Issue 1 2020 £Free The official publication of Royal Air

ISSUE 1 2020 MARHAM MATTERS 1www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Issue 1 2020 £Free

www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

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

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4 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 1 2020 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

marham matters

EDITOR: Diane WilsonExt: 6739Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAgE:www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

DESIgnER: Laura LangEmail: laura@ lanceprint.co.uk

SALES MAnAgER: Jayne BaileyTel: (01536) 334219Email: jayne@

lanceprint.co.uk

PRInTER: Lance Print LtdTel: (01733) 390564

COVER IMAgE: photographer is Sgt Malthouse

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2020, unless otherwise stated.

STOCkISTS: The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, All other RAF bases.

12

33

REguLARS

Station Commander's Foreword

........................................................... 05

Community Support

............................................................ 24

Heavens Above

............................................................ 28

nEWS

Jack Savage Memorial Bench

............................................................ 08

Veurne

............................................................. 09

Cherry Tree Academy

............................................................ 09

Keeping Safe Online

............................................................ 10

207 SqN

............................................................ 12

CAS visit

............................................................ 13

Amateur Photography

Competition

............................................................. 17

Base Support Group

............................................................. 18

Central Fund

............................................................ 18

617 SqN Dambusters

............................................................ 20

SERE training in Norway

............................................................ 21

2019 Awards

............................................................ 22

Ice Hockey

............................................................ 32

Airplay

............................................................ 33

Marham Flyers New

Years Eve 10k run

............................................................ 33

Give Nature a Home

............................................................ 36


marham matters

Station Commander’s Foreword

From the EditorHello and welcome to the first edition of Marham Matters for 2020!

This year is set to be another busy year for RAF Marham, by the time this edition has been printed Her Majesty the queen will have visited the Station and we will have appeared on BBC Two’s Top Gear. If you haven’t seen Top Gear yet you will be able to catch up on BBC iPlayer, it is episode 2 of Series 28. We’ll have some behind the scenes images for you in Issue 2.

Community Support have planned many of their events

for the year, you can find a list of them on page 30, add them to your calendar. The Chaplaincy Centre are now advertising their events in Marham Matters, I can confirm that they make a great cuppa and I hear the bacon rolls at Home Alone must not be missed!

Thank you to all for the articles we have received, if you would like to submit an article for Issue 2 please email it to me by no later than 13th March.

Diane

As we start a new year it seems fitting to reflect on RAF Marham’s achievements in 2019. The successes that RAF Marham achieved throughout the last 12 months are impossible without the contributions of the people here on Station including Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants, highly-specialised civilian contractors, our dependants and the local community.On the 31st January 2019, the Tornado Force flew its last operational sortie. For many, it was a bittersweet moment, as it poignantly marked the end of 37 years of distinguished service, of which 29 years were spent on continuous operations spanning the Globe. The aircraft flew its last operational sortie in Syria, having been part of a broader coalition effort that delivered a palpable reduction to the threat of Daesh. It was an appropriate finale for the Force, its people and the sterling contribution they made to Defence.As one capability passed, another arrived in the form of F-35B Lightning and we saw 617 Squadron rapidly grow. It conducted its first ever operational deployment to Syria and the major milestone of being the first Royal Air Force squadron to operate from a sovereign aircraft carrier in nearly a decade. Meanwhile 207 Squadron successfully returned from the USA, and through impressive work undertaken throughout the year, were ready to send the student pilots on their first live sorties without the

aid of a two-seat training aircraft. Meanwhile, it would be remiss of me to not highlight the critical contribution that the Whole Force made across RAF Marham, whether to increase station effectiveness or though community support and outreach opportunities. These included the development of our personnel focussing on a new generation of warfare, building resilience into our daily business, and the promotion of our STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives.At the end of such an outstanding year, I am left with a feeling of incredible pride to be part of a Station that has achieved so much. At the heart of it all are people who have displayed immense professionalism, self-sacrifice and sheer commitment to succeed.I am certain that we will conquer the challenges of 2020 with the same fervour. Jim

08

Deadline for Next Issue: 13th MarchPlease submit all entries for the next issue by the date stated above

Fresh cockles arriving mid JuneFresh cockles now availableOrders now being taken for Christmas


marham matters

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marham matters

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marham matters

Villagers from Marham turned out in the rain to see the presentation of a

new bench from RAF Marham Station Commander, Group Captain Beck and

Officer Commanding 617 Squadron Wing Commander Butcher.

Jack SavageMemorial Bench

The bench replaces the original one that was presented by RAF Marham in 1991 in memory of Jack Savage and recognition of his contribution to the village and RAF Marham. Jack Savage lived in Marham Village and served on the Parish Council for over 30 years with most of his time as the Chairman. He ran the village dairy which supplied milk to RAF Marham and it was through this that he fostered ties with the base building a friendship that has remained over the years. Jack unfortunately died in 1990 but members of his family still live in the village today and his daughters Pauline Sutton and Vivian Freeman accepted the bench on behalf of the village. The bench was made by personnel from Station Workshops at RAF Marham

and depicts an aircraft wing and tail which symbolises the close relationship between RAF Marham and Marham Village. The original plaque has been incorporated into the new bench. Group Captain Beck said, “It was an honour to present a replacement bench to the people of Marham Village today to commemorate Mr Jack Savage. Although I never met Jack personally I know that he was a truly remarkable individual who really cemented the relationship between RAF Marham and Marham Village and his legacy continues today.

The residents of Marham Village aren’t just our neighbours down the hill, they are our friends whose support we appreciate and truly rely on”.

REMEMBRANCE


marham matters

Veurne

Sunday 10 November 2019 was a bright sunny autumnal day in which Sqn Ldr

Needham represented RAF Marham at a series of Remembrance events in and around the beautiful historic town of Veurne, Belgium.

Accompanied by representatives from the French and Belgian military she attended the service at Eggewaartskapelle church and was invited to read the names of the RAF Marham aircrew who died in crashes in the vicinity of Veurne during the Second World War. The service was followed by the laying of wreaths at the graves of the crew of a Lancaster aircraft that crashed in 1944, which were behind the church. At the British cemetery in Veurne, she read ‘For the Fallen’ and wreathes were laid at this location and at the French cemetery. The weather took a turn for

the worse the following day, 11 November 2019, and in the pouring rain she participated in the Poppy Parade through Ypres which culminated at the Menin Gate. Fortunately, she found herself inside the Gate for the duration of the service and wreath laying. RAF Marham personnel have attended the Veurne Remembrance events for over 20 years, and it was Sqn Ldr Needham’s privilege to representative the Station on this occasion. Throughout she received the warm hospitality of her host, Jose Clauw, and his family.

Cherry Tree Academy Marham have a special link with Armed Forces with over

85% of children belonging to a Service Family.

Cherry Tree Academy

The children, staff, and dog, at Cherry Tree Academy showed their respects for the fallen today at a short and special service at the cemetery in Marham Village.

The Academy Councils from both Infant and Junior Academies laid wreaths. Deputy Head Boy Harry Delehedy and Deputy Head Girl Charlie Dunton wrote a unique poem.

Whilst Alice Hornsby led the choir and academy in a beautiful adaptation of 'The Call' by Regina Spektor.

Summer Clifford Head Girl said, 'It was very special how everyone came together to share this moment'

Jayden Jejna Head Boy said, 'It was amazing how quiet and respectful everyone was'


marham matters NEWS

keeping you, your family and the RAF safe online

Since May, the RAF has been running an awareness programme – Get Safe Online with

the RAF - to help you protect yourself, your loved ones, your finances and devices while using

the internet. We urge you to have a look at the monthly campaigns, attend any events that may

happen and encourage colleagues to do the same.

