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Winter 2017 Winter WitteringThe official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force View
Features: Op RUMAN • STEM • Honours and Awards • Challenge Cup • ColourWINTER Chaos 2016 WITTERING For Charity VIEW 1
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Foreword As the nights draw in and the last few year, the most obvious of which is Remembrance Day, as we wear leaves fall from the many trees around RAF our poppies with pride and give thanks to those that fought in Wittering, we can gain some warmth in two World Wars. reflecting on a remarkable last few months. But we mustn’t forget the Editor veterans from more recent Individual success came for peak had around 50 personnel campaigns, be that the Cold War, Another year has gone by in a SAC Matty Smith in the RAF deployed across the Caribbean Iraq or Afghanistan, or indeed flash as I see my second Winter Photographic Competition, – it was a classic example of the those serving today in need Edition of the Wittering View swiftly followed by the A4 Force responding to a call of help and support. The RAF go to print, the final edition collective success of our Regular for help. A fantastic job from Benevolent Fund and Royal Air for 2017. and Reserve Chefs in Exercise all on 1AMW, together with Force’s Association are at the It has been business as usual Joint Caterer, showing the 4624 RAuxAF Sqn who were forefront of supporting the RAF for RAF Wittering personnel. The Royal Navy and the Army that swift to backfill at Brize Norton, family in its broadest sense, and Annual Formal Reception on the RAF are the best magicians and the many staff in the Force both enjoy excellent support page 16 provided an excellent in the kitchen. Personal Headquarters working hard in from Station personnel and engagement opportunity to success came for many at the the background to reposition the their families. thank our neighbours for their Peterborough Great Eastern A4 Force to a heightened state And on that note I would continued support. With various Run, and the Station again of readiness – a big thank you like to wish everyone and their sporting events such as the reached out to its neighbours: to all involved. There are other families a very Merry Christmas Peterborough Great Eastern parading in Stamford, working reasons to reflect at this time of and a Happy New Year. Run on page 19 and the Station on community projects, Football Teams competing in the inspiring the next generation Manchester Festival of Football through STEM and recruitment on page 8, there is bound to challenges, and keeping local be something to whet your horse riders safe through an sporting appetite. It is with excellent safety campaign. sadness that we bode farewell On top of all of that our to WO Mark Thorogood after 38 resident flying squadrons years RAF service - see page 19. continued to graduate student May I take this opportunity pilots and qualified flying to wish all of our readers a very instructors, while the A4 Force Merry Christmas and a very was again at the forefront of Happy New Year. I look forward operations and major exercises. to bringing you the spring Operation RUMAN, the edition (my last before I am UK’s military response to the posted) in the New Year. humanitarian disaster in the Flt Lt Sarah James Caribbean was a notable success, especially for 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), commanded by RAF Wittering but based at RAF Brize Norton. 1AMW mobilised within 24 hours and at the Operation’s Group Captain Keeling. Submissions Please direct all submissions for Wittering View Magazine to:
The Editor, [email protected]
Please try to ensure that images are in .jpeg format and as large as possible. Find us on Facebook Text should be supplied in Microsoft Word .doc format or plain text if possible. at Wittering View 4 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2016 4 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 title of article SECTion Heading Wittering View The official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force
08 28 19 Battle of Britain Parade 06 News In Brief 08 Padre’s Corner 11 Great Eastern Run 12 20 In The Spotlight… New Station Gym 13 Annual Formal Reception 16 Ex JOINT CATERER 17 Life-Saving SAC 18 PUFC Boot Camp 18 Colour Chaos Run 19 Op Ruman 20 Challenge Cup 24 Honours And Awards 25 STEM At Wittering 25 16 (R) Sqn NFL And Skiing 26 3MCS - Exercise MAGIC CARPET 28 Community News 30 HIVE Info 31 What A Year… RAF Benevolent Fund 32 Tea Break Time 34 In The Hot Seat 36
Editor Distribution Designed By Flt Lt Sarah James Ext. 7478 Morrisons Stamford, Sainsburys Stamford, Families Amanda Robinson [email protected] Spar Shop Wittering, Walkers of Stamford, Stamford coffee shops, Phoenix Shop Wittering, Wittering Advertising Deputy Editor local businesses and amenities. Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Emma Stacey Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL Published By Tel: Tammie on 01536 526667 Team Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, [email protected] Marissa Russell, Cpl Paul Robertshaw, Ed Palmer Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL and SAC Matty Smith. Tel: 01536 512624, Fax: 01536 515481 Printing www.lancepublishing.co.uk Lance Print Ltd, Email: [email protected] Tel: 01733 390564
WINTER 2016 WITTERING VIEW 5 WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 5 FEATURE battle of britain parade Battle of Britain Parade Stamford residents turned out with RAF Wittering personnel to mark the annual commemoration of the Battle of Britain.
The congregation in full voice RAF Wittering’s new Station were not alone in those days. People inside All Saints Church, Stamford. Commander and Station Chaplain were on our side, so we’re saying joined the people of Stamford thank you for that too.” for the commemorative Battle of The service took place at All Britain service and parade. Saints Church and was led by Stamford residents turned out Reverend Squadron Leader Shaw with RAF Wittering personnel to and the Very Reverend Mark Warrick. mark the annual commemoration Stamford Mayor, Coun Anthony of the Battle of Britain. Fought in the J. Story, Stamford councillors and skies over Britain over 70 years ago, it council officials from Lincolnshire remains the defining engagement in and Peterborough joined townsfolk the Royal Air Force’s near 100 at the memorial outside Browne’s year history. Hospital on Broad Street to watch The service and parade was the military drill and the laying the first for Group Captain Tony of wreaths. Keeling since taking over as Station Councillor Story said: “I am Commander in June. It was also a honoured to represent the citizens first for Reverend Squadron Leader of Stamford. Back in 1940 the people Stewart Shaw, who also came to RAF of Stamford would have seen aircraft Squadron Leader Stewart Wittering as Padre recently. leaving RAF Wittering, knowing the Shaw addressing the Group Captain Keeling said: pilots were on the way to engage congregation in “We are here to remember The Few, the enemy. All Saints Church. those who gave their lives during That experience gets passed on the Battle of Britain. For serving from generation to generation, so it’s RAF personnel and veterans today no surprise to me that Stamford is resonates very deeply, but it is still very proud of its association with important to remember that we the Royal Air Force.”
Group Captain Tony Keeling and the Stamford Mayor taking the Salute as the parade marches past.
6 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017
NEWS In brief News In Brief Stamford Mayor was Former Station Photographer The Mayor of Stamford was what the Royal Air Force is and reunited with his old station what it does for us.” when Town Councillors and RAF Wittering’s history guests visited the Heritage is recorded in the Station’s Centre at RAF Wittering. Heritage Centre. In addition to These days Coun Anthony Coun Story, other RAF veterans J. Story is the Mayor of Stamford in the group included Coun but, not so many years ago, Harrish Bisnauthsing, who spent he was Sergeant Story of RAF 12 years working on radars and Wittering’s photographic section. computers, as well as two former He said: “I love it! It’s wonderful RAF photographers Mick Steel to be back at Wittering again and Don Lambert. and you never forget it. It’s very important for me that the Stamford Town Council paid a people of Stamford understand visit to RAF Wittering. RAF Festival of Football RAF Wittering FC entered two The game against RAF Benson teams into the RAF Festival of went to a penalty shootout, but Football Tournament held in unfortunately they were knocked Manchester in October. This out of the plate. prestigious annual tournament Wittering A Team were affords RAF Stations the chance victorious against RAF Marham to compete against each other and Waddington. A guest civilian in a 5-aside format. team from Leonardo Plc stood in RAF Wittering A was drawn the way of them being crowned in Group A and took on RAF champions. Unfortunately, they Aldergrove in their first fixture, couldn’t overcome them and winning 4-1. Further victories finished as runners-up. Wittering ensured they achieved top A were excellent, although position in Group A. defeated in the final, they came RAF Wittering B was drawn in home with the consolation of a difficult Group B and could only being the best RAF team at the qualify for the Plate competition. Festival of Football in 2017. Wittering FC Football Festival Wittering A Team.
The 2017 RAF Wittering Golf The 2017 winner of the For any queries regarding Golf Society Championships took place Archie Majid Shield (Best Net RAF Wittering Golf Society in September at Burghley Score) was FLt Sgt Kev Kennedy. membership, please contact Champions 2017 Park Golf Club. The event The Winner of the Scratch Chf Tech Benny Hill on was attended by 31 RAF and competition and 2017’s Station extension 7959 or email: civilian personnel from across champion was Mr Mick Roche. [email protected] the Station. There is just one event The conditions were left this year, the ‘Turkey Trot’, excellent, the course was in an Inter mess competition good shape and the players at Rutland County GC. were blessed with great RAF Wittering Golf Society weather. The Championships welcomes new members, was superbly hosted by annual membership for a Burghley Park Golf Club, with nominal fee gives players the obligatory bacon rolls access to four golf courses in Winner of the Scratch competition pre-match and a superb the region and will also benefit Winner of the Archie Majid and 2017’s Station champion was Mr two-course dinner after from subsidised Wittering Golf Shield (Best Net Score) Mick Roche. the game.. Society events. was FLt Sgt Kev Kennedy.
