InsIghtMAGAZINE 1

INSIGHT

Air Show EditionAir Show Edition

INSIGHT IssUE 3

4 InsIghtMAGAZINE

EDItORIAL tEAM:WAD - InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk

External Email: Use personal email addresses listed

Tel: 01522 720271 (6808 Ext No.)

Editor:(Sqn Ldr) Mark Brammer

mark.brammer679@mod.uk Deputy Editor: (Flt Lt) Heather Constantine

heather.constantine261@mod.uk

Assistant Deputy Editors:Flt Lt Nick Downs, Flt Lt Levi Birch, Mrs Marie Isaac

Distribution: Cpl Robert Booth, Ext 6457

robert.booth988@mod.uk

Artwork: S Oliver

Photography:Sgt Simon Pugsley, Cpl Laura Bibby, SAC Lauren Pope,

SAC Blake Carruthers, SAC Angel Clarke

Advertising by: Jo Marchant

Tel: 01536 526674

Designed by: Paul Bradberry

Tel: 01536 521126

Published by: Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House,

Bath Road, Kettering NN16 8NL

Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481

www.lancepublishing.co.uk

Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.uk

Printed by: Lance Print Ltd

From the Editor…

On the coverRoyal Netherland AF F-16

Issue 3 2013

INSIGHT

I had a chance to do a bit of spotting in the States last month and managed a first-hand look and hands on the first of our new Rivet Joint aircraft which featured in Issue 2. Despite rumours bouncing around a few online websites, rest assured it ’s real, on its way and is keeping 51 Squadron and my own desk here at 54 Reserve Squadron very busy as we prepare for its arrival. With the imminent welcome of our new jet, this issue continues our look back to Waddington’s history. This month we move into the Jet Age, the Cold War and Operation BLACK BUCK. If you have any little snippets

of interesting history about RAF Waddington and its early airshows or the Gulf Wars, please forward this to us for our future timeline features.

This issue also sees a complete change of editorial, production, photography and distribution staff. I hope I’ve managed to include everyone in the Editorial Team and especially welcome Mrs Marie Isaac, our first civilian team member to Insight. I understand assured she has her red pen in hand and is ready to go. This also marks my last full issue as Editor and please welcome Squadron Leader Stewart Bremner as he takes the lead from August.

Summer is here and the pace at RAF Waddington seems to have returned to the normal fast jog after the marathon of dual operations and exercises earlier this year. Thank you to Flight Lieutenant Heather Constantine for ably shouldering Editor duties in the last issue of Insight whilst I was away on operations and for her ongoing efforts in keeping me on track in every edition. As you will see from the cover, RAF Waddington is on centre stage in July with our International Airshow. We’ve put together a spotter’s guide for you inside and are promised even more aircraft and events will in store for us.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 5

06 11

The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted

on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

In this Issue…

30

2623

WINGS OvER LINCOLN

OLyMPIC THANK yOU CANINE CAPERS yOUTH CLUB

PCSO STORy

RAF SENTINEL COMES HOME

ROyAL AIR FORCE ANNUAL CHURCH SERvICE

KARTING

STATION COMMANDER’S FOREWORD

RAF WADDINGTON THROUGH THE AGES

2503 SqN RAUxAF REGIMENT AIRFIELD RIDING DAy

SAFETy WARNING NOTICE

56 (RESERvE) SqUADRON HIGH FLIER RAvING ON

AT RAvENS

2013 RAF WADDINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW

RUNNING WITH RAFA

RAF ST MAWGAN TO RAF WADDINGTON

06 23 36 49

18 35 48

07 26 42 49

23 36 48

11 30 48

6 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Wings Over Lincoln RAF Waddington in Concertsaturday 20 April

There was a full house present to enjoy a musical tribute to the Dambusters Raids that are woven so strongly into our national identity. It was the largest combined Band, Pipes and Choral concert that RAF Waddington has ever staged; thanks to a full year of organisation by OIC Flt Lt R L McCartney.

Station Commander Group Captain AK Gillespie welcomed all present, and the evening was more than ably hosted by Alaisdair Hutton, OBE, of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fame. The RAF Waddington voluntary Band, led by Mr David Jackson, stirred hearts and minds with a robust selection of national

favourites, including ‘Men of Harlech’; ‘The Ride of the valkyries’; and of course, ‘The Dambuster’s March’. Sqn Leader Ruth Shackleton braved the chill of the evening, elegantly attired and delighting us with her mezzo soprano arias, accompanied by Stephen Holloway.

The RAF voluntary Choir, the ‘Spitfires’ used the Cathedral to full vocal effect with exquisite renditions that included ‘I vow to Thee My Country’ and ‘If ye Love Me’, and the Pipes and Drums returned with more stirring music to move many a staunch soul, Scottish or nay.

Display stands at the back of the cathedral promoted awareness

of the RAF Benevolent Fund and RAFA, reminding guests of the ongoing charge we owe to those who served unreservedly in this action and others to secure our heritage and our future.

RAF and ISS Benevolent Fund champions for the station, Cpl Marie Flitcroft from 8 Sqn and Tina Muncaster, joined forces to chat with guests about the support offered by the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Moira Dean, also from ISS, who has recently transferred to Cranwell, kindly came along to lend a hand as well.

What an unexpected and wonderful surprise at the end of the evening when departing guests expressed their heartfelt thanks for a wonderful evening with some very generous donations into the Benevolent Fund bucket.

As the dusk drew in over the spires of the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, guests attending the Wings Over Lincoln concert were given a taste of things to come as they entered the Cathedral to the rousing accompaniment of RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 7

Sentinel and our other platforms remain fully engaged in operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere whilst giving that bit extra here at home to further our success. The upcoming first weekend in July is the time every year that personnel at RAF Waddington do more than that “bit extra” – the Airshow and over 100,000 visitors come to the Station to experience first-hand who the RAF is and how we do our business. This year will be no exception, and we have included an Insight peek at the international collection of aircraft, flying displays and activities that will be with us and in the skies over Lincoln.

Also in this issue, we continue our series of “Waddington Through the Ages.” This excerpt looks at Waddington as it moves into the Jet Age, the Cold War and the Black Buck contribution to the Falkland Islands Campaign. Looking back to even earlier years of aviation, the RAF Waddington Flying Club marks the flight of Flight Lieutenant Eric Clarke (retired) on the day after his 100th birthday. We also get a more personal look at some of the people who make RAF Waddington what it is. In “Running with RAF…” we join Squadron Leader ‘Gibbo’ Gibson, 56 Reserve Squadron, as he prepares for and takes a little 26 mile jog around London village in support of the Royal Air Forces Association. Also in this issue, Dental Officer Flight Lieutenant Minti Elcomb performs a root canal on a very unusual patient – Max, one of our Station protection dogs.

Remembering the efforts and achievements of those before us is an honoured tradition of our Services. In the past few months, 56 Reserve Squadron marked the memory of Captain Albert Ball vC DSO MC, who died in World War I in an aerial battle with the brother of the Red Baron. Numbers 8 and 14 Squadron marked the 95th anniversary of the Royal Air Force as an independent service at the Annual RAF Church Service at Saint Clement Danes in April. In recognition of a more recent contribution, Service Members who worked at the London 2012 Olympics received their “Olympic Thank you” commemorative coins for their role in making the Games such a resounding success.

The airfield at RAF Waddington played home to 2503 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment’s Riding Day, with 180 motorbikes testing their mettle along the runways and taxiway at the Station. The event raised over £6000 for charities including Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and charities for Stroke care and recovery. Finally, in a “thank you” to the City of Lincoln, I had the honour of welcoming Alasdair Hutton, OBE, of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fame to the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral as he hosted the largest combined Band, Pipes and Choral concert that RAF Waddington has every staged.

Whether you’re reading Insight for the first time, visiting us at the Airshow or a regular member of our community, thank you for taking the time to read about our work and achievements. I welcome your engagement and suggestions for future issues.