In general, levels of crime against people and property in the UK have stayed more or less consistent over the last few years, with a few notable exceptions. One group of crimes that has increased drastically are those committed or assisted online … that’s whether it’s fraud, identity theft or various types of abuse that have all become all too common these days. You always seem to read about them in the news, you might have family, friends or colleagues who have been victims, or you may even have been affected yourself. The internet, digital platforms, our mobile devices and many other technological developments have completely changed the way we work, play, relax, communicate, buy or sell, get our news and enjoy our entertainment. We can have video calls with loved ones while away on deployment, and even share our workout routines with fellow fitness fans.However, it seems that there’s some kind of risk attached to everything we do online. You can lock your property and leave the lights on when you go out for the evening, tell your kids not to talk to strangers in the park and not to leave handbags or wallets on view when you park your car. But how do you recognise and guard against online threats?

Everybody – of whatever age, walk of life or gender – can be affected. But for RAF personnel and families, there are additional risks …not only to your own safety and security but potentially that of your unit, the Air Force and national security.

Having your physical location tracked – or being blackmailed for information by a nation state player posing as an online date – sound like the stuff of spy movies, but they’re real threats. Alongside scam emails and revealing too much info on Facebook. Get Safe Online with the RAF is a programme managed by 591 Signals Unit (SU) and Get Safe Online, which 591SU has chosen as the most comprehensive resource for on online safety and security. Every month, you’ll find a new topic at www.getsafeonline.org/raf. So far, we’ve covered everything from protecting your family online to observing rules in the workplace, fitness apps to deployments. You can check out the advice and download a leaflet to share with your family. 591SU has also provided posters for display in public areas. And depending on where you’re based, you may get a visit from a Get Safe Online expert, talking about the most common problems you might encounter when using the internet. Having established that online crime is on the rise, that everybody is vulnerable but also that RAF personnel and families face additional risks – we can’t over-emphasise the importance of knowing the risks and how to handle them. So please get on board with this great programme, and continue to enjoy using the internet, whateveryou use it for.

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marham matters

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marham matters 207 SqUADRON

207 SqnOperating now from our bespoke facility here on the south side of RAF Marham,

207 Squadron has continued its momentum from 2019 right into 2020!

Prior to the Christmas break, a number of 207 Squadron’s qualified Flying Instructors took the long drive to BAE Systems facility at Warton in Lancashire to undergo Carrier qualification and Landing Signals Officer (LSO) training. Using BAE Systems state-of-the-art full motion simulator as well as the mock-up of HMS queen Elizabeth’s flying control tower (complete with virtual windows and displays), the team were able to get as realistic training as you could possibly get before heading to the boat itself in late January. Working long days doing up to 8 simulator sorties per day was more than worth the effort and, following the trial, we are now looking to make it a mandatory part of F-35 student pilot training before they carry out their qualification at the carrier. The first half of January saw the Squadron’s efforts put into preparing personnel and aircraft for the Carrier qualification period whilst also continuing with student pilot training. The opportunity was taken to work with 10 Sqn, who fly the Voyager air tanker, and teach the students the art of Air-Air Refuelling.

This task is absolutely vital for fighter aircraft often required to penetrate deep into enemy territory and get out again.

Given their small, yet nimble, size fuel is normally at a premium with airborne refuelling frequently a mandatory requirement to successfully complete the mission. Over a period of a week, 207 Squadron completed the first course’s introduction to Air-Air Refuelling with night refuelling soon to follow!

Late January and early February will see 207 Squadron operate from HMS queen Elizabeth for the first time as we qualify the instructors and LSOs. This will then enable us to instruct future training courses. Post the carrier qualification period we hope to start flying our second course of pilots as 207 Squadron continues to grow and deliver fully qualified F-35B pilots to the Front Line.

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marham matters

Chief of the Air Staff and Japanese Air Self Defense Force Chief of Staff visit

Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston, visited RAF Marham on 14th January with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force Chief of Staff, General Marumo.

Having visited Her Majesty's Ship queen Elizabeth the day before this was an opportunity for the guests to be briefed on the Lightning Force activity at RAF Marham, and, in particular the sea trials that saw the UK F-35 aircraft embark on the carrier for the first time.

After the briefs Air Chief Marshal Wigston and General Marumo visited the new state of the art Integrated Training Centre where the pilots and engineers are trained on the F-35B Lightning. They observed a lesson taking place in the Outer Mould Line Laboratory where students

were learning the complex task of removing, replacing and repairing the special materials that give the aircraft its stealth properties.

Station Commander, Group Captain Beck said “Today’s visit by Chief of the Air Staff and the Japanese Air Self Defense Force Chief of Staff was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Lightning Force here at RAF Marham and the facilities that have been built to support the 5th Generation aircraft and its personnel. It was also an opportunity to develop our mutual interests around F-35.”

CAS VISIT


marham matters

Home Alone group promotes Forces Families JobsRAF Marham’s Home Alone group welcomed Mrs Katie Wigston and the RAF Families Federation to one of their coffee mornings in November to promote the new tri-Service website, Forces Families Jobs (FFJs). A free website which has been developed for all military families to use for seeking forces friendly employment, training and volunteering opportunities. FFJs, which went live in September 2019 was launched by all three Families Federations having been developed as a result of recommendations from a LIBOR funded research report, produced by the Warwick Institute for Employment Research. The key outcome being to produce an online platform for all employment and training related opportunities for military families – and to be made available, in one place. Katie Wigston is the wife of current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief

Marshal Mike Wigston and keen to help promote this initiative:“I talk to you as a wife who has also lived at RAF Marham on two different postings; the second being as a mother myself. I remember standing in this same room with my two children running in different directions and I appreciate what a lifeline these mornings are for bringing everyone together. It’s great to be back here talking with you all. “We want to add another piece of support to the jigsaw and that’s through sharing with you about Forces Families Jobs. It is a website that puts you potentially a few clicks away from finding a new job or training course. Its pure existence is there to offer job opportunities by employers who particularly welcome

Forces families. Currently there are some 130 job vacancies in the RAF Marham area alone, as

well as access to many training courses available; many of which are completely free of charge.” Some at the event were searching and signing up for courses during the morning itself and also sharing the website wider across the station’s community through their social media posts. Home AloneHome Alone coffee mornings are led by RAF spouses, Jo Francis and Rebecca Bartholomew who have been running the Friday morning group between them for over 15 years as volunteers. They have hardly ever missed a week between them at the Chaplaincy Centre. All partners are welcome between 9.30 – 11.30 am. Rebecca added: “Some weeks we have four or five partners come

along - other times we’ll see 25! We see partners from all three Services here at the Station. We’re told that many see it as a place they can come to for company, support and just getting out of the house; particularly if they have young babies or children. It’s a relaxed environment where everyone can catch up, have a bite to eat and a cuppa.” FFJs is open to all military partners and children who are aged between 18-25 years of age. It is also available for Service personnel who are transitioning out of the Armed Forces within their first year.www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk Forces Families Jobs is a tri-service platform, built collaboratively by:

A helping hand through your workplace injury claim-Neil John, Partner, Civil Litigation

If you are injured at work, your injury is only one of the things you have to worry about. You may be concerned about being disloyal to your employer and may even be anxious about speaking to a solicitor because you are worried that once you do, you will be pressured into making a claim.

Even if you aren’t sure about whether you will pursue a claim, there are certain things you can do after an injury which will make your life easier in case you decide to make a claim later.Straight after your injury, you should contact the first aider at your workplace for immediate treatment and you should also visit a doctor or hospital if necessary. Getting treatment for your injury should always be your primary concern.