8 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 Surprise Presentation to Heritage Centre
During a recent visit to (we think). Wittering, RAF veteran Bill Mr Moore, who was a Moore (a very sprightly special guest at our centennial 93 years) made a surprise celebration last year. He was presentation to the Station visiting the Station with fellow Heritage Centre - a shield veterans Tony Boxall, John from 138 Squadron and a Thorburn and Eric Smith. gas mask from the Second If you are a service veteran, World War. or are part of a veterans’ group Quite unexpectedly, the and would like to see the bag in which the gas mask Station Heritage Centre, you came also contained an can contact RAF Wittering through the Station website: authentic fuel ration book Veteran Bill Moore makes a presentation to Station Heritage dating from the same period www.raf.mod.uk/rafwittering Centre Committee member Chf Tech Steve Buck.
to the gym timetable. Sessions Gym Rush are open to all personnel as Top Marks for Matty To accommodate the January well as additional evening Talented Wittering category with his image entitled “Gym Rush”, as well as the usual spinning sessions in the new and photographer SAC Matty Smith ‘Still Standing’. section PT and lunchtime improved facilities. In addition has succeeded in the 2017 The photograph was taken circuits, a number of weekly to this, the PEd Flt will provide Royal Air Force Photographic in April at a charity boxing event lunchtime and extra evening evening Bootcamp sessions Competition. and Matty says it is his favourite. Broga sessions are being added for all. After producing some He also picked up third high-quality images at this year’s place in the RAF Photographer Royal International Air Tattoo at of the Year competition, with his No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron RAF Fairford, the Station’s newest untitled image taken during a Chefs at Hambleton Bakery photographer won the sports drill rehearsal. Hambleton Bakery had extra the experienced eye of Julian The winning photograph in hands on deck as No 3 Mobile Carter, Director and Head Baker at the sports category – entitled Catering Squadron (3MCS) chefs Hambleton Bakery. Julian was once ‘Still Standing’. got stuck in at Rutland’s famous an RAF Chef and the opportunity to craft bakery. help his old service was too good In exchange for an opportunity to miss. to pick up new ideas and keep Flight Sergeant Maxine Booth, operational menus fresh and who had the original idea, said: interesting, the guys from 3MCS put “Food must be nutritious and it their highly-skilled hands to use in has to keep you going, but it’s also an artisan kitchen. got to be interesting and tasty. Corporal James Sharples and People have got to want to eat it. Senior Aircraftman Ben Harvey Putting our chefs into a different spent the day crafting sweet and environment will help them savoury cakes and pastries under stay creative.” Corporal James Sharples prepares fruit scones.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 9 news in brief News In Brief Ride to the Somme A 5001 Sqn Flight Sergeant The ride commemorates the is back home after cycling cycling soldiers that fought and Marathon Effort hundreds of miles to raise funds died along the Western Front. to help servicemen and women, Martin said: “The experience SAC Sue Sorill. veterans and their families. was absolutely fantastic, it wasn’t FS Martin Kenworthy was just about riding 240 miles I had thrilled to raise £2,500 when he trained hard and that bit was took part in the five-day Ride to the relatively easy, for me it was the Somme 2017 Passchendaele and ability to better understand the Arras event. sacrifices so many had made and at The challenge covered 240 times it was very emotional. miles with participants visiting “I am pleased to say I managed the battlefields and cemeteries to raise £2,500 for SSAFA and would of the Great War along the route like to take this opportunity to which proved to be an emotional thank those that sponsored and experience for Martin. supported me.”
FS Martin Kenworthy has raised £2,500 for SSAFA.
An RAF Wittering reservist has “When I found out that the raised thousands of pounds for first Birmingham marathon was charity by running a marathon. to be held on the first anniversary SAC Sue Sorrill, who joined weekend of her death, I set myself 504 Squadron RAuxAF in May the huge personal challenge of 2015 as a Logistic Supplier, running this in memory of her.” decided to run the Birmingham Sue used the event to raise Marathon in memory of her awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic close friend Julie Lewis who died Death Syndrome (SADS) and suddenly and unexpectedly in funds for research. After six October 2016. months of getting up at 5am, Sue said: “It was such a shock four times a week to train, she and I was devastated. Julie was completed the marathon in Julie’s just 46 and left behind a husband memory and raised over £2,500 and two young sons. for SADSUK.
Chinook Warning for Riders Local riding schools and horse registered riding schools in the riders were given the heads up area to make them more visible. recently when RAF Wittering Pilots can spot horse riders at a played host to the iconic greater distance when they’re Chinook helicopters for a series wearing high-visibility clothing of exercises. and have more time to take Candlesticks With the Chinook an avoiding action. Restaurant with Rooms unfamiliar noise in the sky, the Group Captain Keeling Station was keen to inform the said: “RAF Wittering is a busy 1 Church Lane, Stamford - 01780 764033 nearby equestrian community place, we support deployed Open Tuesday through to Sunday Evenings / Open Wednesday-Friday & Sunday Lunch of their impending arrival to air operations and train future Family owned & run since 1975 maximise safety. pilots here. We use the roads and Intimate Silver Service restaurant with The Station obtained a limited the skies daily, so I’m keen that comprehensive fixed price menu supply of day-glow tabards and we reach out to the equestrian 8 en-suite bedrooms WINES OF PORTUGAL AWARDS WINNER quarter-sheets which were given community to inform them of a TASTE MAGAZINE AWARDS WINNER free of charge on a first-come- change in operations and help to first-served basis to riders and maximise safety.” See our website for Christmas and New Years menus e: [email protected] w: www.candlestickshotel.co.uk
10 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 PADRE’S CORNER REGULARS PART OF VERSE 2018 STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE’S FESTIVAL OF POETRY & SPOKEN WORD Padre’s Corner LEMN SISSAY MBE PRESENTS A ONE-OFF SPECIAL SHOW OF ‘SOMETHING DARK’ MASTERCLASS £10 | SHOW & MASTERCLASS £20 | SHOW ONLY £15
WED 11 APR 2018 7.30PM WITH A POETRY MASTERCLASS AT 5PM stamford arts centre 27 ST MARY’S STREET STAMFORD PE9 2DL BOX OFFICE 01780 763203 WWW.STAMFORDARTSCENTRE.COM PROUD TO BE PART OF SOUTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCIL
Spreading the Smells of Christmas I wonder what you thought and the deep rich brandy sauce when you read the heading smell drifting around the house. ‘Spreading the Smells of You may well be thinking of Christmas’. Well don’t worry the other smells that remind you Padre hasn’t gone off the rails. of Christmas. Let me explain! Spreading the Smell of I enjoy Christmas it’s one of Christmas. It would be good to the best times of year for me, from spread some of those Smells time spent with family and friends of Christmas to others who are to enjoying those special family struggling for lots of reasons. treats only eaten at Christmas, to Maybe their loved one is away on giving and receiving of gifts. deployment. By spreading some All this excitement starts Christmas love in the form of food when I start to smell the smells of or drink will show that people are Christmas. Like cooking Christmas loved and not forgotten. cake, the smell of cooking fruits Christmas is a real time of joy and brandy, depending on what and hope for everyone, where alcohol has gone into the cake. people may well get together As a young boy it was the smell for the only time in the year. of burnt Christmas cake, because Christmas is a time of giving and I knew Christmas was just around being thankful. Christmas is when the corner. we can show more love to those Other smells are the oranges in need. from Christingles, the smell of So let’s share those special pine trees inside the house, the smells of Christmas. smell of mince pies cooking or sitting waiting for them to cool Padre Stewart Shaw
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 11 FEATURE great eastern run Great Eastern Run Rutland Self Store First local runner home at the Peterborough Great Eastern Secure container storage Run yesterday was Royal Air Force Wittering exercise between Stamford & Oakham rehabilitation instructor, Corporal Steve Robinson. Short or long term contract Cpl Steve Robinson (image courtesy Peterborough • 24 hour access • Telegraph). • Locked compound • • Two Sizes 10ft x 8ft or 20ft x 8ft • 01780 460465 www.rutlandselfstore.co.uk
Corporal Robinson who Sarah James, both finished finished in seventh place with in just under 2 hours and an impressive time of 1 hour 30 minutes closely followed 12 minutes and 31 seconds by SAC Chris Connor. was one of several runners Engineering technician from the Station who took Corporal Dave Howard came part in the half-marathon. The home at 2 hours and 2 minutes. winding 13.1 mile route takes Gp Capt Tony Keeling said: in many of Peterborough’s “Running a half-marathon is suburbs and passes the city’s no joke. It takes training and beautiful Norman cathedral. stamina to cross that finish line Proudly supporting the – especially if you are running Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund dressed as an elephant! Sport is was the team from Personnel a key part of what we do in the Management Squadron. Four RAF, it promotes teamwork and runners, including the Squadron’s the fitness needed for working at MOT Officer Commanding, Squadron home and abroad on operations.” Leader Maggie Boyle, wore Cpl Dave Howard at the start. testing, the ‘Ben-Fund’ vests. Squadron Warrant Officer Gareth Williams completed the run in the servicing charity’s Ben Elephant costume. Despite the heavy and uncomfortable costume, and repairs. WO Williams completed the Tel: 01780 763943 half-marathon in a whisker over 2 hours and 40 minutes. Book your MOT tests and services online First timers, Squadron Leader www.millviewmotors.co.uk Boyle and Flight Lieutenant Cliffe Road, Easton On The Hill
The Personnel Management Squadron team after the race.
