaison visits across Shropshire, including as Drayton Manor Park, Alton Towers, the RAF100 presentations to community groups, school Climbing Wall, and the Blue Planet Aquarium. The art competitions (Photo 3, back page), flypasts, children also joined in with the unit’s Airplay Summer air experience flights for cadet units, STEM visits to activity programme which enabled the young people schools and colleges, engagement visits to fetes, and from both countries to join together and make new

2 RAF SHAWBURY IN THE COMMUNITY friends. The visitors stated that RAF Shawbury had high visibility clothing makes such a difference and been the highlight of their visit to Shropshire. increases the safety of every horse and rider.”

Football Shirt Appeal. 2018 was the most successful RAF100 Parade. On 10 Jul, RAF Servicemen and year so far for the RAF Shawbury-based ‘Taking Football women from RAF Shawbury were proud and privileged to Africa and Beyond’ Charitable Appeal. The charity to take part in the static aircraft display at Horse Guards, collects donated football kit from major Football the main RAF100 parade carrying the Standard of Sixty organisations such as Sheffield & Hallamshire County Squadron and the associated fly past over the Mall. FA, Hampshire FA, Leicester City and Manchester United The fly past included two Juno helicopters and one and locally, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, which is Jupiter helicopter from RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley then re-distributed to children and adults across the representing 202 Squadron and Sixty Squadron from globe. By the end of the year, the Appeal had arranged the Defence Helicopter Flying School and the Central 34 deliveries distributing 31,500 items to 18 countries Flying School (H) Squadron. (Photo 9, back page) worldwide, including to the refugee camps in Turkey and Syria, to islands in Indonesia and to many countries RAF100 Freedom Parades. On 1 and 2 Sep, it was across Africa and the Americas. During Easter 2018, our honour to share the centenary of the RAF with the service personnel from RAF Shawbury visited Kenya to residents of 3 local towns as we exercised the freedom to deliver thousands of items of kit to the large slum areas march through Wem, and Shrewsbury. of Kibera, Kibagare and Mathare, whilst celebrating the Two flights, along with the Standard Party of Sixty 100th birthday of the RAF. Squadron marched with bayonets fixed, the Squadron’s Standard flying and accompanied by the Band of the Regiment. (Photo 4, back page) Establishing Good and RAF100 Run. On 9 Sep, 427 runners from the local area Friendly Relations with the and beyond put on their trainers for a 10km race held Home Communities on the airfield at RAF Shawbury to celebrate RAF100. The aim of the event was to raise funds to support RAF100 Baton Relay. On 3 May, the RAF100 Baton the RAF100 Appeal as well as raising awareness of the Relay arrived in Shropshire from Crickhowell where it RAF’s centenary amongst the local community. The was handed over to the RAF Shawbury team. For the race took the runners along the runways and taxiways Shawbury leg the Station’s team promoted the event and past the hangars; each km was marked by a static by arranging for the baton to be transported by canoe aircraft, many on display were from the AMSU, making and bicycle to RAF Cosford; BBC Radio Shropshire the route more interesting. The event raised £3,506 for accompanied the team with live broadcasts having the RAF100 Appeal. (Photo 8, back page) converted their canoe in to a mobile radio station. The Shropshire community came out in force to cheer the RAF100 Veterans Tea Party. On 14 Sep, RAF baton on its way from bridges and riverbanks along Shawbury was delighted to welcome local veterans the way. RAF Shawbury medic, SAC Sunley said: “This and RAFA members to a RAF100 tea party, including event makes me feel proud to serve in the RAF. It has six veterans who served during WW2. The veterans been a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local were delighted to meet up and talk about their community and show the spirit of RAF100.” memories with younger members of today’s Armed Forces. The Station Commander said: “It was very Landowners’ and Horse-Rider Awareness Day. On humbling to have such inspirational guests with us 17 May, RAF Shawbury held a combined Landowners’ here today to celebrate RAF100. It is right and fitting and Horse-Rider Awareness Day. Local landowners that we commemorate the service and sacrifices that provide fields and clearings that are essential to these veterans have endured, celebrate their lives and the delivery of flying training by allowing trainees see how they continue to inspire our young officers, to practice landing in difficult and varying terrain. airwoman and airmen of today. The look of awe on our Approximately 100 landowners and horse-riders young trainees’ faces when chatting with the veterans gathered for an introduction on the day’s activities; was remarkable.” (Photo 1, back page) the horse-riders also received a briefing to highlight the safety benefits of wearing high visibility clothing Safety Scene. RAF Shawbury, in through the ‘Be Seen, Be Safer’ campaign. The guests partnership with local Rotary Clubs and the Emergency had the opportunity for a local area flight in a Juno Services hosted an important community safety event HT1 helicopter which demonstrated the difference from 1-5 October to promote community safety to that wearing high visibility kit can make from the children from virtually every primary school in North air. Alan Hiscox, the Director of Safety at The British Shropshire. More than 650 children from 20 North Horse Society said: “We are very pleased to have Shropshire Primary Schools visited the event, which been working with RAF Shawbury for several years; was held in the Roland Wycherley Force Development riders can now understand the efforts that military Centre. The project demonstrated the common dangers pilots make to avoid flying over them. The wearing of young children are likely to meet during their daily