Station Commander’s ForewordAs we get ready for the 2013 RAF Waddington International Airshow, it’s my pleasure to welcome the Sentinel R1 home from Operation NEWCOMBE in Mali. Their achievement alongside our French allies is detailed in this edition and was nothing short of remarkable, as was the support they received from across the Station.

8 InsIghtMAGAZINE

InsIghtMAGAZINE 9

10 InsIghtMAGAZINE

The 2012 RAF Waddington International Air Show enjoyed the most international participation in recent years; the Station welcomed an impressive 19 countries who came to Waddington to display their assets. With Royal Air Force personnel and assets deployed operationally across the world and limited budgets, such remarkable participation can only be a testament to the excellent reputation of the hospitality, enthusiasm and professionalism of all the personnel at RAF Waddington and the air show it hosts.

Since the inaugural Air Show at Waddington in 1995 the average attendance has been 125,000 over the 2-days. The overall numbers have remained the same but the profile of our audience has changed considerably; whilst in the past the Air Show was predominantly attended by visitors from Lincolnshire, the event now has national attendance. you might find it surprising that less than a quarter of Air Show visitors now come from Lincolnshire, with most visitors travelling from outside the county! The strongest areas of support are South yorkshire and Nottinghamshire but a considerable number of visitors will make the journey from areas further afield such as Lancashire or Herefordshire. It is fair to say that the RAF Waddington International Air Show is now

amongst the largest of the outdoor events in the Midlands summer calendar and is firmly established in the national air show calendar.

Last year’s event received many heart-warming comments from our visitors; spectators sent their feedback by letters, e-mails, posted their comments on facebook and Twitter. Here are just a few of those gratifying remarks, unedited! We just wanted to let you know we had a fantastic day at the Air Show on Sunday. All the arrangements (access, parking and toilets) were excellent, the flying display was superb and all military representatives were extremely helpful and charming. The food was excellent and most importantly of all, the flying displays were fabulous. This was our first experience of RAF Waddington and we were thoroughly delighted by the whole occasion.RegardsNeil & Jean Montgomery, Oldham

I would just like to say a big thank you to everybody who worked so hard to create such a fantastic day. If I may make one comment, the PA system was blasting away but the marquees were acting as baffles to the sound. Maybe the PAs could

be moved? This isn't meant as a detraction just as a comment. Again many, many thanks to everybody. My very best wishes and very grateful thanks. I am on a pension and I consider the money very well spent.Ian Hall, Reading

Just wanted to say what a great time we had in the Bomber Harris Enclosure yesterday. Everything was spot on...great service, great food and fantastic view of the display. The new allocated seating system worked well and we had a smashing spot. Couldn't fault a thing. We took my mum this year for her first taste of the 'high life' at Waddington and I think we'll have to take her again next year as she was so thrilled by it. Well done to everyone and thanks for all the hard work put in by the staff on the day… a first class experience!Warmest Regards,Mark and Mandy Coome, Messingham

Those comments are heartening to read but most importantly they confirm that the Air Show fulfils its primary aim, which is to ‘Improve the public's understanding of the Service within the overall Defence

context in order to maximise support for the RAF and its activities within the Defence Mission. It also aims to stimulate recruiting and raise money for charity’. Last year once again added significantly to the £2.8 million already donated to the RAF Association and RAF Benevolent Fund, who are our main beneficiaries’, but also local community projects.

The 2013 Air Show will take place over the weekend of 6 and 7 July. There are a number of milestones in the RAF history that this year’s Air Show will celebrate and commemorate, namely 95 years of the Royal Air Force and 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raids. The Air Show will also feature a number of Combat ISTAR exhibitions to provide wider understanding to the general public on UK ISTAR capabilities.

The event will see Waddington turned into a vipers Nest, with 3 F-16 solo teams coming from across Europe. The team from the Netherlands will return with their ‘Orange Lion’ themed jet complimented by the Blue jet from Belgium, returning after a year’s absence.

2013 RAF WADDIngtOn INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW

6 & 7 JULYWith only weeks to go to the 2013 RAF Waddington International Air Show the Station is busy putting finishing touches to the 102 projects that the event takes to stage, from emergency response planning or vIP hosting to organising temporary power supplies, all personnel are fully focused and determined to further improve on last year’s event.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 11

12 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Making its Waddington debut will be the Turkish Air Force’s F16 demo team, SOLOTURK, in their stunning Black, Gold and Silver F-16. All the teams have something to offer with each routine being different, demonstrating the agility, style and combat skills of both pilot and the F-16 – a firm favourite of any air show crowd…

InsIghtMAGAZINE 13

14 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Marking one of the most daring operations of WW2, Waddington will be the first of just 4 events to witness the very special 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron anniversary flypast, featuring the BBMF’s Lancaster and a specially painted Tornado GR4 showing the squadrons first and current types. The display will also feature the vulcan, once long-time resident of Waddington, but also 617 Squadron’s intermediate mount, between the Lancaster and Tornado. In this 70th Anniversary one of the main Air Show themes will be to commemorate this significant anniversary both in the air and on the ground. We also are delighted to say that Squadron Leader George L. 'Johnny' Johnson DFM, one of 3 surviving members of the Dambuster raids will also join us on the Saturday of air show.

It is also hoped that this year’s Air Show will feature a type that has not graced the UK skies for some years but was once a regular visitor to Waddington. The Swedish Air Force Historic flight operate a range of historic Swedish aircraft not least the recently restored JAS37 viggen. As part of a Waddington led UK military air show tour, we hope the viggen will fly above the Lincolnshire skies once again with an SK60 and the oddly shaped SAAB Tunnan. This will be the first time all three aircraft have appeared on the mainland UK shores, having attended Jersey in 2012.

On the ground the Algerian Air Force C130 will be making a welcome return after they enjoyed

the hospitality shown to them in 2012. The SAAB group have also committed to attend the show, renewing their sponsorship and committing to providing the SAAB 340 AEW, 340MSA and a 2000MSA Swordfish, demonstrating their commitment to the ISTAR world.

Whilst the flying display is very much in everyone’s focus, the Air Show offers a vast selection of ground exhibits. The event will again open up two hangars, Hangar 5 which will again stage the youth in the Community exhibition and also a half of Hangar 3 with displays from supporting Sponsor organisations. Hangar 3 will once again stage the ‘RAF On Air’ experience, programmed by BBC Radio Lincolnshire. This large LED screen enhanced stage will once again welcome RAF and foreign display crews who will give visitors an insight into their displays, the RAF Presentation Team, well-known as the ambassadors for the Royal Air Force, and other personnel will also offer a ‘behind the scenes’ view into the operations of the Royal Air Force. Other ground exhibits will include the Raytheon ISTAR interactive display and the Deployed Operational village, which will be complemented by a number of cockpits and aircraft walkthrough displays to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the RAF. The Ground display will be further enhanced by the 250 trade and exhibition stalls, classic cars display and military bands.

Whilst sponsorship has proven very challenging to attract or even keep for many events in the country in recent years, the support that Waddington has received from current but also new corporations has been quite remarkable. The Air Show continues to be supported by well-recognised names in the defence industry such as Northrop Grumman who are the main Sponsor of the event, but also Cobham Aviation, BAe Systems, Boeing, Raytheon and Selex Galileo but also a number of commercial brands such as Wm Morrison Supermarkets and HSBC Bank plc who both sell advance Air Show tickets through over 200 stores and branches across the Midlands and yorkshire region, TJS Car Hire and Sturgess of Jaguar who provide hire vehicles for the Air Show weekend or Ice valley Water who supply bottled water to all working personnel at no cost to Waddington. This year’s event has also attracted Sponsorship from two new corporations, Rolls Royce and Airbus Military. Paul Sall, the Air Show Director says: ‘get a quote’.

With new digital channels becoming widely available and commonly used by our visitors, the Air Show Team has dedicated much time to developing the Air Show desktop and mobile websites but also the Air Show Navigator app. This free app,

sponsored by SAAB, is available for smart phone users from the App store but also Google Play for Android phones. After an initial trial during last year’s Air Show the app has been tweaked and updated to provide a GPS-enable guide to Air Show visitors, at their fingertips. The app will allow you to tag your car in order to locate it in these car parks at the end of the day, it will work as a navigation device to find your way around all exhibitions, it will feed all news straight into your phone but - what we think is its most exciting feature - it will help you locate your nearest toilets.