• Servicing and repairs to all vehicle makes. • MOT testing class 4, 5 and 7. • Diagnostics. Call us on: 01780 411456 Greetham Garage, Great North Road, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QX Email: [email protected]
12 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 new station gym IN THE SPOTLIGHT In the Spotlight...New Station Gym The Physical Education (PEd) staff at RAF Wittering have invested a lot of their own time and effort to revamp, decorate and modernise the gymnasium building. The aim was to make it more also provides you as the ‘spinner’ the This area is also available for year there will be numerous events user friendly, more exciting and opportunity to compete against individuals to take part in their own ran by the PEd Flt to get people provide greater variety and others in the class in either individual fitness workouts such as insanity. active and involved. options for Station personnel to or team races. Not forgetting there The high ropes course get stuck into their training and are also some Gucci disco lights and has been repaired and is achieve personal targets. spinning glitter balls to add to the now available for sections to The Andy Morris Weights Bay, experience; what more could you book and take part in Force in recognition of a former colleague ask for in a training session? Development activities. The and friend, was opened by his To complete the revamp of the PEd staff are all site specific family in November. It is situated gym, the old spin studio has now qualified and can instruct in the new building by the side of been turned into a Yoga/Stretch/ on the facility. We are also the PEd Flight next to the squash Pilates zone complete with mats, running a comprehensive court and is equipped with brand Swiss Balls and Therabands. The CO’s Cup competition that new extensive weights equipment, PEd Staff have just completed their is fiercely contested and in resistance machines and the Broga qualification and are now the RAF 100 Celebratory Weights Bay. lifting platforms. offering classes to all personnel Another new facility is the fresh, at Wittering. Open to both male modern spinning studio. This area and females, this modern concept was originally a squash court and has been taken up by the military then the old weights bay, but it is as they realise the reluctance of now a specific spin studio equipped males to take part in Yoga, but also with Bluetooth capability and acknowledge the importance of projector which allows you to track stretching and the physical benefits and monitor your performance of staying flexible to prevent long Personnel can use the new weights equipment to during every spinning session. It term injuries. achieve their fitness targets.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 13 You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...
www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk/ property/apartment-meia_19744
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 within walking distance (5 mintures to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).
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 four. A TV, DVD and CD player 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. There is ample car parking space in front of the building.
PRICES: Jan - March £225 April £300 May £325 June £375 July/August £475 Sept £375 Oct £325 Nov/Dec £250
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/ EARN WHILE YOU LEARN –APPRENTICESHIPS FEATURE The Spring edition of this Wittering View will include an A4 supplement focusing on apprenticeship opportunities, aimed at the families of RAF serving and civilian personnel. This will look at a range of choices from FE and HE bodies as well as private and public sector employers. We offer options for employer profiles and recruitment opportunities; to advertise, please contact Tammie on 01536 526667 shutterstock 2017 / users: goodluz/ monkey business / pressmaster business goodluz/ 2017 / users: monkey © shutterstock
Stamford Christmas Festival 2017 – The preparation begins! Sunday 26 November from 10am to 5pm SSttaammffoorrdd
The popular traditional Stamford Christmas Festival will be CChhrriissttmmaass returning to the heart of Stamford. The event site will be held in the centre of Stamford - Stamford High St, Ironmonger St, Broad Street, Red Lion Square, and Sheep Market. FFeessttiivvaall Stamford is well known for its exclusive and independent traders so do come along and see what unusual gifts you may && find for those very special to you! There will be traditional craft stalls offering a wide range of popular and stylish gifts with treats and delights to excite and tantalize. So come LLiigghhttss SSwwiittcchh OOnn along, join in the fun and be part of this ever-popular annual, community event which attracts many thousands of visitors tth from far and near. The town has good FREE car parking Sunday 26 November 2017 facilities on Sundays with the town centre easily accessible. 10am -- 5pm To add to the festive spirit there will be entertainment galore throughout the day including festive Punch and Judy shows, s Grotto eet School Choirs, Santa’s Grotto, real reindeers, a children’s Fun Santa’ High Str eet Fair and, of course, culminating with the Christmas lights switch-on! Real Live Reindeer Ironmonger Street Craft/Food Stalls Broad Str e For more information on how to become involved in this Xmas Goodies Red Lion Squar successful and highly supported community event by trading, tainment/Music Enter volunteering, sponsoring or just coming along to soak up Sheep Market Puppet Show the atmosphere, please contact Stamford Town Council at Stamford en’s Fun Fair Town Counciill [email protected] or go to the website on Childr www.stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk where a booking form can be downloaded. E: [email protected] W: www.stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk We look forward to seeing you there!
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 15 Feature Annual formal reception and hydrotherapy Annual Formal Hydrotherapy Community Project Engineers, Chefs and Caterers from Royal Air Force Wittering rolled up their sleeves to help a Reception hydrotherapy community project in Peterborough.
Station Commander takes the salute Since opening in March 2011, work clearing the car park of debris at the Sunset Ceremony. St George’s Community in order that a new surface can Hydrotherapy Pool has helped be laid. Mr Thorogood said: “It’s over 2,000 local people. It provides our pleasure. Peterborough is our pain relief, health improvements, nearest city and we’re only too and freedom from isolation. It happy to help. This is a very good is highly valuable for people cause, it was hard work, but it was with disabilities, long-term well worth the effort.” health conditions or who are The team, which was welcomed rehabilitating from an operation by the Mayor of Peterborough, or injury. It is one of the few Councillor John Fox, spent a hydrotherapy pools in the UK morning clearing the car park of open to the general public and debris so a new surface can be laid. users do not need a GP referral Thomas Booker, manager of to access it. However, like many the pool, said: “I want to express community resources, St George’s my thanks to all those from RAF hydrotherapy pool relies on Wittering who worked so hard. Military bases rely on good relations voluntary help. I cannot tell you how much this with their neighbouring communities Warrant Officer Mark Thorogood, work means to our customers and Squadron Warrant Officer for 5001 how much it will help in terms of and nearby towns and cities. Squadron, put together a nine-man preparing the car park. ‘Ground Force Team’ consisting of “I want to express my thanks RAF Wittering achieves this by Cadets and music from The Band of technicians from 5001 Squadron and to you and to all the lads from RAF engaging directly with schools, the Royal Air Force College. chefs and caterers from No 3 Mobile Wittering who worked so hard. councils, local officials and hosts A sunset ceremony was Catering Squadron, after a request I cannot tell you how much this of other organisations. The conducted with the lowering of for assistance was received to help work means to our customers and Annual Formal Reception is an the RAF ensign and playing of the refurbish the pool’s car park. how much it will help in terms of important part of that process Last Post. For the Mayor of Stamford The team spent a morning’s hard preparing the car park.” and is a chance for RAF Wittering it was particularly poignant; to say thank you to its supporters Councillor Anthony Story served at and the people with whom it has RAF Wittering as a photographer in regular dealings. the rank of sergeant before retiring Guests from Wittering, from the Royal Air Force. Stamford, Peterborough, nearby Flight Lieutenant Sarah James schools and colleges and many was the project officer for the other public bodies arrived at the Annual Formal Reception. She said: Officers’ Mess greeted by a Guard “It makes a real difference when of Honour courtesy of 115 Sqn people can engage face to face (Peterborough) RAF Air Cadets. because a conversation can achieve After words of welcome from so much more than an email. The the Station Commander Group Annual Formal Reception is a Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor John Fox, Lady Mayor Captain Tony Keeling, there was perfect opportunity for the Officers’ and Thomas Booker with the Ground Force Team. a demonstration of precision drill of RAF Wittering to engage with from 126 Sqn (City of Derby) RAF Air our local community.”
Group Captain Tony Keeling addressing the guests at the Annual Formal Reception. facebook.com/lynnedoughtytailoringalterations
16 WITTERING VIEW WINTERWINTER 20172017 exercise joint caterer FEATURE Exercise JOINT CATERER RAF RESERVE CHEFS from 504 Sqn (County of Nottingham) at Royal Air Force Wittering won gold at Exercise JOINT CATERER (EJC), their first time at the famous military culinary competition.
The chefs, Cpl Craig Jones, SACs recognition, despite being last Chefs from Mick Stewart and Suzanne Dunk, minute entrants. RAF Wittering were the first RAF reservists ever Catering Flight from RAF displayed their to compete at the event. They Wittering also sent chefs to EJC, skills at the 2017 competed against Navy, Army which is judged by some of the most Exercise JOINT CATERER. and other RAF Chefs in EJC which prestigious and well-known names was held over three days in the in the industry. Corporal Stefan Defence Capability Centre at the Sewell led the RAF contingent from Defence Academy, Shrivenham. the Combined Services Culinary Arts The team from RAF Wittering’s 504 Team, who won gold in the Open Sqn cooked 10 portions of two Buffet Display Class. separate main courses, followed by Also from Catering Flight, SAC 10 portions each of a hot and Miles Ludow won the best in class cold dessert. for his vegan dish of wild mushroom There are many different tagliatelle, made without eggs in the categories, from the refinement of pasta or dairy products in the sauce. fine dining to working from a ration SAC Aaron Kenny was awarded a pack in a field kitchen. Each test silver medal for his highly technical reflects a situation in which a military Queen of Bread & Butter Puddings in chef may find themselves, cooking the Open Hot Dessert category. for foreign dignitaries one week Group Captain Tony Keeling and then on deployed operations is the Station Commander at RAF the next. Wittering. He said: “Obviously The Royal Air Force won 57 I’m delighted the Royal Air Force won medals, winning EJC 2017 by a EJC, but it’s particularly satisfying definite margin. Contributing to the to know that personnel from RAF medal haul was 3 Mobile Catering Wittering played a real part in Sqn, also from RAF Wittering. that victory. This year the Sqn entered the “This Station has serious Defence Engagement Challenge culinary talent, and it’s great category for the first time, which that they are able to compete required the team to produce a and demonstrate their creativity. VIP buffet for 40 people using field Chefs have to ensure their basic equipment. The team received skills are covered, but that dash of Gold medal winners – (From left) Chefs Cpl Craig Jones, outstanding feedback and creativity makes all the difference.” SAC Suzanne Dunk and SAC Mick Stewart.