RAF SHAWBURY IN THE COMMUNITY 3 lives and gave them a hands-on opportunity to learn on the airfield, pupae harvested from our nest have about these dangers in a safe environment. The Station been used to create nests at several RAF, Army and Commander said: “RAF Shawbury has developed RN units as well as 26 parish churches in Shropshire, considerable safety expertise and is delighted to be the Thames Valley Police HQ South, the John Radcliffe able to share this with the community and support this Hospital, Denman College, and the Women’s Institute important initiative.” (Photo 7, back page) HQ in Oxfordshire.

Award winning Safety Campaigns. RAF Shawbury Community Projects. Throughout 2018, courses from has also led the way with 2 ongoing important award- SAOC and DHFS completed a variety of community winning community safety campaigns. Over the last 5 projects which both assisted the local community and years, the base has distributed high visibility clothing strengthened bonds. One example of this was Flight to riders throughout Low Flying Area 9 as part of Operations Assistants’ Course No 1070. Their Project the ‘Be Seen, Be Safer’ campaign. In 2018, The British included clearing the church yard at Buildwas Church Horse Society reported an 80% decrease in reported and relaying a new path. After this project SAC Harty helicopter and rider incidents in our county, which said: “The most powerful moment for me was when I proved that this campaign has had a direct benefit to heard the story of an 80-year-old lady who could no community safety over the last 5 years. The campaign longer attend this church due to the uneven pathway has been adopted by the RAF Air Safety team, further to the church. Our project has enabled her to be part enhancing the reputation of the RAF in the riding of the church community again and I feel very proud community as well as promoting a safe and permissive to have been able to make a difference.” operating environment for both aircrew and riders. (Photo 2, back page) Flight Operations Training Officer Course No 54 assisted Natural ’s Fenns, Whixall and During 2018, RAF Shawbury continued to promote Bettisfield Mosses Bog-life Project to restore and its Drone Awareness campaign. The Flight Safety Team preserve its peat bog. The course cleared undergrowth have worked closely with Harper Adams University, and birch trees to improve the moss and increase the which is at the forefront of developing drones for bio-diversity by planting 15,000 heather plants. agricultural use such as pesticide spraying and seed dispersal. The campaign also promoted the Drone Code Other projects completed by trainees included the with local retailers and other airspace users, through painting of the 100-year old Church Hall at nearby talks to model aircraft clubs and flying groups. Lee Brockhurst, a week-long project at Greenacres Community Farm in Baschurch to relocate a Helicopter Noise Liaison Group. The base hosted 2 greenhouse, the creation of a sensory path at the meetings (in Mar and Oct), chaired by Shropshire Council Access Special School, Harmer Hill and working with and attended by 30 local Parish Council representatives. Shropshire Council to clear the paths in Corbett Wood, The aim was to raise awareness of the requirement for Grinshill which is a Countryside Heritage Site. (Photo 6, low flying training and to discuss noise concerns in an back page) open and transparent forum. This group has opened communication routes with local communities by RAF Shawbury supports STEM. Woodfield Primary addressing their concerns about helicopter training. It School and Mount Pleasant Primary School Shrewsbury has also provided a useful platform to inform the local were just 2 of the many schools that received a STEM community about the MFTS transition and confirm visit from a Juno helicopter during 2018. Pupils and RAF Shawbury’s future as a core base for the future, teachers were thrilled to watch the Juno land on their generating employment for the county. playing fields and learn about the RAF Shawbury’s newest training helicopter. The Deputy Head Teacher at During 2018, the unit has further developed its Mount Pleasant Primary School said: “What an amazing relationships with Parish Councils that are adjacent morning it has been for our pupils. The aircrew spent to the key operating areas of Chetwynd, and time talking the children about all the wonderful work Nesscliffe. Representatives from the unit are now they do and how the helicopter operates. This visit has embedded in the Parish Councils to ensure that the really helped us to develop our STEM learning as well as local communities are supported and kept informed our topic, the history of flight.” (Photo 5, back page) during the resumption of normal flying operating levels, following the MFTS transition. This has proven In addition, helicopter crews have also worked with to be an important step to maintain good relations. local Scout groups enabling them to achieve their Air Researcher Activity Badges with training taking Red Mason Bee Environmental Project. The Red place in local scout huts and on base. Shawbury’s Met Mason bee is an indigenous solitary bee that is a Office staff have also visited local schools to discuss prolific pollinator and resistant to disease. MOD estate global weather and their roles as meteorologists and provides the ideal habitat due to the lack of pesticides demonstrating meteorological instruments which and fertilizers. After a successful breeding programme always excite the audiences.