All in all, the event has changed dramatically since its inaugural year at Waddington in 1995. The event now takes £1.8 million to stage and it is divided into 102 separate projects, with the support of over 2000 Service personnel. And it is the continuing hard work and determination to improve the event from Waddington personnel that makes the Air Show stand out from other European air shows. This unrivalled reputation of the Air Show could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of all at Waddington.

Katerina GreenlawReservations & Advertising Manager, Air Show Office.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 15

16 InsIghtMAGAZINE

InsIghtMAGAZINE 17

Open Evening Thursday 6th DecGiving parents + children a chance

to look around the school

Caring ethosHigh academic standards

Extended learning opportunities with Swimming

and Sports coachingExpressive Arts focus including

music and performingStrong community involvement

Attractive school setting

••

•

•

••

Open Day Wednesday 16th October2pm and 6.30pm

Giving parents + children a chance to look around the school

First Timers Preschool NurseryFour Winds

Wellingore HeathFor all your child care needs

Full day/ sessional care from 6 weeks to 5yrsOpen Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

Pre School hours availableExtra Timers Before/After school

and Holiday ClubTransport to local schools

For more information 01522 810003

first.timerspreschool@gmail.com

First Timers Pre-School Nursery Wellingore

Out of school clubWellingore

weekly in: Boston, Lincoln, Newark, Dunholme, Spilsby, Scunthorpe, Gainsborough and Nocton

After departing the hot and dusty weather at its forward operating location, the Sentinel R1 touched down at its home base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to be welcomed by senior officers who paid tribute to its role supporting French-led military operations against violent extremist groups

in the north of the West African country.RAF intelligence-gathering and surveillance units – such as the Sentinel flown

been deployed on an ongoing basis for counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan. And since January (2013) the Sentinel aircraft fleet, operated by 5(Army Co-operation) Squadron and its Operational Conversion Unit, 54 Reserve Squadron, has been operating in both Afghanistan in support of British and Coalition Forces, and Mali in support of the French and UN forces, at the same time.

Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group Air vice-Marshal Stuart Atha who greeted the five-man crew on their arrival said: I am extremely proud of the efforts of 5(AC) Squadron who

from RAF Waddington - are the UK’s airborne ‘eyes and ears,’ and provide decision-makers with an essential understanding of evolving crises around the world.

The aircraft with its ground-mapping radar is able to detect personnel and vehicle movements from many miles away enabling militarycommanders on the ground to make informed tactical decisions.

Since the Sentinel entered service in November 2008 it has

have been simultaneously operating in both Africa and Afghanistan; this essential capability is contributing real genuine operational effect making sure our understanding of what’s going on on the ground is much improved through the use of Sentinel’s world beating sensors.

Officer Commanding 5(AC) Squadron, Wing Commander Al Marshall, said:

“This has been an exceptionally busy period for the Squadron during which we have provided support to two operational theatres; Afghanistan and

RAF sEntInEL COMES HOMEAn RAF surveillance aircraft has returned back to the UK after nearly four months on operations with 5 Army Cooperation and 54 Reserve Squadrons to return security and stability to Mali.

18 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Mali. This level of output is testament to just how capable and adaptable the Sentinel platform is. When you combine such a capability with motivated and well trained personnel that can deploy rapidly, we can deliver an enormous amount to Defence even though we are a single Squadron.”

Detachment Commander Wing Commander Tim Monk said:

“The last four months have demonstrated what the RAF can achieve with the right resources and the unique capability that is Sentinel. 5(AC) Squadron and supporting RAF Waddington

personnel deployed with only three days notice and were set up and ready to run within 48 hours of arriving. The Senegalese gave us a really warm welcome and during our time there we formed excellent working relationships and a real sense of camaraderie with the French forces and other NATO partners.”

The aircraft deployed to West Africa on 25 January, arriving the next day, and carried out its first operational mission on 30 January. In total, it successfully completed 70 reconnaissance missions gathering a total of 700 hours worth of high quality imagery.

RAF involvement in the UK’s military assistance programme to Mali has also included providing C17 transport aircraft, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, to carry troops and equipment from France, Nigeria and Ghana to Mali.

We can deliver an enormous amount to

Defence even though we are a single Squadron

InsIghtMAGAZINE 19

20 InsIghtMAGAZINE

The Pathfinder March is an annual long-distance endurance event in which walkers and runners haveto complete 46-miles inside 20 hours. The route starts and finishes at RAF Wyton and links thefour historical RAF Pathfinder Forces stations of Wyton, Graveley,Oakington and Warboys to honour and perpetuate their memory.

THE PATHFINDER MARCH Saturday 22 June 2013

THE PATHFINDER MARCH“a tough challenge in a great cause.”

VERUM EXQUIRO

This event is open to both military and civilian personnel, and the route can be walked or run either individually or as part of a relay team.

Entrance fee is £15 per person and application forms are available from: www.pathfindermarch.co.uk

or contact

Flight Lieutenant Anita Prior, Treasurer, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE28 2EA Tel: 01480 52451 Ext 7320 or Mr Chris Thurling Administrator, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE28 2EA on 01480 52451 Ext 7654

InsIghtMAGAZINE 21

Two developments both set in the attractive village of Navenby. Our developments offer a perfect range of family homes within easy reach of Lincoln, Grantham, Sleaford and Newark

The Wilton is a four bedroom family house with integral garage and conservatory. The

accommodation includes lounge with double doors into open plan fully fitted kitchen and dining

area with french doors; utility room with WC. The first floor has 4 bedrooms and bathroom

with en suite shower to master bedroom

Prices starting from £239,950

Winton Gardens is a small development comprising of nine, two bedroom detached bungalows, offering excellent eco credentials in a secure environment.

Prices starting from £189,750

22 InsIghtMAGAZINE

InsIghtMAGAZINE 23

OLYMPICTHANK yOU

Many RAF personnel were drafted in at short notice to ensure the Games went without a hitch overseeing the safety of up to 80,000 people who converged on the Olympic Park stadium daily - and thousands more at the other Olympic venues across the capital.

Recipients were presented with their coins by RAF Waddington Station Commander Group Captain Al Gillespie on Wednesday 24th April 2013.

One recipient was Master Aircrew (MAcr) Angela Hemlin. MAcr Hemlin was responsible for Military personnel providing security at Wembley Arena for a period of four weeks during July and August 2012. Upon receiving her coin MAcr Hemlin said:“It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Olympics in our country. The public gave us an amazing response and I was proud to be able to represent

the Royal Air Force at such an important occasion for the UK.”

Fellow coin recipient Flight Sergeant (FS) Antony Wingate was a member of the team responsible for leading the procession with the medal winners’ national flags and was also responsible for mounting the winners’ flags onto the trapeze ready for the medal presentations and national anthem.

FS Wingate said:“It was an honour and a privilege to represent the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom during this once in a lifetime opportunity in front of a worldwide audience” Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron has previously said: 'The volunteers, members of the armed forces, police and others who worked on the Games are the ones who made them possible. These people not only gave up their time, but brought a phenomenal energy and passion to the streets and to Olympic venues up and down the country.”

Personnel from RAF Waddington are amongst several thousand members of the Armed Forces who have been presented with commemorative coins for their role in ensuring that the 2012

London Olympic Games was the resounding success that it was.

On the evening of 7th May 1917 near Douai over France flying an S.E.5 he was leading eleven British aircraft from no 56 Squadron when they encountered German fighters. A running dogfight in deteriorating visibility resulted and the aircraft became scattered. Other pilots in the dog fight said Ball was last seen pursuing the red Albatros D.111 of Lothar von Richthofen the Red Baron`s younger brother. Cyril Crowe observed Captain Ball flying into a dark thundercloud. Lieutenant Hailer, a German officer on the ground saw Ball`s plane falling upside-down from the bottom of the cloud at an altitude of 200 feet with a dead prop. Captain Ball was pulled from the wreckage by a young French woman, but died at the scene from injuries suffered in the crash.