Categories range from fine dining to working from a ration pack in a field kitchen.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 17 Feature life-Saving airman and posh boot camp Life-Saving Airman POSH Recognised Boot Camp An RAF Wittering Chef has been rewarded for his quick thinking RAF Wittering invited Peterborough and life-saving skills by the Station. United Football Club (POSH) to spend three days undergoing a Gp Cpt Tony Keeling congratulates SAC David Kerr. military style boot camp. The aim was to challenge the During these activities, the young players away from the players found out what it ‘football bubble’ in a hope to really meant to be close to a provide a new perspective team mate, carrying and lifting to team work and physical through a seemingly never training. The team of 20 young ending series of exercises. men, consisting of academy Even though they had only and first team players, arrived been off the bus a matter at Wittering under the pretence of hours, an excitable buzz that a summer football had been created with each camp had been arranged individual urging every other to to start their preseason successfully finish the challenge. training. Upon meeting Flight They were met with an Sergeant Dave Hughes and early morning role call at before the Physical Education Flight heading into a fasted training (PEd Flt) staff, the players soon session including gruelling realised this wasn’t the case. spinning and boxercise sessions. The players were The rest of the day was used SAC David Kerr works in the the mouth. We called 999 straight immediately put through to push mental boundaries to junior ranks mess. In his spare away and in less than two minutes their paces with a Muscular really see what the players were time, Glasgow-born David is the responders were with us. Endurance Circuit. The first real made of. The evening was given a Community First Responder They were absolutely brilliant.” test of team cohesion came a more relaxed environment. with the East Midlands David has been in the in the form of a tent building The players received an RAF Ambulance Service (EMAS). Royal Air Force for nine years, task. The players were split careers presentation with many Community first responders three of which were with the into smaller groups, with an questions being thrown to the (CFRs) are volunteers who RAF Mountain Rescue Service. individual nominated to take staff. The PEd Staff also shared give up their spare time to His life-saving actions would the lead. In order to succeed, their personal experiences attend appropriate emergency have gone unrecognised had clear and concise information prior to joining as well as their calls in the community. RAF Jess not emailed RAF Wittering needed to be relayed with the military careers to date. The Wittering has a CFR team, of to ask that she be allowed to teams maintaining a strong players were keen to hear which SAC Kerr is a part. thank the CFR’s in person. channel of communication the opportunities that could In March 2017 David received Speaking of his natural throughout. It was in the be available to them should an emergency priority call to modesty, David said: “I felt it was best interest of everyone to football not prove prosperous. Grantham. At the scene SAC Kerr just business as usual, so from my participate as they would be In the evening the players discovered three-year-old Max point of view there was nothing sleeping in whatever got built! had an RAF careers presentation Barnett suffering from extreme particular to report. I did the job The first day had been a busy and they were keen to hear seizures and a body temperature and returned to work as normal, one, but it couldn’t come to a about the opportunities of over 40C. With the situation there was nothing to sing and close before a little taste of Battle available should football critical, SAC Kerr administered dance about. It was just another Physical Training. not prove prosperous. first aid to preserve the child’s life shift, a bit like my day job.” until further medical help arrived. Station Commander Group Max was rushed to Captain Tony Keeling said: “An Peterborough City Hospital awesome job. The Barnett family where he was diagnosed is whole and a little boy is alive, with a septic chest infection. probably because of David Max is now fit and well and and his quick thinking and skill. has suffered no permanent As a parent, if you find your damage from his ordeal. child is seriously ill, you want Max’s mum, Jess, said: “He someone like SAC Kerr, he is a started shaking violently. His eyes credit to the RAF, this Station were open and he was frothing at and the First Responders.” Gym endurance training.
18 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 Feature colour run and wittering warrant officer retires
Runners were covered in multi-coloured Colour Chaos powder at the RAFA Colour Chaos run. for Charity Over 200 runners came to RAF Wittering for the Royal Air Forces Association Colour Chaos run, the first to be held on an active RAF Station.
The event was enormous fun, in a unique location and we have raised vital funds for the RAF had interest from other RAF Stations Association and took place who want to run their own – so we entirely within the Station. hope this will grow.” Participants (who ran, jogged, Station Commander Group Captain Tony Keeling and his danced and walked) were Participants of all ages jogged, son Tom got into the spirit of plastered in multi-coloured corn- jumped, danced, walked and ran starch as they navigated the occasion and the Air Cadets their way around the course. the circuit. who volunteered to support the Every £1 raised will go towards event made sure they were both projects that help members of thoroughly coated. the RAF family, particularly the Group Captain Keeling said: Storybook Wings initiative, where “It’s been fantastic fun today, we serving parents record their wouldn’t have missed this for children’s favourite bedtime stories anything. Sure, it’s been a lot of before going away on active service. work to organise and we’ve got Rachel Huxford, Director some tidying up to do, but you of Fundraising and Training at look around and see all these the RAF Association, said: “This smiling faces. It’s been well worth inaugural Colour Chaos event was a it – and all for a great cause with the wonderful, fun-filled family day out RAF Association.”
Wittering Warrant Officer Retires After 38 Years Thirty-eight years of service came to an end in October at RAF Wittering when Warrant Officer Mark Thorogood retired from the Royal Air Force.
WO Officer Thorogood, who was RAF Marathon Championships. Warrant Officer Mark Thorogood has retired just 16 years old when he joined Squadron Leader Colin from the RAF after 38 years service. the RAF, was the Squadron Green is Officer Commanding WO on 5001 Squadron, a 5001 Squadron. He said: “Thirty- unit which specialises in eight years in the service of your expeditionary engineering. country is a rare achievement, Ensuring the diligent repair but it is not just a question of and manufacture of ground longevity; it is also a question equipment components is of how well you have served Mr Thorogood’s trade; it has your country. In this regard, taken him to RAF engineering Mr Thorogood can look back workshops around the and feel justifiably proud.” world and most of the major At a few minutes past flying stations in the UK. 10am, dressed in the bowler A lifelong keep-fit fanatic, hat traditionally worn by Mark has also enjoyed his fair retiring RAF Warrant Officers, share of success at running. He Mr Thorogood was driven to represented the RAF in track, the main gate at RAF Wittering Watson, Principal Engineer at peers, the chain of command road, cross country and marathon. to begin his life as a civilian. Royal Air Force Wittering, said: and this Station. For some, 38 Among his numerous successes, Mr Thorogood met his “Mr Thorogood’s retirement is years is a lifetime. It is my view Mr Thorogood won the 1991 wife, Bev, at RAF Wittering well deserved and he leaves the that 38 years of productivity Lincolnshire Services Cross- in 1992 and they married in Royal Air Force knowing that he and professionalism is an Country and came 4th in the 1988 1994. Wing Commander Craig has earned the respect of his outstanding achievement.”