You should report the injury to your colleagues and manager so that any potential hazards can be made safe but also so that there is a record that the

injury took place. As part of this process you should make sure that the incident is recorded in your workplace’s accidents book.

If your employer won’t record your injury, you should make a written request. Having a copy of this in your personal email account’s sent items will be evidence that you have tried to report the accident.

We recommend that you keep records of how your injury has affected you. This should include photographs of your injuries as well as a diary of pain and any symptoms stemming from your injury. Keeping track of any expenses and losses caused by your injury is very helpful if you decide to pursue a claim. This can include loss of earnings, costs of care and much more.

You should also be aware that you are only able to make a claim within three years of the accident or within three years of your realisation that your injury is associated with your workplace. The latter is useful in the case of exposure to toxic substances which may not have immediately apparent effects.

If you decide to make a claim, it can give you peace of mind to know someone with experience is on your side. Neil John, the personal injury specialist at Fraser Dawbarns, has over 20 years experience

handling claims ranging from an abattoir worker injured when half a pig carcass fell on them to injuries resulting from workplace assaults. The 2019 edition of the Legal 500 said that Neil “responded quickly and was comprehensive in his explanations when outlining his suggested course of action. He listened!”

Our first appointment for personal injury claims is free and we also offer a no win, no fee agreement if we assess that your claim has a reasonable chance of success but we will not pressure you to proceed.

Whether your injury at work is due to faulty machinery, unsafe practices or other people’s actions call Fraser Dawbarns on 01945 461456 today and ask for Neil who can start helping you with your workplace injury claim.

If your matter is urgent or you would like more information, please contact us today

[email protected] 01553 666600 www.fraserdawbarn.com

FORCES FAMILY JOBS


marham matters

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If you are going through a relationship breakdown, if you have suffered an injury or if you’re involved in a legal dispute, we can help. Fraser Dawbarns, a Legal 500 Leading Firm, are at the Hive on the second

Wednesday of every month, between 9am and 12pm, advising on a wide range of legal issues.

Call the Hive on 01760 337261 ext. 7425 to arrange 30 minutes of free legal adviceSpaces are limited, so call to arrange an appointment today

If your matter is urgent or you would like more information, please contact us today

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marham matters

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marham matters

RAF MarhamAmateur Photography Monthly Competition

Each month we welcome entries to an amateur photography competition. The photographs can be anything relating to Marham, and must be taken within the applicable month.

Winners of the competition have their photographs featured on Social Media and within Marham Matters.

If you would like to enter the competition please send your entries to [email protected] Entries close on the 5th of each month for the preceeding month, e.g. February entries will close on 5th March. Here are the winners from the last few months: OCTOBER First Place Paul Easton Image A

Second Place Tom Whitworth Image B

Third Place Paul Easton Image C

nOVEMBER First Place Paul Easton Image D

Second Place Craig Jones Image E

Third Place grayimages.co.uk Image F

DECEMBER First Place Mark Ranger Image G

Second Place Paul Easton Image H

Image D

Image H Image G

Image E

Image F

Image B

Image A

Image C

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION


marham matters

MArhAM BASe SuPPorT GrouP

Word is spreading across Station that there is part-time RAF Reserve support available to assist sections with manning gaps, surge requirements and short-term project work… this resource is the Marham Base Support Group (BSG).

The aim of the BSG is to employ local ex-Serving personnel on Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve (VeRR) terms of service for up to a maximum of 90 working days/year. These individuals, by nature of their previous service, have the knowledge, skills and experience that make them an attractive form of manpower to help contribute

to identified Station work requirements.

Following a successful two-year trial, the BSG concept is now active across the RAF in the UK and managed by nine centrally funded Regional Hubs. Marham BSG forms part of the East Anglia Regional Hub at RAF Honington and, as a team, we are actively recruiting against an increasing number of support requests.

As of January 2020, RAF Marham has 22 BSG personnel back in uniform, working part-time to support the station in a variety of roles:

“I had retired from the RAF but missed the ethos and banter. The BSG has been a great way to stay connected and feel valued”

BSG

Wg Cdr Project LEAP WO F-35 Mission Support

Sqn Ldr PMS Welfare Support WO BSG Admin Co-Ord

Flt Lt BSG Liaison Officer WO Duty Ops Officer Marham

Flt Lt STEM Co-ordinator FS FS Support 2620 Sqn

Flt Lt A3 SEMSCo CT quality Assurance Auditor

Flt Lt ATC Controller Sgt Estate Management SNCO

Flt Lt ATC SyntheticTraining Developer

Sgt Estate Management SNCO

The scheme is open to individuals who have been out of Service for less than 15 years and are under the age of 65. BSG employees are not required to deploy, complete MOD1, the RAF Fitness Test or receive an annual appraisal. Entry rank will be equivalent to exit rank and pay is claimed at a daily rate.For more information about joining the Marham BSG or to submit a Reserve Service Request (RSR) for a BSG Pers to work in

your section, please contact the Marham BSG Liaison Officer:

Fg Off Sarah Williams: [email protected] Tel: RAF Marham (01760 337261) Ext 7101. Or contact the BSG Regional Hub at: [email protected] Tel: RAF Honington (01359 237291) or 95991 Ext 7291

Central Fund visit RAF Marham

The CEO of the Central Fund/Sports Lottery, Ross Perriam, and the Grants Officer,

Claire Bunten, visited RAF Marham in the autumn to encourage individuals and teams

to apply for funding, to support service personnel to get active.

They then visited the very successful Kart Club who had received funding earlier in the year, a process nicknamed ‘Gougs Law’ after Cpl McGougan , influenced the simplification of how people can now apply for grants. A very productive and informative day for everyone involved. The RAF Central Fund prides itself on helping RAF personnel to access sporting opportunities and physical activities at all levels. As more people become aware of what we do and the benefits to their personal health and wellbeing, so our ambition to increase the number of serving personnel participating in some form of physical activity is realised. We are incredibly grateful for any support you

can give us, from registering to play the Sports Lottery which is no longer available on JPA (or increasing your number of tickets if you already play) to fundraising for our charity through your own sporting events and challenges.

If you have an event coming up and are considering a charity to fundraise for them please do get in touch by emailing [email protected], we would love to hear from you.

Please discuss all charitable funding applications with the Community Development Officer (CDO); [email protected] to ensure your project appears on the Station Needs Analysis, used by charities to allocate funds.


marham matters


marham matters 617 SqN DAMBUSTERS

DAMBuSTERS

The start of a new decade is upon us and it really feels like a fresh start for 617 Sqn.