56(R) Sqn Standard Party comprising of Flight Lieutenant Rick Hands, Master Aircrewman Phil Townsend, Escorts Flight Sergeant Dave Harrold and Sergeant Danny Holmes, led the parade which formed up around Captain Ball`s memorial for a brief service and laying of wreaths.

Contact:Further information is available from the Media and Communication Office, RAF Waddington: 01522-726827/41/6804 or WAD-Station-Enquiries@mod.uk

56 (Reserve) Squadron Remembers one of its World War I Heroes Captain Albert Ball VC DSO MC

Each year a Remembrance Parade on the anniversary of Captain Ball’s death is held at Nottingham Castle where a memorial was erected by his family…

24 InsIghtMAGAZINE

6th + 7th July 2013

InsIghtMAGAZINE 25

26 InsIghtMAGAZINE

The Waddington Vulcan Wing

No 230 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) arrived at RAF Waddington to train the first Avro vulcan crews in 1956 and completion of this task led to the formation of 83 Sqn at Waddington in the middle of 1957. Both 83 Sqn and 230 OCU remained at Waddington until 1960, when they were replaced by the three squadrons that formed the Waddington Wing until the vulcan's demise in the early 1980s: 44 Sqn; 50 Sqn; 101 Sqn. No Ix(Bomber) Sqn joined these 3 squadrons in 1975.

The Waddington Wing Vulcans

specialised in free-fall nuclear weapon delivery and were

capable of carrying either a single nuclear bomb or 21 x

1,000lb conventional bombs. Four fully armed and fuelled

vulcans were held on 4 minute readiness to launch on the

Operational Readiness Platform at the end of Waddington’s runway as Britain’s Nuclear

Response quick Reaction Alert (qRA) until 1969 when the Royal

Navy’s Polaris submarine fleet came on line. At this time, the

vulcan was declared to NATO as a low level nuclear strike bomber.

RAF Waddington through the Ages: Part 3

Into the Jet Age; Cold War and Black BuckRAF Waddington stopped flying operations in 1953 to allow the main runway to be extended by an extra 3,000 feet and to construct new buildings and infrastructure, such as the purpose built Operations Centre and a “special weapons” storage area. This was to allow the new generation of jet bombers to operate from the base.

The first aircraft to arrive in 1955 were English Electric Canberra B2 aircraft operated by 21 and 27 Squadron. The Canberras were soon in action, with 27 Sqn deploying to Akrotiri in Cyprus to take part in Operation Musketeer, now more commonly known as the “Suez Crisis”. The squadron flew 6 raids against Egyptian targets before a cease fire was called. Although 21 Sqn took no part in hostilities, its aircraft were used to ferry 1,000lb bombs to both Malta and Cyprus for use during the operation. Both squadrons were disbanded at Waddington at the end of 1956 following the arrival of the Avro vulcan.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 27

Life at Waddington

The personnel posted to Waddington were trained to a high level of proficiency during the Cold War. Although the cold

war did not turn hot, tension was always present – especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. As the USSR and the USA faced off over the deployment of nuclear missiles to Cuba, the

Waddington Wing readied more aircraft on qRA and moved to dispersed operating bases throughout the UK. Fortunately, the crisis passed and personnel went back to holding readiness.

Operation Black Buck – The Falkland Islands Campaign

The Tornado GR1 aircraft which entered service in 1979-80 was designed to replace the vulcan as the means of airborne nuclear weapon delivery, and it was decided that the vulcan would be withdrawn from service in 1982 and Waddington would become the home of the Nimrod AEW3 aircraft. However, in April 1982, just as vulcan operations were being scaled back, the Argentinean Army invaded the British Dependency of the Falkland Islands. A means of quickly demonstrating to the world that Britain intended to use force to regain the islands was needed and an audacious raid involving Waddington’s vulcans was planned.

Following the Falklands campaign, a shortage of RAF tankers led to six vulcans of 50 Sqn being converted to the Air/Air Refuelling role. These

were the last of the operational vulcans and remained in service at Waddington until 31st March 1984.

In the next edition of Insight; RAF Waddington through the Ages Part 4 – The Desert Wars

Three aircraft, one from each of Waddington’s Squadrons, (Ix had already stood down earlier in the year), deployed to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. From there, a series of single aircraft raids was planned – each involving a total of 13 victor Tankers. They would be the longest bombing raids in history at that time. On 30th April 1982 vulcan xM607 of 44 Sqn, flown by Flt Lt M Withers, dropped a stick of 21 x 1,000lb bombs across Port Stanley Airfield, cratering the runway with one of the bombs. Six further raids were planned including a strike by Shrike radar homing missiles carried under the vulcan’s wing, although only 4 more missions were achieved due to poor weather. This was to be the only time that the vulcan would drop its weapons in anger during its 30 years of service.

28 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Lincoln’s No. 1 Motorcycle Repair Centre

14 Clifton Street, Lincoln. LN5 8LQ (alongside Pelham Bridge)

SERVICING EXCEEDSMANUFACTURERS

STANDARDSINSURANCE APPROVED

ACCIDENT REPAIRSSPECIALIST ENGINEERS

REBORING etc.

ROAD & MOTOR CROSS TYRESBEST PRICES IN AREA

We also offer a full collection

service

MoTTesting

Lincoln01522 523820

We will give you a price guide over the phoneSettle outstanding finance

Consider any part exchangeNo matter what age or mileage

Call Mathew on 07860 363002Main office line FREEPHONE 0800 118 2527

BEING POSTED? NEED TO SELL YOUR CAR QUICKLY?

TAKE OFFi n a b r a n d n e w

W W W. S L E A F O R D F O R D . C O . U K

Up to25%DISCoUNt

J.T LORD & SON LTD. T/A SLEAFORD FORDTHE GARAGE, BOSTON ROAD, SLEAFORD

A Local Business Serving Forces Personnel For Over 50 Years

for HM forces Personnel on selected new FOrd vehicles

PLEASE CALL uS on: 01529 302518

to ArrAngE A tESt drivE

InsIghtMAGAZINE 29

WHITES OF LINCOLNVEHICLE REpaIRS & SERVICING

MOTS FOR MOTORbIkES, CaRS LaRGE VaNS aNd MINIbuSES

SERVICING, ExHauSTS aNd dIaGNOSTICS

01522 686230

GaRaGE SERVICES, TyRES, MOTS, ExHauSTS, TIMING bELTS, STEERING,

SuSpENSION, ELECTRONIC dIaGNOSTICS,

ENGINE REpaIRS

aLL MOT’S £25 aNd 10% OFF aNy REpaIRS TO aRMEd FORCES pERSONNEL

WWW.WHITESOFLINCOLN.CO.uk

109 NEWaRk Rd. NORTH HykEHaM,

LINCOLN LN6 8QT

D&M T WINGMobile towbar fitting service

Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fittedVan Ply lining and extra seat fitting.

Service discount available01529 306670

Mobile 07740 683867Email dandmtowing08@btinternet.com

Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park,Sleaford NG34 8GL

Web dandmtowing.co.uk

30 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Having run the London Marathon on 3 previous occasions, the last time in 2006, the painful memories had faded, and only the elation of finishing all 3 remained. With the elation still fresh in my mind and after a rush, nay a flood of blood to the head, I threw my hat into the ring for one of the RAF Association’s Golden Bond places. The Association has 18 such places and sets a minimum requirement of raising £1750 to secure one; along with the distance this looked a difficult proposition. However, with my place secured and Virgin Money Giving website created in mid Oct 12, I intensified my training.

Unlike previous attempts, I decided to do a lot more training on the running machines in the gym; this had the benefit of keeping the muscles warm and I am sure it helped to reduce the number of injuries I suffered.