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 19 FEATURE op ruman OP RUMAN – Hurricanes, Helicopters and Hopefulness
Squadron Leader Ted Sellers, SO2 A5 Infrastructure Operations, works alongside 20 Works Group Royal Engineers (Air Support) and 12 (Force Support) Engineer Group at RAF Wittering. He recently deployed to the US Virgin Islands, in the wake of Hurricane Irma, in support of Operation RUMAN. The following is a personal account of his experience:
20 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 33 Squadron, RAF Benson) delivering aid to Tortola. was just about to attend the RAF Wittering Annual Reception when I was pulled into an emergency video teleconference with PermanentI Joint Headquarters, 8 Engineer Brigade, 12 (Force Support) Engineer Group, 20 Works Group Royal Engineers (Air Support), and 170 (Infra Support) Engineer Group. A few hours later I was deployed on Operation RUMAN. Mission: to conduct humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Exact destination: unknown. Specific task: less clear. Duration: anyone’s guess. Hurricane Irma, an extremely powerful and catastrophic Category 5 hurricane had battered the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands some 36 hours previous and, notwithstanding that HMS Mounts Bay was already in situ in the Caribbean with Royal Marines, Royal Engineers, equipment and aid on board, the UK was coming under pressure to increase its contribution to the HADR effort. Within days, over 2,000 British troops and tonnes of food, water, survival, shelter and hygiene kits and other aid had been flown to the region. CH47 and Puma helicopters, making up the Joint Helicopter Force (JHF) were also deployed to provide an intra-theatre, littoral operations capability, moving troops, supplies and essential equipment, as well as providing emergency air lift to evacuate vulnerable and sick civilians to safety or medical aid. Having arrived in Barbados late on Friday night, I was told I was to be embedded with 40 Commando Royal Marines, and that I’d be flying to United States Virgin Islands (USVI). St Croix had been unscathed by Hurricane Irma and it presented a convenient, safe location from which to forward mount UK Task Force elements and disaster relief aid into the affected British Virgin Islands. Introduced to my namesake, Ed - the 40 Commando Ops officer – he eyeballed my RAF rank slide, looked me coldly in the eye, and demanded “Can you survive?” After looking over my shoulder and resisting an urge to provide a sarcastic response, I checked myself, applied some emotional intelligence (he was clearly tired and emotional), and assured Aerial photo following Hurricane Irma. him that I could look after myself and would not be, as I could hear him thinking, a liability.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 21 FEATURE op ruman
evening, Anne arrived with pizzas, All available personnel chicken and chips, fish and chips cleaning up the airport roof so it could be repaired. and ice coolers filled with water and fizzy drinks for over 100 UK personnel, including Royal Marines, JHF, Tactical Medical Wing and Royal Signals personnel. The positive effect on morale was instantaneous. Over the next couple of days, as the JHF Puma detachment worked hard to support 40 Commando, a close eye was kept on the meteorological reports. It soon became apparent that Hurricane Maria was heading our way; we began to make preparations to hunker down and sit it out. The speed at which the storm intensified was staggering; in a matter of just a few hours it had increased After landing at Henry E. Rohlsen to secure a large, disused, airport task seemed enormous and we from a Category 3 to a Category 5 Airport (HERA), St Croix, USVI, my authority building, unused for still had no idea how long the hurricane; sustained winds of 175 newly-found Bootneck associates eight years, to be our domestic operation would last for. The UK mph, gusting 200+ mph, were and I found a space on the floor and operations accommodation – Task Force though had made an forecast. The decision was taken to of the airport terminal, along with there was no electricity, no running immediate impact, bringing a evacuate UK Forces from USVI to a couple of Sapper colleagues, to water and no air conditioning. I was semblance of order and hope to a Barbados. Maria was subsequently catch a few hours’ sleep. also secured a hangar for Puma desperate situation. reported to be the tenth most I was asked if JHF (Puma maintenance, from a local private As security improved, relief aid, intense Atlantic hurricane on record; detachment specifically) could company (Bohlke), and engaged more troops and logistics flowed in, it caused catastrophic devastation operate from HERA. With no with the airport authority and and the Royal Engineers began to across the Caribbean and Bahamas, obvious solution to the required local contractors to get portaloos, restore essential services. including Dominica, USVI, Turks and infra and real-life support to porta showers, and electricity and The local population at BVI Caicos Islands, Dominican Republic, support JHF, I set about liaising waste management contracts in and Anguilla, and indeed St Haiti and Puerto Rico. with our US National Guard hosts, place to support the detachment. Croix, expressed their heart-felt Returning to St Croix, 36 hours USVI Airport Authority and local The heat was stifling with average appreciation for everything the UK later, the ‘advance party’ was met aviation firms to ascertain the art temperatures of 30oC and humidity Task Force was doing. Sympathetic with scenes of destruction, but of the possible. Within a few hours adding to the discomfort. of our austere living conditions, also open arms and immense I confirmed to the UK Joint Task Impressively, while I was and the fact that we had been on gratitude from our US hosts for Force Headquarters in Barbados that working in the background trying 24-hour ration packs for nearly our swift return. The maintenance HERA could support JHF operations, to provide real-life support, 40 two weeks, a local dignitary, Anne hangar that JHF had previously but that it would be under austere Commando, Royal Engineers and Golden, brother of the HERA been using had sustained significant conditions and with some, not JHF were already on task providing Airport Operations Manager, damage that would have led to insurmountable, constraints. security, infrastructure support Arnold, contacted me to offer the the loss of the Pumas had they Twenty-four hours later the and an air bridge for troops and UK detachment some ‘relief’ from not been evacuated. The building JHF contingent (33 Sqn from RAF aid into Anguilla, Tortola, and Turks the operational ration packs. That we had been using for domestic Benson) was on its way from RAF and Caicos Islands. Three days in, CO JHF3, Wing Commander Andy Brize Norton, with the first of three the devastating effect of Hurricane Baron, speaking with Governor of Pumas, on board a C17. I managed Irma had been well reported; the the USVI.
Major Tom Lilleyman, 20 Works Group RE with Sir Richard Branson at Necker Island.
22 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 Op ruman 1amw FEATURE
inflicted. Irrespective of Service, undertaken. The positive attitude of Evacuating 94 UK military personnel cap badge, rank, trade or branch, those inhabitants who lived through to safety out of the UVI to Barbados the effort from UK personnel was the hurricanes, and who lost so ahead of Hurricane Maria. tremendous. Assisting the airport much, was utterly inspiring. authorities get the airport open, It will take months for the working with the US National Guard islanders to start to get back on their to enable the AeroMed firm to get feet, and years to get anywhere close airborne to evacuate casualties, while to rebuilding their lives. continuing to deliver air support to Everyone involved in Operation the UK Joint Task Force Commander’s RUMAN should be extremely intent was an incredible proud of what was achieved. From achievement. my perspective, I could not have Operation RUMAN was, in some wished for a better deployment respects, one of the most difficult, to end my tour as SO2 A5 . but most rewarding tours I have Infrastructure Operations. accommodation and JHF ops looked like an IED had gone off inside, with broken glass, debris and flooding throughout. The main airport building was also flooded, having sustained significant roof damage; mains power was out across the island; power lines and trees had been felled; light aircraft destroyed; roofs ripped off; buildings and small businesses across the airport complex were trashed; residents made homeless. A disoriented horse from a local stable wandered across the airfield as we came in to land… the FOD hazard was extensive to say the least. While at St Croix we felt morally compelled to assist our US hosts following the devastation that Maria A big ‘thank you’ from Bohlke and AeroMed. 1 Air Mobility Wing in Support By SAC Goulding & SAC Cairns After being given 24 hours’ notice, After being given 24 hours’ notice, a team of four 1 AMW personnel SAC Goulding, Cairns, a team of four 1 AMW personnel Harrison and Kindleyside were deployed on Op RUMAN - the UK’s Humanitarian Aid and SAC Goulding, Cairns, Harrison and Disaster Relief response to Hurricane Irma - in the Caribbean. Kindleyside were deployed on Op RUMAN - the UK’s Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief response to Hurricane Irma - in the Caribbean. It was essential that teams were deployed to the affected islands to quickly establish operational movements. Our team of four were deployed to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands in the effort to support 40 Commando Brigade Royal Marines from Taunton, and the Joint Helicopter Force Puma Detachment from RAF Benson. It was our responsibility to offload all incoming C130s and A400ms. Op RUMAN as a whole was challenging but successful in terms of our relief effort. It was great to be a part of something where we affected people’s lives for the better. 1AMW Team and Flt Lt MaCalister.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 23 Feature challenge Cup Challenge Cup Competition RAF Air Cadets and Students were tested when they came to Wittering for the RAF Recruiting Schools’ and Colleges’ Challenge Cup competition.
The winning team from St George’s Academy in Sleaford. The competition was devised and her team won the laser by Squadron Leader Tamzin range trophy. The day belonged Keenlyside, Community to St George’s in Sleaford as Careers Liaison Officer. The day the academy’s team put in showed cadets and students the best overall performance from schools and colleges the and emerged victorious. opportunities and rewards a Station Commander Group career in the RAF can bring. Captain Tony Keeling said: “I After a warm-up with the think this is a great initiative. It Physical Education Flight is good for the Royal Air Force staff, the students completes to open its doors, but hugely a 1.5 mile run and a fitness beneficial for the young people test before looking at the who took part. Even over the various trades and professions duration of a day you can see in the Royal Air Force. cadets and students grow; RAF Police dogs, drill training, they become more resilient, a presentation on a given RAF resourceful and independent.” trade and an RAF knowledge He continued: “A-Levels will test made up the rest of the secure you an interview, but the busy day. For Thomas Deacon life experience young people get Student, Cadet Corporal Georgia- as cadets makes them stand out May Bodily, the Challenge Cup from their peers. In today’s world, Competition was a success. She that can make all the difference won the female fitness test trophy when pursuing a career.”
Cadet Corporal Georgia-May Bodily during one of the drill tests.