4 RAF SHAWBURY IN THE COMMUNITY During 2018, the Corporate Engagement team Armed Forces Covenant. Working closely with secured 7 sets of the STEM-in-a-box activities for local Shropshire Council, RAF Shawbury has been a leading primary schools, which were a huge support to the supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant. A total of STEM curriculum. The team also organised a RAF100 14 new organisations signed up to support the Armed themed competition for local primary schools, giving Forces Covenant in 2018 and 6 of them attended a presentations to over 1,400 pupils during a week about special ceremony at RAF Shawbury on 14 June. The the history of the RAF and aircraft engineering. The new signatories took a tour of the base to see the children were invited to create models and artwork world-leading training being delivered so that they to reflect the RAF’s rich history; one school, could better understand the role of RAF Shawbury. Primary School submitted 195 entries, representing 98% of its pupils. RAF Shawbury Celebrates RAF100 at its Annual Reception. The Station Commander was delighted Motorcycle Rider Safety Awareness Weekend. On to welcome over 90 guests to the Annual Reception 28-29 Jul, the base organised a Motorcycle Rider Safety on 6 Sep to celebrate RAF100 and to say thank you to weekend attended by 300 motorcycle riders. The those organisations who have supported the Station event raised £6214 for RAF Shawbury’s charities and over the last year. The guests were able to view special promoted the “Bike Safe” message. Motorcyclists were displays illustrating the 100-year history of the RAF, able to hone their skills in a safe riding environment commemorating, celebrating and inspiring. The event using a 3.2-mile circuit of the runway and taxiways. was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, In addition, advanced riders and instructors were on the High Sheriff of Shropshire, local Mayors as well as hand to provide safety advice, ensuring that riders businesses and Armed Forces Covenant supporters. could maximise the opportunity to learn about their bikes in a safe environment. Remembrance Parade. Servicemen and women from RAF Shawbury played a major role in the RAF Shawbury Youth Activities Programme. Airplay, Remembrance Day commemorations across funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund provided a Shropshire on 11 Nov. In Shrewsbury, a marching fantastic youth activities summer programme. The contingent of 80 personnel formed two flights as an action-packed programme, suitable for 8-18-year olds, escort to the Standard Party from Sixty Squadron; included attending the Air Fest Music Festival at RAF together they paraded from Shrewsbury Castle to Cosford, a trip to the Sea-Life Centre in Birmingham, St Chad’s Church for the Service of Remembrance. pond-dipping and hill walking at Carding Mill In addition, wreaths were laid at 32 war memorials Valley, fishing at Cudmore Fisheries, canoeing, and throughout the towns and villages of Shropshire. kayaking at Top Adventures Stottesdon as well as an upcycling class and a magic show. The Youth Club Charities. RAF Shawbury raised approx. £16,017.46 is also attended by local children from Shawbury for charity in 2018 for the RAF100 Appeal, Royal British village, which helps to integrate families with the local Legion, Headley Court Benevolent Fund, and the population. Shropshire Deaf Children’s Society and undertook a wide range of community support activities. Equally During the Year, the Youth Club members have also important was the opportunity for Station personnel completed a fantastic community project with a local to reach out to the community and learn from their Food Bank. The young people visited the Food Bank to experience of helping others. A list of charity events is meet the volunteers and to learn about how the food within Annex B. was collected and distributed. They then designed and decorated a food larder, alongside a publicity Without doubt, 2018 has been a very challenging year campaign to encourage Station personnel to donate and success has been achieved due to the Station’s to the food bank at RAF Shawbury. The contents are truly Whole Force ethos. Personnel worked hard under emptied each week and delivered to Shrewsbury dynamic and uncertain conditions to ensure that for distribution to needy families. The Community opportunities generated by RAF100 were optimised as Development Officer, Mrs Gail Moore said: “I am well as supporting the many transformation projects. very pleased that our young people have been so The Station’s relations with the Shropshire community supportive of this community project. It was their own have been inclusive and widespread; local people of idea and they have enjoyed making a difference to all ages have benefited and our personnel and their those less fortunate than themselves; this project has families have had an opportunity to develop new been brilliant as it has been Whole Force and involved friendships, and celebrate and commemorate the RAF the whole Station. “ during this important centenary year.