The last 18 months have been spent establishing the F-35 in the UK, laying the ground-work and preparing for Initial Operating Capability. At the start of December, we divorced our buildings, aircraft and personnel from 207 Sqn and for the first time began operating as an independent Squadron in our new purpose-built infrastructure on the south side of the airfield. Focus throughout the run up to Christmas was on prep for the impending deployment to the world-famous Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Our engineers have done a fantastic job readying the aircraft for the trail flight across the Atlantic in January, and mission support flight have been hard at work ensuring everything will be in place for the Squadron to be able to plan, brief and debrief at Nellis. Meanwhile the pilots of been put through their paces in

the air and in the simulators, rehearsing the high-end missions we expect to be flying on Red Flag. We also had a week down at the “Cutlass” simulator facility in Bristol, which is unique in its ability to allow F-35 pilots to fly

alongside Typhoon pilots against real aggressor pilots from 100 Sqn. Normally our simulators at Marham, Coningsby and Lossiemouth are not connected to other simulators and the hostile aircraft are controlled

by a computer console, so the added training benefit of having a human in the loop and being able to rehearse together is undeniable. We also had pilots from 41 Squadron at the event in “CUTLASS”; they will also by flying in Exercise Red Flag with us so it was a great opportunity to train alongside another UK combat air Squadron prior to the Exercise. Being down in Bristol also presented the modern day Dambusters the opportunity to meet up with the last surviving member of the 1943 Dams raid. Sqn Ldr George “Johnny” Johnson was the bomb aimer in Lancaster AJ-T (T for Tommy) which was tasked to attack the Sorpe earthen dam. Unlike the other Dams, the Sorpe’s earth mound structure precluded a front on attack with the Upkeep “bouncing-bomb” and instead required the Lancaster to fly at extremely low level parallel

617 Sqn


marham matters

to the Dam wall and drop in the centre. Johnny successfully achieved a release after 10 passes of the Dam, owing to the extreme difficulty of lining up the run with the surrounding terrain and the cover of darkness! As I write this in early January already a significant number of our engineers and support personnel, not to mention numerous people from other departments and contractors from around Marham, are already on their way to Nellis AFB and MCAS Beaufort. The advance party is positioning at Beaufort in preparation for the arrival of our aircraft from the first leg of the trail. Everyone on the Squadron is extremely excited about the prospect of operating alongside our closest allies in the Nevada desert, as well as enjoying the delights of Las Vegas in the down time. Shortly before the well-earned Christmas break the Squadron also hosted its second Christmas Party since returning from

Beaufort. It was an excellent evening and opportunity to get all members of the Squadron together along with partners to wind down before Christmas. Thanks go out to AET Todd and AB Buchanan for the organisation. We also had the excitement of OC 617 flying BK14 from the aircraft carrier whilst the ship was alongside in Portsmouth harbour. An occurrence that is unique given that normally the aircraft carrier needs to be at sea with a strong headwind over the deck to aid take-off and in addition the noise of an F-35 taking off in central Portsmouth will probably have made it a one-off opportunity! By the time you read this we should be back at Marham and looking ahead to a fantastic year of more progress in the F-35 world and the first time 617 Sqn flies onto HMS qUEEN ELIZABETH, shortly before declaring initial maritime operating capability at the end of the year.

Hux

Sere TrAininG in norwAy

In June the Royal Norwegian Air Force requested assistance from NATO partners to aid with their post seat ejection and survival

training for F-35.

Between mid-June and mid-July, a number of their aircrew flew over to take part in the UK’s F-35 survival training package. Suitably impressed they then requested for the RAF Marham Survive Evade Resist Extract (SERE) training team to go to Norway and complete this training for the remainder of their pilots.

25 days later the RAF Marham SERE training team were on their way to the euro tunnel, with all the equipment needed, before heading across France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and finally arriving in Orland in Norway to deliver the training package. Once at Orland Air Base they delivered training to 24 pilots which started with a synthetic parachute brief for the F-35, moving onto a dry training brief. The training included elements of the equipment used

to save their lives if they were to eject from the aircraft. The SERE team also discussed rescue methods and how to use the equipment provided to survive.

After this brief they conducted a pool drill where the aircrew were despatched into the pool and had to use their life rafts in various simulated scenarios to replicate what could happen at sea. The team worked to an extremely high standard to achieve this high quality of training and The Norwegian Air Force were extremely impressed with the training delivered. They commented saying it was the best survival training they had ever had and that the training we provided would be the difference between life or death.This was an extremely satisfying detachment to help a F-35 and NATO partner out.

SERE TRAINING IN NORWAY


marham matters AWARDS

The event took place in the Lightning Integrated Training Centre, home to F-35 training for engineers, mission support personnel and pilots. The facility represents the synergy between the RAF and its industry partners and made the perfect venue for this prestigious affair. Over 130 guests from across the RAF, UK Defence, international allies and supporting industry partners gathered to recognise the Group’s astonishing achievements made throughout 2019. The evening was compered by Bally, one of the stars of ITV’s Fighter Pilot: The Real Top Gun, who announced awards ranging from the Award for Staff Excellence to the Jon Egging Force Development Award. The ISTAR Force scooped a total of six awards, whilst the Lighting Force received four awards and the Typhoon force, three. Winner of the Staff Excellence Award was Flt Lt A Tickle of RAF Lossiemouth for her development and management of the RAF Lossiemouth Change Programme. Mr Jones, a BAE Engineer at RAF Marham took the Whole Force Award for his work training students on the unique characteristics of F-35. The Vorderman Award, for greatest contribution to Air Cadets, was presented to Flt Lt Hodgkinson and Flt Lt Pargeter for the development of an unrivalled and highly successful Air Training Corps Summer Camp programme for 200 cadets at RAF Leeming. The full list of the evenings awards, sponsors and recipients are to the right:

Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, AVM Harv

Smyth hosted the 1 Group Annual Awards Dinner on 14

November at RAF Marham

AwARd FoR SPonSoR ReciPienT

Staff Excellence Lockheed Martin For the individual or organisation who has made the greatest staff contribution

Flt Lt A Tickle

Air Land Integration Leonardo (formally Selex ES)

For the individual or unit who has done most to enhance Air Land Integration

REAPER Force

Air Maritime Integration

Thales For the individual or unit who has done most to enhance Air Maritime Integration

Flt Lt G Drummond

Jon Egging Force Development

Cobham For the individual or unit who has provided the greatest contribution to Force Development

Physical Education Flight, RAF Coningsby

Operational Innovation

UTC Aerospace Systems For the individual or unit who has provided the most notable innovation to Air Power

JADTEU

Engineering Excellence

Rolls Royce For the individual or unit who has made the most telling contribution to furthering engineering excellence within the Group

Wg Cdr G Willmott

Operational Command

Fujitsu For the individual who has displayed the most notable effort in an operational command appointment

Gp Capt T Burke

Operational Performance

MBDA UK For the unit or individual who has displayed the most notable contribution to operations

Tornado Force

Main Operating Base Award For Excellence

BAE Systems For the Main Operating Base making the greatest all round contribution throughout the year

RAF Marham

The Dowding Award

Northrup Grumman For the station, unit or individual who has provided the greatest contribution to the development of the conceptual component, in the context of Air Power, within No. 1 Gp

The Air Warfare Centre – Conceptual Element

The Whole Force Award

Raytheon For the Individual or organisation that has done the most to enhance the Whole Force capability within No 1 Gp

Mr Jones, Integrated Training Centre

The Air Safety Award

qinetiq For the individual, team, unit or organisation who has made the most significant contribution to improving Air Safety within No 1 Gp

RAF Waddington Safety Centre

The People Award RAFA For the individual or organisation that has made the most significant contribution to welfare, community support or the enhancement of the morale component of the RAF Family

WO J Siddens

The Vorderman Award

Group Captain Carol Vorderman

For the individual or Stn deemed to have made the greatest contribution to the Air Cadets within the past year

Leeming Air Cadet Liaison Team - Flight Lieutenant Hodgkinson and Flight Lieutenant Pargeter

The Dacre Trophy For the best squadron within 1 Group

IX(B) Sqn & 31 Sqn

1 GROUP RECOGNISES THE STunninG

AChieVeMenTS oF 2019


marham matters

AwARd FoR SPonSoR ReciPienT

Staff Excellence Lockheed Martin For the individual or organisation who has made the greatest staff contribution

Flt Lt A Tickle

Air Land Integration Leonardo (formally Selex ES)

For the individual or unit who has done most to enhance Air Land Integration

REAPER Force

Air Maritime Integration

Thales For the individual or unit who has done most to enhance Air Maritime Integration

Flt Lt G Drummond

Jon Egging Force Development

Cobham For the individual or unit who has provided the greatest contribution to Force Development