Before Christmas I concentrated on building the mileage up and was soon running 40 miles per week. My weight began to decrease slowly and this also reduced the strain on all those old injuries. Even over the Christmas/New year period, I continued to train, but a twinge in my right Achilles

slowed me down a bit and I had to take a few days off the running in early January. This was far from ideal and I moved the ‘present’ Mrs Gibbo’s old mountain bike into the dining room and mounted it on a Turbo Trainer, well what else do you put in a dining room? This enabled me to maintain my cardio fitness and also removed the ‘guilt factor’ caused by the lack of running.

By the end of January I was able to run for 2 hrs without a break and began to mix speed training in with the distance training. Many of my Friday evenings were spent in the weights

room and on the running machine in the Station Gym.

I increased and decreased the speed to induce an oxygen debt. Oh how my life has changed! Not that many years ago, Friday evenings meant only 2 things, Happy Hour followed by the inevitable hangover on the Sat morning/afternoon. An added bonus of going to the gym on a Friday evening was it enabled me to watch my son Ben take part in his Karate training. Despite my best efforts, he never once joined me; perhaps it was the thought of seeing his Dad walking/struggling on the running machine that put him off!

RUNNING WITH RAFA...No not the former manager of Liverpool FC and ‘temporary’ manager of Chelsea FC but the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA)! For the past 7 months or so I have been pounding the roads and paths of Lincoln as well as further afield. The reason was an impending little jog, totalling 26.2 miles, around London village on 21 Apr.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 31

Towards the end of Feb we visited family in North yorkshire. They live near Whitby, on the northern edge of the North york Moors, so I had to take the opportunity for a 3 hour run on the Moors. Mrs Gibbo supported me by providing water at the 2 hour point – the first time I was near a road since setting out. The weather was cold and wet with the conditions underfoot absolutely dreadful. With 2 miles to go to my first checkpoint, I put my foot in to a very sticky hole and pulled the sole off one of my cross-country shoes. It slowed me up a little and being miles from the nearest road all I could do was run on!

At the water break, Mrs Gibbo provided an isotonic drink and suggested, quite strongly, that I stop. I begged to differ and carried on, while she drove back to my parent’s home and collected an old pair of trainers. We then met up 30 mins later and I swapped to the new shoes, this gave me a new lease of life and I completed the last 3 miles in 22 minutes, they were road miles and slightly downhill though… Buoyed from this run I felt confident I now had the distance in my legs and decided not to increase my weekly mileage any further but concentrate on increasing my speed from slow to slightly ‘less’ slow.

To give me a bit of race practice, in Mar I took part in the Sleaford Half Marathon at Royal Air Force College Cranwell. No surprises, the weather was cold and breezy, but at least it was dry and I posted a steady 1hr 43mins, once again running steadily to protect the legs from injury. Old age! In early Apr I completed the Lincoln 10K and despite the ‘traffic’ ran a comfortable 43.30mins. After one more week of training I started my taper and completed my last effort session on the Wed before the big day.

One of the features of the London Marathon is the need to register, in person, at the London Excel Arena. Registration opens on the Wed and continues through until the Sat evening. Mrs Gibbo and I went early

on the Saturday morning before the crowds built up. The process was very smooth. Once registered you then have the chance to have a look around the stalls selling all types of fitness associated products. There are also stalls advertising other marathons from across the globe; especially poignant in view of what had happened in Boston. After buying a few bits, it was off to the RAF Club to relax.

Just before 0630 on Sunday morning. I switched on the Tv to see a reporter giving an update on what was taking place in Greenwich – the start of the Marathon. One thing that stood out was how cold it looked, the reporter was wearing a warm looking coat and still looked cold – great! After breakfast of porridge and bananas we were off to Greenwich and in no time at all we were wandering around the start. There are 3 starts for the Marathon; I was in the Red start, the one for the masses!

After a short period of silence to remember those killed in Boston we were off. The crowds were out in force in Greenwich with the Pearly Kings and queens encouraging us on. The atmosphere in Greenwich was great and this continued throughout the run. At Cutty Sark I have never seen so many people and the noise was incredible. As I ran on I felt great, but kept to my race plan rather than get carried away, this paid dividends later on. Just after 11.5 miles I saw the first ‘casualty’, the temperature was soaring and beginning to take its toll. Over the next few miles the number of casualties increased rapidly and it seemed that wherever you looked there were runners suffering and dropping out. The medical teams were kept busy and were doing a sterling job. The London Fire Brigade was doing its part too, by directing hoses on to the runners as you passed the fire stations.

With the temperature soaring I decided to slow down a bit to make sure I finished in good order. Despite running for just over 3

hours I had not seen a fellow RAF runner, then approaching 25 miles I saw a familiar vest ahead and was catching him rapidly. Just after the 25 miles point we joined up and ran in together, as we ran down The Mall I worked the crowd and got several loud cheers as we ran to the finish. With only a few yards to go a runner in front of us went from normal jogging to hitting the deck in a few short strides, he had hit the wall and hit it hard! One of the marshals on the finish line realised what was happening and raced out to catch him as he fell. He failed to stop him hitting the deck but he did slow him down - well done Sir whoever you are, you did the very best anyone could have done.

Once across the line you are funnelled through the ‘de-chipping’ and goody bag areas as well as being given your medal. I wandered down The Mall to Horseguard’s Parade to meet Mrs Gibbo and some friends. After a few minutes chatting and sharing my experiences we walked to the RAF Club where RAFA had laid on a post-race reception. Fantastic!

Having thoroughly enjoyed the run I have already applied for next year’s event and the training continues. I aim to be much quicker next year! Oh almost forgot, my time 3 hrs 22 minutes and 18 seconds. Pleased!

32 InsIghtMAGAZINE

InsIghtMAGAZINE 33

34 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Converted December 2010 from ‘outstanding’ (OFSTED) high performing specialist school - offers an all round education for students from 11-18. We are proud of our record of success in both examination results and the personal skills and attributes of the young people in our care. The academy received ‘outstanding ‘ endorsement from parents and students in a national survey. Visits are welcomed at any time, please contact the Academy 01522 880400

for further information or see our website www.branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Branston Community Academy

Branston Community Academy, Station Road, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1LH

01522 880440 enquiries@branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Enterprise, Ambition & Success

InsIghtMAGAZINE 35

This year marks the ninety-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Air Force as an independent Service. The RAF was created in 1918 in recognition of the fact that control of the airspace over the United Kingdom, and indeed wherever our armed forces were operating, was vital to the Nation’s wellbeing and required dedicated professional airmen with a deep understanding of air power and its role in national defence.

The Royal Air Force Annual Church Service took place at St Clement Danes on 14 April. The Service incorporated the Dedication of Roll Of Honour Book

past and present, several readings gave pause for thought and The Central Band of the Royal Air Force provided music throughout. As the service came to a

Royal Air Force Annual Church Service

11 and was followed by a Reception in the Royal Courts of Justice. The overall theme was the Royal Air Force’s 95 years; given that this would be the current Chief of the Air Staff ’s last Annual Church Service ten Squadron Standards and the Royal Air Force Regiment Historical Flight dressed in period uniforms covering our Service’s 95 years complementing the usual order of events.

No 8 and 14 Sqn from RAF Waddington were invited to bring their Squadron Standards and provide a brief history of the Squadron since its formation. The Church Service was well attended by members of the RAF

close the RAF Halton Pipe Band could be heard playing in the spring sunshine providing a welcome sight and sound as people made their way to the reception.

To Commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the RAF, St Clement Danes

36 InsIghtMAGAZINE

On the 23 April 2013, Flight Lieutenant Eric Clarke MID (retd) flew with the Waddington Flying Club at the age of 100 years and 1 day, beating the club’s previous record for the oldest person airborne by 1 day. During the Second World War Eric flew with 49 Squadron at RAF Scampton as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner on Hampden, Manchester and Lancaster aircraft. Eric completed a tour of operations with Bomber Command and went on to train new aircrew for the rest of the war. Eric’s flight was in a Cessna 172, much smaller than the heavy bombers he flew in the war, but the sights and sounds

brought back many memories.  As he flew over his old base at RAF Scampton, Eric related how his last landing there had been on returning from his last operational flight and he pointed out the hangar that was 49 Squadron’s home at that time.