RAF SHAWBURY IN THE COMMUNITY 5 Annex A -Engagement Activities 2018

Date Event 12 Jan Visit by Rt Hon Owen Patterson MP 24 Jan RAF100 Presentation to Age Concern 12 Feb Visit by veteran, Mrs Hyett – a WW2 Lancaster Engineer 15 Feb Visit by Viscount Trenchard, HAC 600 (City of ) Squadron RAuxAF 16 Feb Civic Heads Dinner, Ellesmere 16 Feb MASUAS Annual Dinner 19 Feb Armed Forces Covenant Strategic Partnership Meeting 21 Feb RAFA RAF100 Steam Engine naming ceremony - Talyllyn Railway Tywyn 04 Mar Football Association visit highlighting Disabilities Sports 12 Mar Commonwealth Day Celebration - Oakengates 14 Mar RAF v Army Interservices Football Match at Shrewsbury Town FC 20 Mar Helicopter Noise Liaison Group 21 Mar Drapers’ Livery Dinner 28 Mar No 169 DHFS MERW Graduation - Sultan of Brunei Reviewing Officer 01 Apr RAF100 Anniversary Service London 04 Apr RAF Shawbury presentation to WEM PROBUS group 21 Apr Lord Lieutenant hosts Commonwealth Celebratory Lunch - Hodnet Hall 28 Apr RAF Model Aircraft Association Warbirds Weekend 03 May RAF100 Baton Relay arrives in Shropshire (Live broadcasts BBC Radio Shropshire) 13 May RAFA Centenary Service at the National Memorial Arboretum 17 May Landowners’ & Rider Awareness Day 22 May Reserve Forces & Cadets Association visit 27 May RAF 100 Airfield Road Race & Time Trial (Road Cycling) 02 Jun Battlespace Management Force 5-a-side Competition 2018 07 Jun Grinshill and Sutton upon Tern Parish Council visit 07 Jun Brew for The Few - RAFA coffee morning 07 Jun RAFBF 2018 Awards Ceremony 10 Jun Cosford Air Show Hosting approx. 20 visiting aircraft 11 Jun Week-long RAF100 presentations to 7 Schools 14 Jun Visit of Greenacres Farm, Adult Disability unit, Shropshire Council 14 Jun Armed Forces Covenant signing ceremony and visit 15 Jun RAF100 Charity Cocktail Party 22 Jun Visit by Butt family - son of ARIES Flight Navigator 26 Jun Visit of Royal Naval Association (RNA) and the Association (FAAA), 30 Jun Support to Armed Forces Day Llandudno 30 Jun Armed Forces Day Families Sports Day with Shropshire Council 05 Jul RAF100 Primary School Art Competition Final - Roland Wycherley Sports Hangar 05 Jul 670 Sqn Army Cadet Visit 06 Jul Shawbury Veterans Reunion visit 10 Jul RAF100 Parade & Flypast 11 Jul 1st Wem Scout Group visit 13 Jul Juno H1 and Jupiter H1 support to RIAT 16 Jul RAeS visit to SAOC 18 Jul Winners of RAF100 Art Competition Visit RAF Shawbury - Myddle Primary School 28 Jul Motorcycle Track Safety Event Weekend 30 Jul Be Seen Be Safer Presentation - Merryfield Pony Club 03 Aug Families Day 16 Aug Fleet Air Arm Sqn - visit to Station and Dining In Night 17 Aug Visit of Jordanian Defence Attaché 20 Aug West Midlands Air Cadet Annual Dinner 30 Aug H135/145 User Safety Forum 01-2 Sep RAF100 Freedom Parade Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Wem 06 Sep Autumn Reception 09 Sep RAF100 – 10km Race 16 Sep Battle of Britain Parade through Shrewsbury 17 Sep Shropshire Business Board Visit 20 Sep RAF100 Veterans Afternoon Tea