Physical Education Flight, RAF Coningsby

Operational Innovation

UTC Aerospace Systems For the individual or unit who has provided the most notable innovation to Air Power

JADTEU

Engineering Excellence

Rolls Royce For the individual or unit who has made the most telling contribution to furthering engineering excellence within the Group

Wg Cdr G Willmott

Operational Command

Fujitsu For the individual who has displayed the most notable effort in an operational command appointment

Gp Capt T Burke

Operational Performance

MBDA UK For the unit or individual who has displayed the most notable contribution to operations

Tornado Force

Main Operating Base Award For Excellence

BAE Systems For the Main Operating Base making the greatest all round contribution throughout the year

RAF Marham

The Dowding Award

Northrup Grumman For the station, unit or individual who has provided the greatest contribution to the development of the conceptual component, in the context of Air Power, within No. 1 Gp

The Air Warfare Centre – Conceptual Element

The Whole Force Award

Raytheon For the Individual or organisation that has done the most to enhance the Whole Force capability within No 1 Gp

Mr Jones, Integrated Training Centre

The Air Safety Award

qinetiq For the individual, team, unit or organisation who has made the most significant contribution to improving Air Safety within No 1 Gp

RAF Waddington Safety Centre

The People Award RAFA For the individual or organisation that has made the most significant contribution to welfare, community support or the enhancement of the morale component of the RAF Family

WO J Siddens

The Vorderman Award

Group Captain Carol Vorderman

For the individual or Stn deemed to have made the greatest contribution to the Air Cadets within the past year

Leeming Air Cadet Liaison Team - Flight Lieutenant Hodgkinson and Flight Lieutenant Pargeter

The Dacre Trophy For the best squadron within 1 Group

IX(B) Sqn & 31 Sqn

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marham mattersMARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Anti-Bullying Week and Children in Need at Cherry Tree Academy

Enthusiasm and energy are never lacking at Cherry Tree Academy.

Proudly described by Executive Principal, Michaela Webb, as being caring and incredible, children the two academies do make the most of Learning, Living and Laughing, as their ethos promotes. Celebrating and promoting the messages of Anti-bullying and Children In Need this week the children (and staff) wore odd socks on Tuesday 12th November and Sports Kits covered in as many spots as possible on Friday 15th November.

Children and staff from both academies wiggled, jiggled, danced and had a huge amount of fun on Friday morning as they raised funds for these two most worthy causes. Miss Amber (Marham school of Performing Arts) choreographed a dance for 370 children and staff promoting the message of anti-bullying week. Staff took turns to lead different dances as everyone danced to a varied playlist of songs both old and new.

A fairytale ending to the year

In December children from RAF Marham took part in a Cinderella fairy tale photoshoot.

The photoshoot took place at Marham Hall Farm and featured India, aged 8, and Oliver, aged 7. They are in the same year at school and are real life boyfriend and girlfriend.

The Cinderella carriage, imported from the USA, was pulled by one of three Shetland ponies owned by SAC Perfect from Station Ops Flight.

honourS And AwArdS

Meritorious Service MedalWarrant Officer M Wilkinson dcom ops commendationFlight Lieutenant A J R Hawthorn Aoc 1 Gp commendationSquadron Leader D KupsSquadron Leader R Woods

Flight Sergeant K A NortonSergeant J M Collings Team commendationRoyal Air Force Marham Media and Communications Team

new Year’s Honours List

Ministry of Defence Sanctuary AwardsSustainability Project Award – Project Anvil, Royal Air Force Marham

Image by By tom

ertu at Shutterstock.com


marham mattersBUDDY THE ELF MARHAM MATTERS

Open to service personnel, MOD civilians &industry partners

For further information or to register your interest please contact:Mr Matt Hubbard (RAFBF Committee Member)

[email protected]

Buddy The elfIn December we had a special visitor, Buddy

the Elf from the North Pole.

He visited many different areas of the Station learning more about the roles we have here at RAF Marham, even finding himself in trouble with the Station Commander at one stage.You can look back at his adventures on our Facebook and Twitter pages.


marham matters

Want to change your career?Want to get back into education?

RETURN TO LEARNING27th MARCHFind out more at our event on

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marham matters

Find out how we help serving and former members of the RAF and their families.

Standing Side by Side with the RaF Family FoR oveR 100 yeaRS

FREE CALL0800169 2942rafbf.org/help

FinAnciAl AssistAnce wellbeing bReAks FAmily And RelAtionships

emotionAl wellbeing independent living tRAnsition

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’28 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 1 2020

MARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

AMEY SFAContact Details www.ameydefenceservices.co.ukTel: 0800 707 6000

Repairs Maintenance RequestsOption 1 (24/7, 365 days a year)

Allocations, Move Appointments, Furniture, Retention and Other Help with SFAOption 3 - Option 3 (Central region - Marham), Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 3pm

RAF Marham Amey Local Customer Service Centre3 Woodview Road, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NP (Monday 9am till 3pm & Tuesday to Friday 9am till 12 noon)

WELFARE SSAFA ADMIn SuPPORT &APPOInTMEnTSTeresa SmythTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578

WELFARE WORkERSCarol BullasTel: 01760 337261 Ext 6501Adele BerrymanTel: 01760 446378Helen LayfieldTel: 01760446199 Ext: 6199 Out of hours03000111723

SSAFA VOLunTEER CO-ORDInATOR Tel: 07984 908622

WO PMS WO AL Creeth Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231

PADRESTel: 01760 337261 Ext 755007876 395920

Charlie Houlder-MoatChaplaincy families worker (Methodist Forces Board)07773636607 or x7550

COMMUNITy COMMunITY SuPPORT - OCWO graham SparkTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136

or 95951 7491Email: graham.spark984@ mod.uk

COMMunITY SuPPORT ADVISORMaydie SmithTel: 01760446121 Ext: 6136Email: maydie.smith594 mod.gov.uk

MARHAM LODgES / COnTACT HOuSESZara MurfittTel: 01760446121 Ext: 6136or 95951 6136Email: [email protected]

STATIOn YOuTH WORkERIan SavageMobile: 07850 973228Email: [email protected]

COMMunITY DEVELOPMEnT OFFICERJocelyne newman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6082Email: [email protected]

SAFER nEIgHBOuRHOOD TEAM, WATLIngTOn Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101

RAFP COMMunITY OFFICER Cpl Tia Butterworth Ext: 7214Tel: 0777 395 8067 (this phone is manned 24hrs 7 days)

HOUSING SCSO Flt Sgt Terry norman Tel: 01760 446052, on

base 95951 6052 Email: [email protected]: scsomarham

Heavens Above

Hello, and happy Lent! If Lent can ever be described as “happy”…Lent is a time of year that has its origins in the story of Jesus in the wilderness, and has been a time of reflection and preparation as people head towards Easter. The tradition of pancake day was to do with using up food before a period of fasting. Although many people no longer observe the more obvious “religious” aspects of Lent, it still has a powerful hold on our culture and many people use it as a time to reflect on their lives and perhaps abstain from something (such as people giving up chocolate, for example). One aspect some people miss about this is that Lent – 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday – does not include Sundays, as Sundays were feast days in the church’s calendar.

When I told a friend of mine this, she was delighted – she and her housemate had both pledged to give up chocolate, and avoid the “chocolate drawer” that they kept in their house for moments when morale was low. She now had a one day a week get out from her pledge as far as she was concerned – however, she neglected to inform her fellow pledgee of this fact. Not only that, but she claimed she was then surprised when her friend was cross to find, at the end of Lent, that when she opened the chocolate drawer it was empty! Not only had the one day in seven rule been kept hidden, it had also been used to clandestinely scoff the lot…Of course, none of us would ever do that…

More recently, the church has used Lent to encourage people not to give things up, but rather to TAKE things up – positive habits, such as exercise, or daily prayer and reflection. This year, the Church of England's Lent Campaign for 2020 is #LiveLent: Care for God’s Creation. With

weekly themes shaped around creation, it explores the urgent need for humans to value and protect the environment in which we live. In an age where there is much public debate about climate change, bush fires in Australia, the plight of the oceans and more, it is a timely and relevant topic.