Following his flight Mr. Clarke said:

“I’ve had a wonderful day, everyone has been

so marvellous.”

yesterday, Eric celebrated his 100th birthday at the Doncaster Mansion House with a full civic reception and was awarded the

High Flyer

Max, a Protection Dog, is highly trained to provide controlled aggression in the apprehension of intruders at restricted military installations. Anyone that knows him will tell you that even on a good day, Max isn’t known for his bedside manner - so when he started displaying signs of chronic toothache the plight of this very grumpy Alsatian made for a highly unusual day at the office for Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Minti Elcomb.

Dental Officer Minti is more used to providing dental services to RAF personnel at RAF Waddington or overseas supporting our troops

on detachment so when the call came in to perform a root canal on Max, Minti was naturally apprehensive.

veterinary Officer Major Claire Budge who is based at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray explained:

“It was clear on examination of Max’s teeth that he needed root canal treatment. This is a specialist procedure requiring specialist equipment. I approached Flt Lt Elcomb at RAF Waddington to ask her to carry out the procedure. Although her day to day work is on human teeth she had the necessary equipment and is also allowed to carry out treatment on animals at the request of a veterinary surgeon.”

Flt Lt Elcomb said:“It was an unusual request but I was interested in seeing how the vets work and jumped at the chance to try something new. It was not too different from doing human root canal, just a lot quieter since the patient was asleep!”

Flt Lt Elcomb headed over to Max’s home base, the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray along with dental nurse Senior Aircraftsman Rebecca Powles to perform a root canal on one of Max’s canine teeth. Max’s surgery was monitored throughout by Army veterinary Staff and he’s now at home recuperating, all the better for his dental intervention.

Bomber Command Clasp by Air Marshall Sir Graham Miller KBE. Although many people pointed out that Eric must be the oldest surviving Bomber Command veteran, he was keen to point out that there was no proof of this. However, after the flight he was happy to concede that he was the oldest one still aviating.

RAF Waddington Flying Club member Flight Lieutenant Gary Mennell said:

“It’s been a real privilege to fly Eric today. He’s a truly inspirational airman.”

InsIghtMAGAZINE 37

We are a small, rural church school situated three miles south of Waddington. In April 2012, Ofsted judged us to be ‘Good with an Outstanding grading for Behaviour and Safety’. Our Church School’s Inspection judged us to be ‘Outstanding in All Areas’.

Our pupils attend from many local villages and we value our positive relationship with RAF Waddington; its personnel and families.

We offer:-

• A secure, warm, welcoming and friendly setting• Experienced and highly trained staff• Values Based education • A newly introduced whole school Assertive Mentoring Programme• A well equipped Early Years classroom with outside play area• A computer suite with ‘green’ PCs and iPads• French tuition in Key Stage 2; Instrumental music tuition

(currently for Years 4, 5 and 6); Specialist sports coaching• An Eco School and Healthy Schools (Silver Award)• Hot meals supplied by a Gold Award ‘Food for Life’ provider• Strong links with a local breakfast and after school provider• A variety of termly after school clubs• A lovely, well maintained outdoor play area and playground. Visitors are always welcome. To find out more about what we have to

offer or to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

RECTORY ROAD, COLEBY, LINCOLN, LN5 0AJOr telephone on 01522 810627 Fax 01522 811785

Email: Enquiries@coleby.lincs.sch.ukwww.coleby.lincs.sch.uk

COLEBY C OF EPRIMARY SCHOOL

“Where Children Come First”CARRE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL

OPEN DAYS

Wednesday 3 July 2013The school will be open to parents and their sons, who are considering

admission to the school in September 2014, on Wednesday 3 July 2013. Those who wish to visit during the school day will be welcome

from 9.15 am until 12 noon when tours of the school will be conducted by students. There will also be an Open Evening with a presentation in

the Sports Hall by the Headteacher and students at 6 pm.The school will be open to look around until 8.30 pm.

Wednesday 16 October 2013The school will also be open for visits on Wednesday 16 October 2013. Those who wish to visit during the school day will be welcome from 9.15 am until 3.30 pm. Tours of the school will be conducted by students and members of

the senior team will be available to discuss admissions.

You are welcome to attend any or all of these sessions(appointments are not required)

Carre’s Grammar School, Northgate, Sleaford NG34 7DDTelephone: (01529) 302181 Email: enquiries@carres.lincs.sch.uk

This is a good school where every pupil is treated as an individual.

Behaviour within the school is good

and often outstanding. Excellent relationships exist throughout the school.

OFSTED 2012

“ At our school, we aim to support and challenge children’s achievement by turning their small steps into giant leaps”

Mrs Fiona KentHeadteacher

For more information about our school,

send for a brochure and DVD, or visit our

website.

38 InsIghtMAGAZINE

The Lincoln van hire Depot has full service facilities and a full range of cars, vans, trucks,

4X4 vehicles and people carriers for hire.

Opening Hours:Monday- Friday 08.30 to 17.30 Saturday 08.30 to 12.00 Sunday Closed

Monks Way Ind Estate, Monks Rd, Lincoln, LN2 5LN

Telephone: 01522 540100 Fax: 01522 536341

Come and visit our stand at the Air Show.

33 years Vauxhall Main Dealer93 years old, a family business you can rely on!Always 85 Network Q Used Vauxhall cars in stock WWW.TWELLS.CO.UK

We will collect and redeliver your car from your base

Masterfit Service Centre LIMITED OFFER:-

Quality Tyres from only £34.99incl VAT & fitting

Quality Batteries fromonly £29.99incl VAT & fitting

Original Rear exhausts from only £49.99incl VAT & fitting

Original Brake pads fromonly £49.99incl VAT & fitting

for accident repairs, paintless dent removal. upholstery repairs. enhancement and valeting

Vauxhall Approved BodyshopAlways call Twells FIRST

TWELLS

TEL: 01526 86000049-51 High Street, Billinghay

Open 6 Days a week for Drive-In Drive-Out

serviceOur prices for TYRES, BATTERIES,

and EXHAUSTS are checked against the national fast-fit centres on a regular basis

We usually come out as good on price- but our quality is superior

Service & MOT from

£99.00

MOT’s now ONLY £34.95

Spend £100 or more with our service department

and get £15 off When you bring this advert with you.

Offer ends December 31st 2013

Massive New Car Discounts and/or 0% APR FinancePlans available to HM FORCES

InsIghtMAGAZINE 39

40 InsIghtMAGAZINE

Valentino’s Pizzeria

31 E Redwood Drive, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9BN

Tel: 01522 722321

OpEn 7 Days a WEEk4pm till 11pm

FasT FREE DElivERyOn orders of £6 and over

Family mEals & pick-Up spEcialsPlease contact us for more information

yOU aRE

clEaRly a

pERsOn OF

TasTE!

Tel: 01522 722770

Order online: just-eat.co.uk

Catering for yourBusiness or Private FunctionNow in our 14th year of providing

fabulous food in Lincolnshire

• Garden now open• Finest quality home-made food,

hot or cold• Affordable prices

• All dietary requirements catered for• Choice of menus or choose your

own• Use of our welcoming café for

your celebration or party,seating for 40 people

• Air conditioned

For further info contact your Learning Centre or Inspired2Be on 01522 501886 or email info@inspired2Be.com

Convert your skill, experience and training into a internationally recognised

civilian qualification with an ILM certified course at RAF Coningsby

We are fully approved so you can use SLC’s, ELC’s or Resettlement

grants to fund training

£250 discount if 2 courses are booked together

10th - 13th June Leadership and Management Waddington

9th - 12th September Leadership and Management Waddington

7th - 10th October NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 1 Waddington

14th - 18th Oct Starting your own online business Waddington

4th - 8th November NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 2 Waddington

All courses are available at RAF Coningsby on an ‘as requested basis’.Please speak to TDF for details.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 41

All Your Hot Tub Needs in Lincolnshire

Make that SUMMER

PARTYextra special

• Hire Week & weekend rates

• Hot Tub Sales• Chemicals• Accessories• Hot Tub Removals

Call 01427 629234 or 07828 894269sales@aahottubs.co.uk • www.aahottubs.co.uk

Mercury House, Willoughton DriveFoxby Lane Business Park, Foxby Lane,

Gainsborough, Lincs, DN21 1DY

A pure Oasis of Tranquility

42 InsIghtMAGAZINE

“As the Station was standby diversionary airfield for the Olympics we had to miss it out last year, but knew at the time that we would be able to ramp it up again for 2013.” The event allows Motorbike enthusiasts from novice to elite standards the rare opportunity to ride RAF Waddington’s airfield road circuit in a safe, controlled and car-free environment.