24 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 honours and awards and stem feature
93 Expeditionary Armaments to welfare support. Honours and Awards Squadron, was awarded Station Commander Gp Cpt the Sword of Excellent. The Tony Keeling said: Remarkable and extraordinary service has been recognised award is presented to senior “Honours and Awards at Honour and Awards Ceremonies at RAF Wittering. non-commissioned officers, ceremonies are a regular junior officers and civilian feature of life at Royal Air personnel in recognition of Force Stations. It is almost a their outstanding contributions. paradox that a routine event The Welfare Team at RAF in the life a Station should Wittering was awarded a recognise so much that is special commendation from extraordinary and outstanding. Air Vice-Marshal Sue Gray, Our recipients have done Air Officer Commanding 38 brilliantly and they are a Group, which recognised the credit to the Royal Air Force.” team’s energetic approach
A number of presentations Service Medal which is awarded were made, including one to personnel with 20 years promotion to Warrant Officer, reckonable service, hold the numerous awards for long rank of sergeant or above and service and good conduct, have an irreproachable record. and several commendations. It is a strikingly significant Warrant Officer Ian Coates award and is not given lightly. received the Meritorious Meanwhile Sgt Craig Tristram, of
of the list when cadets from before he commissioned as STEM at Wittering Rutland visited 71 Inspection an engineering officer. He was and Repair Squadron (71 impressed by what he saw and Rutland Air Cadets from 2248 Squadron put the (IR) Sqn) for some real even had a go for himself. world RAF engineering. He said: “The cadets E into STEM when they visited 71 Inspection and During their day with are getting to grips with Repair Squadron at Wittering. the squadron the cadets understanding the basic riveted together two metal principles of repair-engineering; STEM is a government-led up Science Technology links, which were then pulled having a go at making initiative which encourages Engineering & Maths subjects apart and examined using a component and then young people to take at school. Engineering was top ultrasound equipment. understanding the fault using 71 (IR) Sqn is at the forefront ultrasound equipment. Riveting Rutland Cadets of engineering in the Royal might seem like basic stuff, are given a Air Force. The squadron has but it is where so many of us demonstration of the non-destructive several functions and is well start our engineering careers.” known for the structural repairs testing equipment. Group it carries out to deployed Captain military aircraft and its Keeling contributions to the Bloodhound has a go Supersonic Car project. at riveting. Corporal Christopher Adamson, of 71 (IR) Sqn, said: “A lot of them hadn’t even seen a rivet before, so this was their first time at hands on engineering work. They all seemed to enjoy the task and it gave them an insight into traditional engineering methods.” RAF Wittering’s Station Commander, Group Captain Tony Keeling was an aircraft technician
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 25 NEWS 16(r) squadron RAF Indoor Ski Champs 16 (R) Squadron’s Big An enthusiastic bunch of brave amateurs from Wittering ventured up to Leeds compete in the 2017 RAF Indoor American Day Out Ski Champs and represent 16 (R) Sqn. By Fg Off Lewis ‘Hoof’ Falconbridge The handpicked team of seven, slalom tracks. The objective Seven members of 16 (R) Sqn represented led by player/coach Fg Off Dave seemed simple at first, beat your Meredith, featured a diverse competitor to the bottom of the the RAF at the opening ceremony of the mixture of abilities ranging track. Everything seemed to be from ex University Race Team rigged against 16 (R) Sqn and NFL’s third London game of the season. to complete novice standard. the lads were going to have to Each member was given dig deep to emerge with any a number and the chance to kind of pride left intact. Again, complete two timed runs down a Fg Off Bird was the pick of the slalom course. The team would be bunch, performing admirably ranked based on the combined on his way to reaching the times of the fastest three skiers. quarter finals. Unfortunately this Initially the Squadron was not is where his journey ended, as in a good place but luckily, Bird, did any last hopes of success for Meredith and the unsuspecting 16 (R) Sqn. However, their efforts dark horse Fg Off Ran Jameson, where not all in vain as they produced quick second runs and managed to come third in the got the team into the mix on the overall RAF station competition leader board. The team produced collecting three bronze medals a combined time of 58.48 but to top off an excellent day. unfortunately, the results saw The team would like to thank Twickenham played host to the opening ceremony the group them miss out to Elementary the RAF Alpine Ski Association Arizona Cardinals and the Los returned to Kneller Hall to change Flying Training rivals 703 Naval Air for organising a brilliant day of Angeles Ram, the home team. back into civvies and collect Sqn, although the team remained competition and to SnowZone The team were part of the their tickets for the game which chirpy at the fact that 57 Sqn Castleford for hosting the event. 70-strong group to unfurl the ended 33-0 to the LA Rams. were nowhere to be seen on the Despite a number of bruised half-pitch sized union flag. The day was well worth what leader board. Credit must go to egos, each team member left Holding their country’s flag little work was involved and it was Sub Lt James French of 703 who a better skier with the vast surrounded by 80,000 people not only a privilege to represent was timed at 15.23 seconds. majority feeling privileged at singing the national anthem the RAF and the UK but also a The next event was the their chance to attempt a proper is certainly a memory that will highly enjoyable experience. parallel slalom. Skiers were drawn slalom course for the first time. remain with the group for the rest against each other in a knockout Members of 16 (R) Sqn at the of their lives. The atmosphere was event featuring two parallel By Fg Off Smith opening ceremony of an NFL fantastic, the crowd thoroughly game in London. enjoyed the whole ceremony and were incredibly supportive of the armed forces personnel there from both the UK and the US, of which the flag parties were only about half of. After the spectacle of the
Skiers of all abilities took part in the competition.
The RAF Indoor Ski Champs took place at Leed’s Snowzone.
26 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017
Feature 3 Mobile Catering Sqn
Exercise Magic Carpet Trainee Chefs Visit Wittering Deployed skills was the focus as 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) showed trainee RAF chefs how it’s done in the field kitchen.
Chief instructor on 3MCS Cpl Rebecca Williams keeps an eye on the trainees.
The field kitchen at Thumrait.
Exercise MAGIC CARPET is held activated for the Exercise. annually in Oman and allows With temperatures reaching the RAF’s Fast Jet squadrons to 66.5 degrees outside, feeding exercise with our old friends the up to 245 people three times Royal Omani Air Force (RAFO). a day in a tented field kitchen In 2017 it was Typhoons from was no mean feat. Despite Aspiring chefs and stewards Dupée explained: “The trainees 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, this, the catering team were from all three Armed Forces spend a week in the classroom supported by RAF personnel keen to provide more than learn their trade at the Worthy- getting to know how to use from across a range of units, the basics: themed meals Down Barracks in Hampshire. field equipment safely. They also including the A4 Force. included an Indian night and For Royal Air Force Chefs it’s have to be proficient at setting 3 Mobile Catering Squadron a very popular Oktoberfest. a demanding 17 week course up the tents and maintaining (3MCS) were asked to provide A return to ‘normality’ was covering every aspect of hygiene in a deployed setting. It their usual catering and required when hosting the local kitchen craft from baking to doesn’t matter that you’re not in accommodation management RAFO personnel: they like their basic butchery and hygiene. a mess kitchen, cleanliness and expertise to support the exercise. fish and chips. The cooking was For two weeks, however, the nutrition standards still apply.” The 10 3MCS personnel, even more challenging at the novices visit RAF Wittering and Cpl Rebecca Williams is a led by Flt Lt Owen Newman forward target range, which are taught by 3MCS how to cook chef instructor on 3MCS and has and FS Chris Dupee, set off in re-defined the word austere: in a deployed field kitchen. watched the trainees cope with September 2017, leaving quite a the team, including two chefs, Deployed catering means the challenging conditions and bare hangar behind: with teams didn’t even have a toilet! relying on operational ration assessed their performance. already deployed to Cyprus With equipment for the packs until fresh rations arrive. She said: “All the way through and Albania, and others on next exercise arriving while During the deployed skills they’ve been superb, hitting all standby to fly to the Caribbean MAGIC CARPET wound down, course, trainees must live in their time targets and working to assist with disaster relief the chefs and stewards had to tents and use ration packs to as a team they’ve been really operations, there weren’t many work quickly to collapse the create varied and tasty meals. impressive. We showed them people left on the Squadron. kitchen site while maintaining It is a different world from some baking on the first day and On arriving at Thumrait the food service to the very end. the large kitchens in a modern after that they were making their Airbase, the 3MCS team set A short period of Force mess as Flight Sergeant Chris own naan breads and chapattis.” up the catering facility, which Development completed the took four days. Everything was detachment; this included a then ready for the arrival of the visit to the site of the Battle main party, including the 10 of Mirbat, where the SAS and individual augmentee chefs Omani forces fought a heroic and stewards that had been and successful battle in the 1970s.
Calm before the storm: a short period of peace in the kitchen between meal preparation.
2828 WITTERING WITTERING VIEW VIEW WINTER WINTER 2017 2017 Welcome to Casterton Childcare Centre - outstanding childcare providers in Stamford Casterton Childcare Centre is situated in the grounds of Casterton Business and Enterprise College, and for twenty years has provided excellent childcare and education for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years. We are very fortunate to work in partnership with the College, taking advantage of their facilities, including use of the sports hall, large field and specialist staff. We understand that choosing a nursery for your child can be very difficult. However, we are fully dedicated to providing your child with the highest possible standard of care. We aim for them to leave us as sociable, independent and confident children who are excited about learning.