Archbishop Justin Welby & Archbishop John Sentamu have said, “This Lent, we hope both adults and children might engage in God’s plea for us to “Care for Creation”. It is an opportunity for us to rebuild our relationship with our planet, and in turn with the God who is Lord of everything. During this time, we hope you might engage in prayer, learn more about the remarkable world we have been given and build habits that last beyond the season to protect and honour the earth.”

If you want to take part in the #LiveLent challenge, you can take part each day in 40 short reflections and suggested actions to help you, your family and your church live in greater harmony with God, neighbour and nature. They have been inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio (SPCK), and can be found online at https://www.churchofengland.org/livelent

It would a good way of engaging with Lent and thinking about your place in the world. Thinking about one’s “place” also reminds me in signing off to say farewell and thank you – I am being deployed in April and then posted to another station for the autumn, but have had a wonderful tour here at Marham. Thank you to all of you who have made being here so rewarding and enjoyable – please do come and say farewell to me before I go. There is always a brew on in the chaplaincy…

Padre Chris


COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERS

What’s On at the ChaplaincyWEEkLY EVEnTS

catalyst wednesday 1200-1300

Bible study/group discussion

Home Alone Friday 0930-1130 coffee morning. All are welcome for bacon rolls and a hot drink, your partner does not have to be deployed.

TeRM TiMe only evenTS

Frogs Tuesday 0930-1100 children’s group suitable for ages 0-5 years

carers Group Tuesday 1030-1200 coffee morning for carers of children with disabilities or additional needs

Tadpoles Thursdays 1300-1430 children’s group suitable for ages 0-12 months

MonTHly/PeRiodic evenTS

Messy church2nd Friday of month 1630-1830

downham Market Methodist churchcraft, food and fun for the whole family

Baby weigh in4th wednesday of month 0930-1130

chaplaincy lounge

wlTdo (who let The dad’s out)

every 2 months, check out the dates for your diary section

children’s group - children bring your dads for some fabulous fun!

worship in the woods every 2 months, check out the dates for your diary section

outdoor church service to include talk, craft and usually food! come and connect with God in creation

DATES FOR YOuR DIARY:

18th Feb Story Sacks craft morning 0930-1130

22nd Feb worship in the woods 1000-1200

25th Feb Pancake party 1500-1700

26th Feb Ash wednesday Service 1200-1300

21st Mar wlTdo 0930-1130

22nd Mar Mothering Sunday Service 1000-1200

10th Apr Messy church easter Gardens at chaplaincy

1000-1100

23rd May wlTdo 0930-1130

31st May All age service Pentecost 1000-1200

contact Us:Alison, Chaplaincy Clerk: ext 7550 • Alex, Senior Chaplain: ext 7225 • Charlie, Families worker: ext 7550 Group email: [email protected] • Emergency/Out of Hours number: 07876395925


marham matters COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Date What’s On Where Time Additional details:Thursday 30 Jan Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveTuesday 4 Feb Deep Clean Soft Play 10am Volunteers NeededWednesday 19 Feb Event/Trip TBC TBC Poster and details to followThursday 27 Feb Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveThursday 26 March Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveWednesday 8 Apr Easter Event Ladywood TBC Poster and details to followWednesday 15 Apr Event/Trip TBC TBC Poster and details to followThursday 30 Apr Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveThursday 21 May Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveWednesday 27 May Event/Trip TBC TBC Poster and details to followTuesday 9 June Deep Clean Soft Play 10am Volunteers NeededThursday 25 June Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveFriday 24 July A Night Under the Stars - Camp out Ladywood TBC Poster and details to followWednesday 29 July Event/Trip TBC TBC Poster and details to followWednesday 5 Aug Camera Workshop Darkroom 10-12noon, 1-3pm Poster and details to followWednesday 19 Aug Event/Trip TBC TBC Poster and details to followWednesday 26 Aug Trip to Cambridge TBC TBC Poster and details to followTuesday 8 Sept Deep Clean Soft Play 10am Volunteers NeededThursday 24 Sept Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveThursday 22 Oct Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveWednesday 28 Oct Pumpkin Carving & Wand Workshop Ladywood 10-12noon, 1-3pm Poster and details to followThursday 12 Nov Deployed Tea Party Soft Play 4.30-6.30pm Sign up in CS/HiveSunday 15 Nov Reindeer Workshop Ladywood 10-1pm (drop in) Poster and details to followTuesday 24 Nov Wreath Workshop Sandringham Centre 11-1pm Poster and details to followThursday 26 Nov Wreath Workshop Soft Play 5-7pm Poster and details to followSaturday 28 Nov Xmas Fair Sandringham Centre TBC Poster and details to followSaturday 12/Sunday 13 Dec Deployed Families Christmas Event TBC TBC Poster and details to followSaturday 19 & Sunday 20 Dec Pantomine Corn Exchange - King’s Lynn TBC Poster and details to follow

Diary Dates Facebook Groups - Marham Community Support, Marham Community Noticeboard, Marham Chaplaincy, RAF Marham Little Lightnings, RAF Marham Cinema Club & Marham Community Library

Event Audience Location Times Contact Phone

Mon Rainbows Ages 5-7 Sandringham Centre 17:00-18:00 www.girlguiding.co.uk Cubs Ages 8-10 Years YAC 18:00-19:30 [email protected] Brownies Ages 7-10 Years Sandringham Centre 17:00-18.00 www.girlguiding.co.uk

Tue Frogs Babies & Toddlers Chaplaincy Centre 09:30-11:00 Chaplaincy 01760 337261 Ext 7550 Ben Club Ages 5-7 Youth Centre 17:00-18:30 Station Youth Worker Ian Savage 07850 973228 Airplay Juniors Ages school year 6 Youth Centre 18:45-20:30 Station Youth Worker Ian Savage 07850 973228 Beavers Ages 6-8 YAC 17:45-19:15 [email protected]

Wed Slimming World Ages 16+ Sandringham Centre 17:30 www.slimmingworld.co.uk Scouts Ages 11-14 Years YAC 19:00-21:00 [email protected] Child Health Clinic (4th wed) Babies Chaplaincy Centre 09:30-11:30 Chaplaincy 01760 337261 Ext 7550 Cinema Over 12s Station Cinema 19:00-22:00 Rebecca Bartholomew 07762 288192

Thur Little Lightnings Pre-School Children Sandringham Centre 09:30-11:00 CS/Hive 01760 337261 Ext 7425 Tadpoles Bumps & Babies (up to 12 Months) Chaplaincy Centre 13:00-14:30 Chaplaincy 01760 337261 Ext 7550 Airplay Inters Ages school years 7-8 Youth Centre 17:00-18:45 Station Youth Worker Ian Savage 07850 973228 Airplay Seniors Ages 13+ YAC 19.00-20:45 Station Youth Worker Ian Savage 07850 973228 Judo Ages 3+ - Seniors Sandringham Centre 17:00-22:00 colinmccallum431@b nternet.com Explorers Ages 14-18 Years YAC 19:00-21:00 [email protected]

Fri Home Alone All Ages Chaplaincy Centre 10:00-11:30 Chaplaincy 01760 337261 Ext 7550

Sun Marham School of Performing Arts Ages 3+ Sandringham Centre 09:00-19:00 [email protected] Cinema All Ages Station Cinema 14:00-17:00 Rebecca Bartholomew 07762 288192 Sunday Service All Welcome Chaplaincy Centre 10:00-13:00 Chaplaincy 01760 337261 Ext 7550

Round Up Of Events

The Sandringham Centre and the Soft Play are available for hire and book through the Community Support Flight/HIVE 01760 337261 Ext 7425.