Corporal Tony Cook is a member of the Sqn Permanent Staff and is one of the Sqn members who helped the event to run safely by being a marshal on his yamaha Super 10 bike. “I’ve been biking for 26 years and this

event is a way of giving back to the local community by raising money for charity. It’s a long day, we started setting up on late Friday afternoon, setting out the track cones and will finish on Saturday evening, clearing everything up so that the airfield can be used by aircraft again tomorrow. This is always a good day, whatever the weather.”

Controlling the safety marshals was Flight Sergeant Mark (Simo) Simpson, another of the Squadron’s Fulltime Reservists, observing that "The aim of the day is two-fold: Firstly to have some fun on the bikes in a safe environment where

they can ride with bit of extra speed; just learning to use the bike better will help them out of the road when they are in the traffic, but also will raise money for charity. We have almost 200 riders in 3 different groups, novices, intermediates and advanced. So there is something for everybody."

Lending his support to the day was Chris “The Stalker” Walker. Local to the county, British and World Super Bikes rider Chris was invited by the event’s riding coordinator, Flight Sergeant Matt Roberts, who is a police officer during the week as well as a Reservist Gunner.

2503 Sqn RAuxAF Regiment Airfield Riding DayProves a hit with bikers

Chris said "Obviously I am big fan of motorbikes. When Matt told me there was something going on here at RAF Waddington and what the event is was for, including the Air Ambulance which I think is a great cause - especially as a biker - I was keen to attend". Chris took a quick spin around the circuit (in a van though, rather than his race bike), visited the Air Ambulance and spent time in the paddock meeting riders to share stories and sign a few autographs. Chris was also keen to check out the competition. "The fast group are out now and I've seen there are some track bikes there and some pretty nice bikes here for sure."

On Saturday 11 May 13, instead of the usual sound of aircraft, Waddington Station roared with over 180 motorbike engines testing their mettle along a 4.3 mile circuit created from the taxiways around the airfield as 2503 (County of Lincoln) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment hosted their third Airfield Riding Day. The event was headed up by the Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Jim Coupland, who stated "This is the third time we have run the riding day.”

The fast group are out now and I've seen there are some track bikes there and some pretty nice bikes here for sure.

InsIghtMAGAZINE 43

Organised by 2503 (County of Lincoln) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, who live on the far side of the Airfield, the event puts into practise many of the coordination functions and, working as a team, they have learned whilst on operations and during pre-deployment training. "Of course we have had some great support from the RAF Waddington personnel, but most of all the

hardest graft for this has been undertaken by the Reserves; the planning, the setting up and obviously the running of the day" said Flight Sergeant Simpson. But for the day itself, it was all about the bikes, and there were plenty to see with bikers and clubs gathering from all over the UK to share and experience the circuit.

Whilst the Squadron is back to work providing continued

support to operations around the world, as well as attending their day jobs, bikers from around the region will be looking forward to the announcement of the next event. Flight Lieutenant Coupland is equally keen, "The Station Commander and the Sections whose assistance we have requested have been very supportive of the event, so we are looking forward to this becoming an enduring feature."

The event raised over £6000 which will be split between charities who directly support the Armed Forces, Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and also stroke care and recovery; the latter being very close to 2503’s hearts as Sergeant Shaun Metcalfe, one their Full Time Reserve Service Permanent Staff is currently convalescing from a stroke.

www.airfieldridingday.co.uk

44 InsIghtMAGAZINE

H E Lettings LLP | 1 Oakwood Road, Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3LHwww.helettings.co.uk Tel: 01522 698899

H E Lettings specialise in letting prestigious properties to discerning tenants

This simply beautiful farmhouse has been consistently and lovingly maintained both inside and out and as you step over the threshold, this care and attention is immediately evident. With five double bedrooms, a full house bathroom, en-suite bathroom, ground floor wc, 3 reception rooms, a study and a billiard room, in addition to a farmhouse dining kitchen with pantry, boot room / utility and expansive, beautifully maintained gardens and grounds (gardening services included in the rent), this property offers fantastic family sized accommodation.

To the outside, the property is set very well back from the road and is accessed via a single track road leading to the gravel driveway approached through wrought iron gates with a pretty orchard area to the Western aspect of the property planted with daffodils, snowdrops and established shrubs and trees, a tennis court (not included in the tenancy but available by separate negotiation) a large secret

garden to the rear of the house, further gardens to the eastern aspect leading through to a fruit orchard and around to the front of the property where there is a tiered terrace leading down to a well maintained large lawn, bounded on all sides by well planted beds and borders, shrubs and trees - a truly stunning setting!

The exterior of the property is completed by a double garage and plentiful driveway parking. This property benefits from oil fired central heating, open fireplaces, double glazing in part. - EPC Rating F

Woodhall Spa boasts much history including the Dambuster Memorial, the historic and quaint Kinema in the Woods along with the The Hotchkin golf course which is the National Golf Centre and invariably fights with Loch Lomond and Sunningdale Old for the coveted position of “best inland golf course” in the British Isles.Guide Rent: £1600.00 per calendar month to include a gardening service

Red House, Martin Dales, Woodhall Spa

InsIghtMAGAZINE 45

46 InsIghtMAGAZINE

BK MOTORHOME HIREBoston, Lincs01205 353372or 07879 048048Hiring one of our luxury motorhomes allows endless possibilitiesWe offer flexible hire terms, leave and return whatever day or time you like.Immaculate new 2010 and 2013 models.Fully comprehensive insurance included.Free Parking. Satellite TV with DVD and fully equipped kitchens. Choice of 4 or 6 berth models.Credit or Debit cards welcome.Call Tristan to arrange to view or check availability.

ClassiClandrovers

British Classics * Heritage MotorsParts 1948 to dateretail Trade export

special Projectsrestorations • Manufacturing

Country Workshops, Risegate,Nr. Spalding,

Lincolnshire, England, PE11 4EZTel/Fax: 01775750113

www.british4x4centre.co.uk Tel: 01522 567567

DIRECT CARS

PRIVATE HIRE TAXI35 Silver Street, Lincoln• Local • Long Distance

• Airport• Minibus available

• Free advice on private rehab clinics in the UK & abroad

• Immediate access to treatment • Free referrals & assessments• Rehab clinics from £500 to £5000 per week• Large discounts available

Call Keith or Louise: 0845 30 20 40 4

or Mobile: 07971 3824938 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat & Sun.

www.admitservices.co.uk

ADMIT is member of the Referral Agents’ Federation established to ensure the appropriate and ethical

referral and treatment of addiction patients www.referralagentsfed.org.uk

Advice on Private Alcohol and Drug Detox and Rehab Clinics

ADMIT Services Ltd. Tel: 0845 30 20 40 4

Broken, leaking or blocked guttering at your home or business?

Conservatory roof needing cleaning or fixing?Don’t know who to call?

GUTTERCLEANSE CAN HELP!

• Emergency call out • Gutters cleaned and repaired • Yearly health checks of your guttering • Conservatory

Full Public Liability Insurance

No job too small or too bigCall Dave

01529 41038007877 362941

www.bellesandbeaux.co.uk

Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln 01522 721970

of Waddington,your local supermarket serving the local community.

• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables• Fresh Meat,

Poultry & Fish• Fresh Dairy Produce• Chilled Ready Meals• Lunchtime Snacks• Freshly Baked Bread

• Cream Cakes• Groceries• Frozen Foods• Wines, Beers & Spirits• Newspapers & Magazines• Flowers & House Plants• Carpet Cleaning

• Home delivery• Cash Dispenser• Celebration Cakes

(to order)• Payzone

• Glass Loan• National Lottery • Extended range now

available• Free Parking

Convenient opening hours:Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm Sat 8am – 9pm Sun 10am – 4pm

Major credit cards accepted.

Tazmania50 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AN

Tattoo and Body Piercing Studiowww.taz-tattoos.co.uk01522 510488FORCES DISCOUNT WITH

VALID SERVICE ID

Unicorn TreeBooks & Crafts

Online Shopwww.lincolnbookshop.co.uk

Books, Gifts, Jigsaws, Crafts & MoreSpecialist , New & Pre-loved Books, Dvds, Music, Stationery, Religious Books& Supplies,Candles& More!

35-40 LincolnCentral MarketSincil Street, Lincoln LN5 7ET01522 525557unicorntreebooks@aol.com

We also offer:Mail OrderBook SearchesOrdering ServiceUS ImportsLoyalty Scheme

www.lincolncentralmarket.co.ukwww.lincolnchristianbookshop.co.uk

www.jigsawsandmore.co.uk

InsIghtMAGAZINE 47

48 InsIghtMAGAZINE

KartingThe 1st race of the 2013 Inter-Service Karting was held in Llandow, South Wales. RAF Waddington was represented with two karts - “50 Vulcan” and “51 Nimrod”.

Practice, qualifying and the race were all undertaken in glorious sunshine (in complete contrast to the event here last year). This was the largest ever Inter-Service race, with 40 teams taking part.

vulcan was driven by Flight Lieutenant Ramsden, Senior Aircraftman Roberts and Senior Aircraftman Broadwith and qualified 12th. Sadly, a miscalculation with weight meant that vulcan was relegated to the back of the grid. Nimrod was driven by Chief Technician Rendall, Corporal Johnson and Senior Aircraftman Casson and qualified in 25th place. Flight Lieutenant Ramsden made a flying start making in vulcan, gaining 13 places in the opening two laps and continued to climb the field to 8th place during his 50 minute drive, before pitting in to let Senior Aircraftman Roberts

take the controls. Corporal Johnson made a steady start and enjoyed battling a kart from Cosford for most of his run before swapping with Chief Technician Rendall. Both vulcan & Nimrod then maintained fast steady laps to maintain good positions out on track.

With the sun setting Senior Aircraftmen Broadwith and Casson took the race seats for the final 50 minutes. Towards the end of the race, both karts ended up together on the track and helped each other make their way through the slower traffic. At the chequered flag, vulcan finished in 11th place and Nimrod in 21st. Overall, this was a good result for both teams and a very enjoyable weekend.

Live music was back at Ravens on Thursday 9 May with bands arranged by Flt Lt Helen Verney, who also performed on the evening with Flt Lt Sal Roper.

Steal Your Fire started the evening off with solid rock crowd pleasers; Helen and Sal followed with a jazz set and one of pop; and Ferrocene blasted us through to midnight.

£180 was raised for the RAF Benevolent Fund and for RAFA, and we look forward to more live music nights to see us through the summer.

I am the new ISS General Manager Aran Walsh; I took up post in March 2013 and haven’t looked back since: well sometimes when I remember the days at the beach! Anyway moving on, the role of the General Manager is to oversee and manage all Catering, Retail & Leisure services ensuring that customer expectations and needs are met.

I have worked alongside the military for 18 years; a big part of that time was spent at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where I started as a chef, moved onto Mess management & Retail Management, along with many other jobs of course. My first full interaction with the RAF was when I took the post as ISS General Manager over 16 months ago. This was a massive

step due to relocating the family from Surrey to Newquay.

What I most like about the Super CRL contact is the partnership, and that partnership with the RAF is fundamental to the way we deliver the service. This partnership starts from the top between DIO/ Air Command and ISS Directors, down to station level with ISS team members and RAF team members working together on the ‘shop floor’. One of my key goals is to strengthen this partnership at RAF Waddington and ensure that our common goals are achieved. In doing so the customer will benefit from a service which is tailored to their needs, recognises and exploits new opportunities, and has the potential to grow and succeed.

Ara n Wa l s h

Raving on at Ravens

RAF St Mawgan To RAF Waddington 340 miles

Another important goal/aspiration of mine is help increase RAF Waddington’s profit share received every year as part of the ISS CRL contract – this is real money that comes back to the Station for the benefit of its personnel and the amount is broadly determined by how well CRL does at Waddington.As the above explains the more you use these services the more you get back.

I am passionate about what I do and I am proud to work alongside the military supporting them with what they do at home and on Ops.

RAF Waddington has great places to eat, relax and be entertained and together we can make them better!

“Wow when I look at that, I have moved a long way”

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relatives

- Oscar Wilde

There is no love sincerer than the love of food

- George Bernard Shaw

InsIghtMAGAZINE 49

BackgroundThere have been a number of fire incidents situated within the kitchens of Single Family Accommodation in the DFRMO East area. The causes of fire have been put down to pets turning the hob controls on whilst combustible materials are being kept on the hob top.

All kitchen cooker units are supplied through a red isolation switch which is prominently positioned to the side of the cooker at waist height. It is the advice of the Fire Safety Office that SFA occupants isolate the cookers by the isolation switch when the cooker is not in use. This will ensure that any accidental operation of the hob controls by children, pets or by household equipment leaning up against them will not turn them on.

An avoidance of keeping combustible materials on top of or near to the cooker hob is to be adhered to as this fire precaution could save lives and property.A home Fire Safety visit can be arranged where general fire precautions and fire awareness training can be discussed to provide reassurance for fire safety arrangements in the home.

Sgt B JonesEstablishment Fire Safety Advisorfor CFO / Hd DFRMO

The RAF Waddington Youth Club recently hosted an interactive presentation session with the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs Tia Danby & Pete Thomas) from Bracebridge Heath Police Station. The event was a huge success with the PCSOs covering both the junior and senior Youth Club sessions with the aim of providing the children with an insight into the dangers associated with online & social media. The juniors were particularly enthusiastic to learn about the role of the PCSOs and the benefit they have on the community. Tia and Pete gave an excellent brief about the potential of Child Exploitation & the Online Protection Centre (CEOP), enabling the juniors to have a very basic understanding of social media security and receive some good tips about staying safe while online.

During the senior session, Tia and Pete led a vibrant discussion about the perils of the most familiar social media sites giving the children a fantastic opportunity to look at how a simple post could ‘snowball’ into a very serious situation. The

children were given some really useful information & guidance about using Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. The Station youth Club has formed closer ties with the local PCSOs and will be inviting them to give further briefs in the future.

The RAF Waddington youth Club meets every Wednesday evening in the Integrated Welfare Facility (IWF) during school term-time at RAF Waddington. The Club is open to children who have a parent/guardian serving at RAF Waddington, including civilians.Juniors, age 8-12 yrs, 6pm - 7.15pm.Seniors, age 12-19yrs, 7.30pm - 9pm.

For more information, contact Sergeant Martyn Wood, Deputy OC, on 01522 726551

Youth Club PCSO Story Safety Warning NoticeKitchen Fires in SFA

Lance Print is an established printers based in Huntingdon near Cambridge. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service. We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

Call Today:

(01480) 492183

www.lanceprint.co.uk

Think Print

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...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 (10 minutes 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.

www.lagosalgarve.co.uk

Prices:Nov to Mar £190Apr, May, Oct £255June & Sep £320July & Aug £395

InsIghtMAGAZINE 51

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...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 (10 minutes 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.

www.lagosalgarve.co.uk

Prices:Nov to Mar £190Apr, May, Oct £255June & Sep £320July & Aug £395

52 InsIghtMAGAZINE