We offer year round care, and are only closed between Christmas and New Year and Bank Holidays including Good Friday. Flexible hourly rate. Our facilities offer 6 weeks to 5 years Ofsted Outstanding result. including separate pre school unit. Highly qualified staff Casterton Childcare Centre Opening hours 7.30am to 6pm. Telephone 01780 754780 [email protected]
RARE BREEDS THE GREAT OUTDOORS meet and feed our animals den building, bug hunting, marshmallow toasting
WORKSHOPS EVENTS blacksmithing, wood carving, winnie the pooh, half term and farm sessions sacrewell.org.uk adventures and easter trail
Find us on the A47/A1 Wansford junction.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 29 REGULARS COMMUNITY SUPPORT SSAFA is here to Community News Deployed Families’ Trips Bicester shopping trip
Deployed families’ trips planned At the end of November the help you, but can for December included Nene community team took a coach Valley Santa Special and to Bicester Outlet for a pre- Christmas Brunch. Christmas shopping trip. Service you help SSAFA? Plans for deployed trips and personnel, civilian contractors activities for the New Year are and service family members being made, if you have any attended and used the time New Staff Christmas time is coming suggestions we would love to to purchase a number of We have welcomed two new As we all know Christmas is a hear from you. We are looking Christmas presents. members of staff into The time of celebration and getting at the possibility of attending Personal Support and Social Work together with family and friends, the Services Day again at Pantomime Service (RAF) at RAF Wittering. however sadly this is not always Alton Towers. Sara Warren is our new team the case for everyone. The British Forces Foundation leader, stationed at Wittering. Christmas can be a stressful Deployed Families’ Coffee paid for the Panto Bus to provide Sara is a qualified Social Worker time for some struggling Morning another Pantomime, Sleeping and joins us from Children’s with debts, bereavement or Beauty to Wittering families. We Services in Stamford. Although relationship breakdown. We will be holding a deployed held the pantomime in Wittering her primary role is as team lead If you feel you would benefit families’ coffee morning on the Primary School again this year. for the stations across the south from some advice and support first Tuesday of the month in the The AIRPLAY youth club ran a of our region, she is also available regarding ANY issue that is Community Learning Centre Plus tuck shop selling snacks, sweets to support the community here. causing you concern, please on St Georges Road, Wittering and drinks. Jenny Larter has joined Tricia contact us by email, phone at 0915-1015. Come along and Lipton as admin support for our or just drop in. Talking really meet other deployed families, AIRPLAY service here at Wittering. Jenny can help and we have lots of find out about upcoming trips and Tricia will be taking their resources at hand that may and activities and meet some of Youth club is running from the part in manning SSAFA’s new alleviate some of the stress you the Community Support Team. Chaplaincy Centre on camp on 24hrs confidential helpline (tel. are experiencing. Wednesday nights, 1830-2000 for 03000 111 723) which provides Our service is confidential Community Learning the foreseeable future. Parents a single point of contact for and non-judgemental; we just Centre + and carers must bring and collect personnel and their families want to help in the best way their children from the venue. requesting support. we can. The Community Support team If you have any queries please - SSAFA, HIVE, CDO, SCSO, RAF contact Mark Davis, Community Recruiting for ‘SSAFA in- So, if you have any issues do Police, Carillion Amey Housing Development Officer, tel. service volunteers’ come in for a chat. We may be Officer and Local Customer 07976 165304 Cpl Michelle Williams has taken able to help resolve them and Service adviser - are in the CLC+ A new Year Sevens Club up the role of volunteer co- hopefully make this Christmas a building every Thursday morning and an Art Club has started on ordinator and anyone needing happy time for all. from 0915-1100. Monday evenings, 1815-2115, further information or wishing to To all those within our If you have just moved in, and in the Youth House, The Place at offer their time can contact her community we would like to don’t know any of the team pop Number 18. on tel. 01780 417210. wish you a peaceful Christmas in for a coffee and chat. If you Youth Drop-in takes place on We are always looking for and a stress free New Year! have been here forever we are a Tuesday from 6.30pm in The new volunteers and SSAFA offers If you need SSAFA support very friendly and are happy to Place at Number 18, St Georges training to ensure you are safe in please contact as follows; answer any queries or questions Road in the village. If you would your role and develop your skills. Tel- 03000 111 723 (24hrs a day) you might have. like to attend the clubs above Volunteers can offer support to Email- [email protected] or would like to volunteer as those in need in a variety of ways, Or call into to see us in the Community Clubs a helper, please contact Mark such as transport to medical Amenities Block (next to the Real Davis, Community Development appointment, grass cutting, Bean café) on station. Opening For the foreseeable future Officer, tel. 07976 165304. helping with light housework hours; 0830 - 1700, Monday Wittering Tots is now based or just befriending. Anyone to Fridays. in the church on camp on a Contact requiring support should contact Wednesday morning, 0915- SSAFA for an assessment of Matt Rowe 1100. Brownies, Rainbows and For more information about their needs. SSAFA Personal & Families Guides is continuing in the Community Support activities, Support Worker. Community Learning Centre on clubs, trips and services please a Monday night. visit the HIVE or contact tel. 01780 417541.
30 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 Aqua Park Visit During the summer, the Community Team took 20 young people to the Aqua Park Rutland – the biggest aquaglide aqua park in the UK. It was a fantastic opportunity for the group to have a go at the number of obstacles at the park. Everyone thought it was a brilliant experience and want to go back Free Advice Clinics at the HIVE next year. A fun day out was enjoyed at Aqua Park Rutland. • Rutland Citizens’ Advice visit weekly on a Thursday from 0930-1230 offering advice. No appointment necessary. Art Project • Military Foundation – Andy the Two art project sessions were Military Foundation adviser can held over the summer with the be found in the HIVE office every brilliant Si Mitchell. Organised other Tuesday from 0930-1500, by Station Youth Worker, Carol drop-in or call and make an Atkinson, the first session involved appointment directly with Andy decorating the Airplay Drop In on tel. 07583 145 836 – he can fence line. Each young person help with debt counselling and took responsibility for a letter or financial education to name a number and the whole fence line few of the areas. was spray painted in two hours! • Legal clinic – Every second During the second project and fourth Wednesday Buckles session each young person spray Solicitors are in the HIVE offering painted a design on their own a free 30 minute session. canvas. Each session was well Appointments need to be attended with 20 young people Canvas artwork fun. booked in advance. at each. New Role for Carol Carol Atkinson, our brilliant continues to grow from strength Station Youth Worker, has been to strength, as well as taking a promoted and now supports lead in the development of a all Airplay Youth projects across new building facility. We would the North of England. like to wish her well in her new Carol has been at Airplay role. RAF Wittering for nearly seven We managed to find a years, organising a number of replacement and as from residential and summer activities September Sharon Pollard took programme. During that time she on the role as Wittering’s new developed a youth forum, that Station Youth Worker.
Gotcha! Youth worker Carol Atkinson tucks into a doughnut.
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 31 regulars COMMUNITY SUPPORT
RAF Benevolent Fund at RAF Wittering During the first half of 2017, relationship, allowing us to the RAF Benevolent Fund was support even more personnel. proud to spend over £49,000 at If you would like to support RAF Wittering. the RAF Benevolent Fund by Twelve serving personnel volunteering or raising funds, received grants and the Station please get in touch. We are was able to continue Airplay immensely grateful for the What a Year… sessions, maintain the Relate and support we receive, without Citizens Advice Bureau outreach which we would not be able to As 2017 draws to a close, Air-Vice Marshal services. We also awarded the offer the spectrum of care that David Murray – Controller of the RAF Station with a grant for Families’ we do. Day. In 2018 at RAF Wittering we If you are interest in supporting Benevolent Fund – looks back on the support are committed to developing RAFBF please contact Natasha the charity has given during 2017. our strong and rewarding Jones on tel. 07841 027494.
The past 12 months have seen the And we have proudly given RAF family face new challenges grants totalling upwards of £500k and we are incredibly proud to to over 200 people in the RAF – Think Print have supported more than 50,000 providing dedicated support to members of the RAF community individuals, addressing a whole Lance Print is an established printers based in Peterborough. At Lance we combine so far this year. host of different needs. skill, experience & knowledge to provide a I have had the pleasure of Next year sees the RAF complete professional service.
meeting many of you who are celebrate its centenary and in 2018 We aim to fill our clients with confidence at the frontline of our country’s we look to assist more personnel in the knowledge that any work defence. The pressures you face and their families through welfare undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard. are almost unrivalled, and certainly initiatives including supporting not known to many. It is our duty those struggling with stress, anxiety Call Today: to ensure that no-one who serves and depression, in partnership with the Royal Air Force stands with the charity Anxiety UK. We (01733) 390564 alone. Once RAF, always RAF will be launching a series of books Benevolent Fund. for the children of those serving www.lanceprint.co.uk Whether the need is financial in the RAF, aiming to enhance aid, emotional support or simply wellbeing and family life. We will advice, our dedicated welfare effort also be introducing a package Village for serving personnel is there to of support for those with caring To advertise in help alleviate the pressures that responsibilities, providing access Pizzas the next issue of some face and in the first half of to financial support, advocacy, this publication, 2017, we spent more than £2.3m counselling and peer support. Freshly Made helping individuals do just that. If you are currently serving & Delivered to please contact We have seen an uptake in Airplay and need help, we are there for your Door and Ben Clubs, and our Seaside you. Your Chief Clerk can provide Tammie Cottages have been used by over on-the-spot welfare grants of up to 100 serving personnel and their £500, using RAF Benevolent Fund View our Menu at families – the perfect solution for money, as well as help with your www.villagepizzas.co.uk Tel: those struggling to realise a well- application to us if your need is Tue - Sat 6pm till the 01536 526667 deserved break. more substantial. phone stops ringing! RAF Benevolent Fund mascot Ben the Elephant at Email: RAF Wittering’s Families’ Day this year. 01780 784587 [email protected]
32 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 We bake a selection of delicious breads, savouries, cakes & desserts.
Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients we develop the real taste of our products.
Full of flavour with no preservatives or enhancers.
Shops: Exton Bakery, Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford, Oundle & West Bridgford
www.hambletonbakery.co.uk REGULARS tea break time TEA BREAK TIME
Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs? Answers at Spot The Difference the bottom of page 35. Winter A Musical Christmas 1. In medieval times a carol was 6. Christina Rossetti wrote the a round dance with music. poem ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ in Wordsearch 1872, and Gustav Holst set it to 2. One of the earliest known music in 1906. Which of the listed gifts that in 12 Days of Christmas songs dates from Christmas style my true love gave to me, 129AD, when a Roman Bishop 7. ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ is the only decreed that a song called song to have been a Christmas cannot be found within the grid? ‘Angel’s Hymn’ be sung at a number 1 for two different Christmas service in Rome. artists; Harry Belafonte in 1957 and Boney M in 1978. S N H E R I G V O D 3. It wasn’t until St Francis of D G E E M M E L M I Assisi introduced his Nativity 8. The Beatles are the only act plays in 1223 that Christmas to have had four Christmas O O N W A D R U S S carols were written or sung in a number ones, and in 1963 and language other than Latin. 1967 they held both the number V U D I R M M D W W 1 and number 2 spots on the 4. The characteristic sound of Christmas charts. In 1984 George E G D I R T R A P A the traditional Christmas carol Michael repeated this feat with is due to them being based on Band Aid and Wham! S S E R U O N L I G medieval chord patterns. 9. The Pogues ’ ‘Fairytale of P W R E L S M I P L 5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ New York’ is the most played was written specifically as a Christmas song of the 21st I A A R S N V E E G Christmas Day hymn. More than century. On its release in 1987 100 years later music from Felix it was kept from the number P L A D I E S O R I Mendelssohn’s ‘Festgesang’ was 1 spot by The Pet Shop Boys’ adapted to fit the lyrics, despite ‘Always on My Mind’. S M W R O H E N S S Mendelssohn having stipulated that the music was never to be It’s a little bit funny… Partridge Rings Maids Pipers used for religious purposes. Knock, knock. Doves Geese Ladies Drummers Hens Swans Lords
34 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017 Advent Calendar Crafted by Marissa Russell
You will need: 12 sheets 12x12 Christmas paper Paper trimmer and/or scissors, pencil and ruler 24 toilet roll tubes Tissue paper Blank circular stickers and gold pen or number stickers Good quality double-sided tape/PVA glue and sticky tape Treats
4. If using blank stickers, label up the numbers 1 to 24. Stick the numbers on to the tubes.
Instructions: 5. Cut the Christmas paper so 1. Cut 48 squares of the tissue paper that it covers a tube and leave a (9cm x 9cm), and tape half of the bit of overlap. pieces so that the 24 tubes each have one end covered. 6. Cut and stick one strip of double-sided tape to the short 2. Fill the tubes with the treats. You end of the plain side of the can be healthier by using small toys, papers. If you prefer or both. 2 LUXURY STATIC HOLIDAY CARAVANS FOR HIRE
you can use PVA GOLDENSANDS HOLIDAY PARK glue for this step. Roll the papers around the tubes. MABLETHORPE 3. Repeat The Caravans are Step 1 so that 7. Mix the tubes, sort them comfortable, clean and both ends of into a tree shape, and spacious. Central and electric the tubes are stick together using either heating throughout, with a covered. double-sided tape or fully equipped kitchen area. PVA glue. Bermuda 8 Berth Both have extra wide showers, with separate toilets. The large lounges Tea Break have comfortable seating a TV, DVD and CD player,
Time Answers with a second TV in the
Drummers Wordsearch Answer: Answer: Wordsearch double bedroom.
Both are situated together S N H E R I G V O D with a large grass area D G E E M M E L M I 3 Nights Fri - Mon at the front with outdoor O O N W A D R U S S tables and chairs. V U D I R M M D W W 4 Nights Mon - Fri E G D I R T R A P A 7 Nights Fri - Fri The caravans are available S S E R U O N L I G for hire from 10th March P W R E L S M I P L to 20th November I A A R S N V E E G P L A D I E S O R I Booking MUST be made through eastuk-holidays.com S M W R O H E N S S Look for - Bermuda 8 Berth or Richmond 8 Berth
WINTER 2017 WITTERING VIEW 35 Regulars Recipes It might be cold, dark and miserable outside but these two dishes will brighten up anyone’s day.
Name: Christina Coates Farmhouse Sultana Cake Role: Station Graphics Officer. Photo: Christina Coates (left) with younger sister Elisabeth.
Cake Ingredients: heavy bottomed pan and heat 6oz Margarine until the margarine is melted 8oz Granulated Sugar and the sugar dissolved. Leave 4oz Currants to go cold. 8oz Sultanas 2. Sift the flour, spice and salt In the Seat 2oz Mixed Peel into a large bowl and add the 1. What part of your job gives 9. How would you change 8floz Water cold fruit mixture stir and add you the most satisfaction? the MOD? 1 level tsp of Bicarbonate the beaten eggs. The ability to help make peoples I would try to improve the of Soda 3. Pour into the cake tin and ideas come to life. way in which the organisation 5oz Self Raising Flour bake at 170 degrees C in communicates and endeavour to 5oz Plain Flour the centre of the oven for 2. And the least? make things less complicated. 1 tsp mixed spice 60-90 minutes. Using foam board. Pinch salt 4. You may need to cover the 10. What food would you 2 large eggs (beaten) cake with foil towards the end 3. What is the best advice you choose for your last supper? to stop the top catching. have ever received? A good old fish fingers sandwich Equipment: 5. Leave to cool in the tin. There is always a solution to the made with a proper crusty 10 x 8 lined greased cake tin Delicious cut into slices problem it may not always be bread roll. and served buttered. This straight forward but you can always Method: cake lasts well and is ideal solve it. 11. Who do you most admire in 1. Put the margarine, sugar, for winter outings or cosy the world? fruit, peel, water and bicarb in a fireside moments. 4. Describe yourself in Honestly – just people that crack six words? on with life even when it gets Creative, loyal, workaholic, fun, you down. Spiced Parsnip Soup colourful and organised. 12. Name four people you 5. What career would you have would like as a dinner guest – followed if you had not pursued and why? your current profession? Alexander McQueen, Andy Warhol, I would love to be a lecturer at a Steve Jobs and Carl Pilkington – university or be doing my PhD. because it would be an interesting and incredibly funny evening. 6. Is there one piece of criticism Ingredients: 2. Add the parsnip chunks and that sticks in your mind? 13. What one piece of music 4 large parsnips peeled and cut stock and bring to boil, turn I was once told that I talked too would you like played at into chunks down heat and simmer for much. However, I would rather talk your funeral? 1 large onion finely sliced approximately 20 minutes or than be quiet. It’s not a classic funeral song but I’d 1 litre vegetable or chicken until parsnip is soft. like to have ‘Meet Me There’ by Nick stock (made from a stock cube 3. Take pan off heat and blitz 7. What would be your first act Mulvey. It is one of my favourites. is fine) in a food processor adding as world leader? 1 tsp curry powder salt, pepper and more spices I would definitely change the 14. How would you like to ½ tsp garam masala to taste, if the soup is too dictionary so that words are spelt be remembered? 1 tsp vegetable oil thick add a little boiling water the way they should be. Just simply as helpful. Single cream (optional) to slacken. 4. Serve with a swirl of cream if 8. Name your desert For help publicising Station Method: you want or as it is to keep the island essentials? events, activities and groups, 1. Take a large heavy bottomed calories down. My camera and printing equipment please send details to the saucepan and heat up the so that I can capture my time away Wittering Media Hub: WIT- oil and slowly fry the sliced on the desert island. [email protected] Tip: Use butternut squash onion until it is soft and slightly instead of parsnip for an coloured, add the spices and alternative version. fry for a further minute on a low heat.
36 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2017
Anna Couture Boutique This Unique Boutique in the heart of Stamford offers the latest stylish and glamorous special occasion, evening, prom and day wear, with on-trend accessories ranging from hats, fascinators, shoes, bags and jewellery. In this glamorous and relaxing little boutique, you can have your gown designed and made especially for you, in your chosen fabrics, by Anna, an established costume and bridal designer. With the in-house design studio, you get to see your gown made on site or simply pop in for alterations to your already purchased gown. Or choose from the ready-to-wear collections; hand picked from London fashion houses, including luxury labels Forever Unique, Hybrid and Goddiva. From Sequins and sparkles to elegant chic silhouettes perfect for parties, balls and proms.
Visit the bridal salon where vintage and theatrical meets classic British designer gowns including Ronald Joyce.
Or with your own design ideas, Anna will create a bespoke bridal gown for you, in beautiful fabrics, original embroidery and bead work. Specializing in made to measure corsets and historical costume for something truly original. Also offering bespoke outfits for bridesmaids and bridal party; as well as handmade shirts, ties and cravats for the groom and groomsmen.
There are luxurious and complimentary bridal accessories. Pick your shoes from The Perfect Bridal Company, Rainbow and Irregular Choice collections. The very best silk tulle is used on handmade veils. Sumptuous honeymoon lingerie and garters are vintage inspired. Elegant jewellery and hair accessories finish your look.
All clothing repairs and alterations undertaken.