6 RAF SHAWBURY IN THE COMMUNITY 23 Sep Ellesmere RAFA Battle of Britain Service 02 Oct Station Schools’ Work Experience Visit 02 Oct Helicopter Noise Liaison Group 04 Oct Meriden Pony Club Rider Safety Forum 04 Oct Shropshire Aircrew Association Annual Dinner 11 Oct Visit by High Sheriff and Mayors of Wem, Market Drayton, Shrewsbury and 17 Oct RBL Festival of Remembrance - Theatre Severn 18 Oct Aries Awards Evening 02 Nov Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards Presentation 03 Nov Staffordshire Wg ATC dinner 11 Nov Festival of Remembrance – Telford 11 Nov Remembrance Parade and 32 wreath laying ceremonies throughout Shropshire 14 Nov RAF Shawbury Presentation to Knockin Breakfast Club 19 Nov Astley & Shawbury Parish Council Visit 20 Nov RAF Shawbury presentation to Telford Rotary Club 21 Nov West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Autumn Briefing 03 Dec RAFA Luncheon 05 Dec Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch 05 Dec White Ensign Visit 07 Dec Presentation of Awards to Albrighton Pony Club

Annex B - RAF Shawbury 2018 Charity Fundraising Activities.

EVENT DATE ORGANISATION/CHARITY FUNDS RAISED £ Mess Collections Jan-Dec Station Charities* 1882.69 BSW Function Jan Station Charities* 39.87 Tree of Hope Jan Station Charites * 150.00 Donation from Station Motorcycle Club Jan Station Charities* 500.00 ATM 5-A Side Jun Station Charities* 2571.90 Motorcycle weekend 2018 Jul Station Charities* 6214.70 Envelope Draw Oct Station Charities* 46.60 Families Day Aug RAF100 Appeal 275.00 10km Airfield Race Sep RAF100 Appeal 3231.57 ATC Xmas Jumper Day Dec Station Charities* 27.00 Station Jumper Day Dec Station Charities* 218.89 Santa Fun Run Dec Station Charities* 70.00 Coffee Mornings Jan-Dec RAFA 433.71 Coffee Mornings Jan-Dec MacMillan Cancer Support 241.69 Coffee Mornings Jan-Dec RAFBF 113.84 Total 16,017.46

*Station Charities: Shropshire Children’s Deaf Society, Royal British Legion, Headley Court Benevolent Fund

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1. RAF100 Tea party with veterans Tony Shingles, Keith Martin, 8 Malcolm Booth, Jim Penny, John Trotman and Rose Davies 2. Local horse-rider wearing equipment provided by the Be Seen, Be Safer campaign 3. RAF100 School Art Competition – the winning entry 4. The RAF100 Freedom Parade through Shrewsbury 5. STEM visit to Mount Pleasant Primary School 6. Corbett Wood Community project 7. Local schools take part in the North Shropshire Safety Scene 8. RAF100 10 k race- Juno helicopters line the route for the race 9. A Juno joins the formation for the RAF100 flypast

Front Cover Image. Sqn Ldr Ade Vine leads the RAF100 parade 9 through his home town of Market Drayton