Deployed Family Tea Parties are once a month. Days and Times change monthly, please contact Community Support/ HIVE for details.

Soft Play Area Opening Times are: Weekdays 09:30-16:30 Weekends 10:00-12:00. Please remember to bring appropriate ID when using Soft Play.

Facebook Groups - Marham Community Support, Marham Community Noticeboard, Marham Chaplaincy, RAF Marham Little Lightnings, RAF Marham Cinema Club & Marham Community Library


marham mattersRAF MARHAM ALLOTMENTS

The Wish Hair SalonHair Rejuvenation, Nexgen Nails, Dermal Fillers,

Anti-wrinkleInjections, Teeth Whitening,

And Excellent Hairdressing Services as usual.

Stockists of Monat Organic Hair Products,Matrix and L’Oreal.

For an appointment or consultation contact The Wish on

01366-347999or Our Facebook page

‘The Wish Salon Fincham’

The Wish, Norfolk House, High St, Fincham, PE33 9EL

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care at the premises• Nurse preventative health clinics• Accessible parking• Military Discount with ID card

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’32 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 1 2020

MARHAM MATTERS ICE HOCKEY

iCe hoCKey

As the summer holidays drew to a close, I made the long trek north of the border to photograph my second ice hockey tournament of the year.

I absolutely love the buzz of photographing ice hockey, it is a real passion of mine and tournaments have such a fantastic atmosphere.The RAF Championships is one of the great highlights of the RAFIHA calendar, which sees the Bluewings, Lossie Jets and the Vulcans competing for the highly coveted RAF Champions trophy.

I packed all my hoodies expecting a Scottish chill, but instead was greeted with a beautiful warm Dundee summer’s night. The stage was set and day one of the Championships started with a mini trade tournament, a fun warm up to the main event. The players were split into six different trade teams, Officers, Logistics and Support, Force Protection, Ground Support, Techies 1 and 2 with the Ground Support team taking the trophy. Day two started with the Lossie Jets Red beginning the

defence of their title with two victories, but it was clear that the Bluewings and Vulcans were not going to roll over with both claiming a win on the opening day. Day three and it was all to play for. A defeat for the Bluewings meant they failed to qualify for the final and would face Lossie Jets Black in the 3rd place playoff after the Vulcans beat them 7 – 0.

This meant the Vulcans would meet reigning champions Lossie Jets Red in the final. What a final it was lined up to be. The Vulcans opened the scoring much to the shock of the Lossie Jets and their fans. It was a hard fought battle until the final whistle with Vulcans beating Lossie 2 -1. A fantastic awards dinner rounded off a great week of hockey!

SAC Dunn & SAC Brough both representing.


marham matters AIRPLAY

Airplay RAF Marham

The youth Club at RAF Marham has had a very busy year, despite the high

turnover of membership with families leaving and new people arriving from

all over the world.

Our attendance levels have remained constantly high. This is due to the great Airplay Staff Team planning an engaging and varied weekly programme of activities and holiday events. Airplay run Youth Clubs at all RAF Stations, RAF Marham is one of the most active and has the highest regular attendance record. This summer we visited fun parks, bunkers and AirFest! With a generous splattering of discos and silly games. Ian Savage is our modest Station Youth Worker, everybody thinks he is great, but he is reluctant to share his accolades; in the last 2 years he was shortlisted for Airplay Youth Worker of the Year, won Station Youth Work Team of the Year, and has just won the Airplay Innovative Youth Worker Award for developing a special room for the Senior Youth Group. The Station are lucky and grateful to have such an enthusiastic talented man to work with our children and young people.

Airplay run several groups : Ben Club Age 5-7 year oldsJunior Club Age 8 – School year 6Inters School year 7 & 8Seniors School Year 9+ For more information contact [email protected] 07850 973 228

If you would like to volunteer or work at Youth Club please contact Ian or the RAF Marham CDO Jocelyne Newman [email protected] 01760 446082

Best ever turn-out for theMarham Flyers

new year’s eve 10K

This year saw the fifth in the Marham Flyers New year’s Eve 10K series in

support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, with the best ever turn-out of runners

taking part.

A total of 331 signed up to run with 302 running on the day, in what, for December, was almost ideal conditions. Indeed, the lack of a south westerly wind on the slow climb up to the first corner on the peri-track made it an almost unique occasion! The good weather probably also accounted for an upsurge of ‘on the day’ entries, which fortunately the Flyers team were prepared for, ensuring that every entrant left with a generous goody bag and a run medal. Whilst a large number of independent runners signed up to take part, the event would not have been the success it was without the support of many local running clubs, the largest contingent coming from Ryston Runners, closely followed by Three Counties RC, with another large group from the aptly named Coltishall Jaguars! Other clubs represented included the Renegade Runners, Bushfield Joggers, Bungay Black Dog, North Norfolk Beach Runners and the Norwich Road Runners, to name but a few. The good running conditions enabled a large number of runners to achieve PBs, with the race being won by Neil Guppy of the Newmarket

Joggers in an excellent time of 34.42, with Amy-Jane Chapman of Ryston Runners being the first place female, in a 10K personal best time of 40.25. The event wouldn’t have been the success it was without sponsor support, with the local Wolf Brewery, supplied through the Beers of Europe store in Setchey, providing a special ‘Battle of Britain’ bottle of beer for every runner. The water was provided by Bookers Cash and Carry. As well as getting individuals out for some exercise after the excesses of Christmas, the other main aim was to raise funds for the RAF BF, this year’s event raising an amazing amount just over £5,000 bringing the total raised by the Marham Flyers, through these bi-annual running events to over £30,000. The Station Commander, who has the thanks of the Flyers and all the participants for allowing these very popular events to take place, was unable to attend but was represented by OC Ops who started the run off and who also presented the trophies to the winners.


marham mattersJacs Cafe & Coffee Shop

Squires HillUpper Marham

PE33 9PNAt the top of Squires Hill

07552 159115

Opening hours

Monday 8:30am - 3pm

Tuesday 8:30am - 3pm

Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm

Thursday 8:30am - 3pm

Friday 8:30am - 3pm

Saturday 8:30am - 3pm

Sunday 9am - 1pm

Not forgetting B’n’B’s - the very successful burger bar outside RAF Marham’s main gate.

Local family run business

Homemade food, cakes and specials every day. To eat in or to takeaway

Italian blend freshly ground coffee.

Known & loved for our good quality food, large portions & low prices.

Catering available for small parties.

Regularly support local school fetes, Christmas raffles, military fundraising, good causes, etc. by donating vouchers.

Find Us On Facebook


marham matters

Discounted Green Fees For HM Forces Personnel www.swaamgc.co.uk Cley Road, Swaam, Norfolk PE37 8AE

Tel: 01760 721621

Swaam Golf Club

The Downham Laundry9-11 London RoadDownham Market

NorfolkPE38 9BX

Coin operated self-service machinesWashes from as little as £4.009kg & 18kg washing machines

Open 6.30am – 8.30pm6 tumble dryersParking nearby

Facilities to wash and dry your own duvet

What do you need to wash?The Downham Laundry is a self-service laundrette, here to banish wash day blues.


marham matters GIVE NATURE A HOME

Give

Nature a Home

The only thing missing is a bit of wildlife. Perhaps a few young blue tits exploring the garden feeder for the first time or some early emerging bumblebees taking their first flight as they explore the border flowers.By following some simple steps you'll be well on your way to turning your garden into a haven for all sorts of wildlife.

Help bees by growing different flowers and shrubs that are full of nectar and pollen, to give them a rich feeding ground throughout the year. Many of our bee species (bumblebees and solitary bees) are declining globally. We can really help them by providing nectar-rich plants for them.Many flowers and shrubs found in garden centres are no good

Well it looks like, winter is departing. The days are getting slightly longer, the dawn chorus is starting earlier, the first

of the spring bulbs are starting to flower and if you are lucky you can feel the warm

almost spring sun on your back while you’re out and about.

for bees – they just don't produce any nectar or pollen Choose the best bee-friendly best spring plants: Aubretia, bugle, spotted deadnettle, lungwort or snake's-head fritillary all provide food for early bumblebees and solitary bees. Choose the best bee-friendly summer plants Allium, borage, catmint, Cirsium, foxglove, and most herbs will throng with all manner of different wild bees. Plant your bee-friendly flowers in sunny, sheltered places, as this is what bees prefer. Plant in clumps – bees like a banquet, not a snack. Give your plants lots of water in hot, dry weather as this will help them produce nectar. You can use water collected in a water butt.On warm, sunny days, you should notice several different species of happy bees visiting

your garden. Sit back and listen to their gentle hum as they busily stock up. Nectar rich plants will also help our declining butterfly population. Butterflies will visit any garden, however small if they can feed on suitable nectar rich plants and a well thought out garden can attract many species of butterfly.

If you manage your patch to create a breeding habitat you may see even more.Nectar provides butterflies and moths with energy to fly and find a mate. In spring, it helps butterflies refuel after winter hibernation or a gruelling journey to Britain from southern Europe or Africa.

Image by H

aiGala at Shutterstock.com

Butterfly Image by Archm

an at Shutterstock.com


marham matters

It’s wonderful to be able to appreciate the colours and fascinating behaviour of birds up close, when you put out food for them in your garden. During the winter months Make sure the foods you offer are high in calories. When time is short the birds need to feed as efficiently as possible, the food you offer will make a big difference to them. Fat and suet products, such as Peanut Cakes, are a popular choice at this time of year and will give the birds the energy boost they need. Once you start feeding the birds regularly, they can come to rely on your garden as a daily source of food, so it is important that you check the contents of your feeders often. If the weather is particularly bad, remember to do some extra checks, birds may wait for the worst conditions to pass before going in search of food. By feeding birds, your garden may be visited all year-round. It’s also an easy activity to get children involved with nature. What to feed Different birds prefer different foods, in the different seasons and different parts of the country. So try different types of food and adapt to what works best in your garden. What not to feed. Importantly, there are some foods you should never put out. Avoid all salted foods as they dehydrate birds. Never put out loose peanuts, dry, hard foods or large chunks

of bread during the spring or summer months. Parent birds might take this back to their nests and their young can choke on it.

How to feed It’s good to invest in quality feeders and roofed bird tables, which will keep food dry and stop it going off.

• a hanging plastic feeder containing sunflower hearts for (mainly) finches, tits and sparrows

• a hanging mesh feeder with peanuts for (mainly) tits

•• a hanging mesh feeder

with fat balls for (mainly) tits and sparrows.

Bird boxes can also result in healthy bird populations in your garden especially if there is also a good supply of food. Perhaps consider an Easter project with the children an old boot can make an excellent nest box for robins and wrens, there are lots of environmentally friendly bird box ideas on-line. Put your bird box up high in a sheltered site. If cats are around place your bird box near a dense bush to provide birds with cover. By looking after the wildlife in your garden, you'll help them get through what can be a tough time of year Tracy, Environmental Safety Advisor

Image by Bachkova N

atalia at Shutterstock.com

"A Proper Shop Selling Proper Things"Independent Hardware & DIY Store

Whatever you need to build, fix, fasten, secure, plumb,illuminate, power, protect or decorate

you will find it at Barkers DBS.

Barkers DBS

The Green, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DYTel: 01366 382525 www.barkersdbs.co.uk

Open Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm

Ironmongery - Sand & Cement - PlumbingBathroom Accessories - Hand & Power Tools - Electrical

Paint & Accessories - Timber

Fancy exploring Norfolk’s coastline and wildlife from a rowing boat? Come out with the Kings Lynn Coastal Rowing Club (KLCRC). Started in 2014, we built our first St Ayles skiff to promote

amateur and competitive coastal rowing within the U.K. and particularly King’s Lynn and the adjacent North Norfolk coast. No equipment or previous experience required and all over the age of 16 are welcome. Training, lifejackets and safety equipment is provided. Come to some free sample rowing sessions with no obligation to join.

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

Kings Lynn Coastal Rowing Club


marham matters

We have a full range of services tooffer you and your company:

Recycling Cardboard, Plastic, Metal, Glass, Weee waste, Rubble, Soil, Wood and Plasterboard

•Third party tipping •Events

Caring for your environment

BY APPOINTMENT TOHM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS

Innisfree Trading Estate, Bawsey, King's Lynn, PE32 [email protected]: 01553 630 247

General Motor Factors & Retail store Visit our store for a wide range of Toys, Gifts, Household goods,

Cycles, Car parts and Accessories.

Free local delivery

46 - 48 Bridge Street Downham Market Tel: 01366 383407

Horsleys Fields Kings Lynn Tel: 01553 760962

Join our retail store ‘loyalty card’ scheme

Facebook.co.uk/atjohnsonretailstore

J. W. SARGEANTFamily Butcher

The Best Traditional Butcher in the Area

FAMILY RUNEstablished for over 75 years

We produce all our own cattle and only use farm produce

FREEZER AND COOKED MEATS

to suit your requirementsStow Bridge

Nr Downham Market Tel: (01366) 382232


marham matters

Appointments available 9:00-12:00 – call The HIVE to secure your time

FREE LEGAL ADVICELast Wednesday of the Month - The HIVE

01760 337261 ext 7425

Chatteris • Dereham • Downham Market • Ely • Heacham • King’s Lynn • Swaffham • Watton

Our friendly solicitor, Sara, will be on hand to help you with clear and practical

legal advice on any issues you may be facing.

Divorce and Separation • Access to Children • Property and Finance Matters Planning Ahead • Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements • Employment Issues

Landlord and Tenant Issues • Advice on Wills and Power of Attorney

wardgethinarcher.co.uk/marham

NEED ADVICE ?

Prices correct at time of press. Computer generated images of Priors’ Grange and Nightingale Meadows. *Incentives subject to terms and conditions, qualifying criteria and availability. **Offers only available on selected plots and qualifying criteria. Please speak to sales advisor for further information.

hopkinshomes.co.ukPlease call: 01394 446860 Email: [email protected]

Marketing Suite and Show Homes Open Thursday - Monday, 10am - 5pm

Part Exchange, MoveEasy & Exclusive offers available*

Kingsfleet | Thetford IP24 2RF

Hopkins Homes at Kingsfleet boasts an outstanding collection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes within a vibrant new community perfectly positioned in the Suffolk/Norfolk countryside.

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Now is the perfect time to make your dream new home a reality

If you’re searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living,

look no further than Hopkins Homes.

Forces Buyers event at Kingsfleet, Thetford on Friday 20th March, 4pm - 7pm.

If you are a forces personnel then you may be eligible for the Forces Help to Buy scheme, which could get you moving into a Hopkins Home. Start your journey today.

Documents

Issue 1 2020 £Free The official publication of Royal Air