Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
ISSUE 4, 2011 £Free
InSIdE: op ellamy update • Xiii sqn Final Flight • recognition For employers oF norFolk reserVists • plus much more…
t h e o F F i c i a l m a g a Z i n e o F r a F m a r h a m
eXercise GREEN
FLAG
record Breaking
Hot AiR BALLooN
challengeride FoR RAFA
crossBowCAPABiLitY
at raF marham
the RoYAL BRitisH LEGioN RidERs BRANCH ride to raF marham
contents issuE 4, 2011
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS �
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 High School • Hamonds High School, 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
stoCkists
editorAlison Smith
Ext: 7332
Email: MRM-BSWAMCO@
marham.raf.mod.uk
suB-editorClare Smith / Sarah Leggett
Ext: 6739 / 7004
Email: MRM-BSWMCOA1@
marham.raf.mod.uk
MRM-BSWMCOA2@
marham.raf.mod.uk
MRM-BSWMCOgroup@
marham.raf.mod.uk
raF marham weB pagewww.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham/
puBlishedLance Publishing Ltd
1st Floor Tailby House
Bath Road, Kettering, NN16 8NL
Tel: (01536) 512624
Fax: (01536) 515481
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.lancepublishing.co.uk
designedChris Keller
Email: [email protected]
adVertising salesJayne Bailey
Lance Publishing Ltd
Tel: (01536) 526677
Email: [email protected]
printedLance Print Ltd
Tel: (01332) 221440
LancepublishingPart of the Lance Publishing Group
LanceprintPart of the Lance Publishing Group
EditoRiAL tEAm
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.
dEAdLiNE dAtE tuesday 10th may 2011, please submit all entries for issue 5 by no later than the date stated.
iNsidE
4 Exercise GREEN FLAG
5 Force Development Sqn Courses for May
7 Record Breaking Hot Air Balloon Challenge
8 Air Cadets Put Marham on the Map
8 The Rainbow Centre at RAF Marham
10 Op ELLAMY Update
10The Royal British Legion Riders Branch Ride to RAF Marham
11 XIII Sqn Final Flight
14 Community Support Sqn
16 RAF Marham Cinema
17 Smoke Alarms
18 Ride for RAFA
19 Storybook Wings
19 RAF Marham Bulls Rugby Football Club
21 CROSSBOW Capability at RAF Marham
22Recognition for Employers of Norfolk Reservists
23 Crime Reduction: Advice from the RAF Police Flight
24RAF Marham Combines Two National Weeks to Benefit Our Community
Front coVer photo BySAC Ellie Insley
21
4
From the EditoRs
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Welcome to this month’s issue of Marham Matters.
With spring in
the air, the
days getting
longer and the
temperature getting warmer, we
can all start looking forward to
the summer months and many
of the summer activities that are
on offer. We’ll help to keep you
updated with events, so don’t
forget to keep a close eye on
future editions.
In this month’s edition we
give you an update on ‘Op
ELLAMY’, we hear how RAF
Marham’s Flt Lt Fopp took part
in a record breaking Hot Air
Balloon Challenge and give you
an exciting update on Friends and
Families Day 2011. We also share
a fun day that the Rainbow Centre
recently held for the children
and parents who attend there,
and the day that 130 members of
the Royal British Legion Riders
Branch rode to RAF Marham
to present a cheque for the
staggering amount of £150,000
for the Poppy Appeal!
We hope that you enjoy
reading this month’s edition
and please keep all of your
great stories and details of
events coming in, to continue
to make the magazine varied
and interesting. We always
look forward to receiving your
articles and really appreciate your
comments and ideas.
Don’t forget Marham
Matters is now online at www.
marhammattersonline.co.uk.
7
Force deVelopment squAdRoNCourses for May 2011
To book a place please
Email Louise Blake. Please
visit our website for our full
range of courses. FDS can
be found on the Marhamnet
home page under “Misc”.
Jnco & airmens leadership course two day course4th & 5th may• Introduce delegates to the
principles of leadership
and team work
• Raise awareness of
the importance of
understanding what
motivates individuals
and teams
• Explore and increase
understanding of effective
communication
nlp intro 26th may
• Establish rapport
• Build /maintain
self-confidence
• Influence and persuade
• Enhance communication
skills
inFluencing Beyond authority 4th may
• Understand the concept of
negotiating and influencing
and be able to negotiate
a win win situation.
• Identify behaviours, their
effects and the situations
in which they are most
relevant and powerful.
PART OF THE ILM SCHEME
sJar writing 5th may
• Identify key skills
needed to conduct an
effective appraisal
• Use narrative tool kit to write
SJARs effectively
PART OF THE ILM SCHEME
the mind oF the BelieVer 5th may
This presentation attempts
to gain an understanding
of people and cultures that
hold a very different world
view to that predominant in
secular western countries.
This presentation may be
useful to anybody about to
deploy to the Middle East
and also for anybody who
is interested to discover
more about the religious
outlook of the three great
monotheistic faiths.
0930-1200 ST ANDREWS CHURCH
assertiVeness 10th may
• Understand behavioural
patterns
• Handle challenging
situations
• Differentiate between
assertiveness and anger
on the JoB training instructional techniques (oJtit) 12th may
By the end of this course
you will be able to:
• Analyse a skill appropriate
to your trade or branch
• Carry out a structured
training session
wo & snco leadership course 24th & 25th may
To refresh delegates’
understanding of the
principles of leadership,
management and team
working, by exploring
what comprises a high
performing team and
their role in sustaining
such a team.
4 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
eXercise green Flag
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.ukissue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 5
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Fds courses For may 2011
Ten days ago I was a
student on a training
course; now here I
am as part of a front
line fast jet squadron, on a
heavy weapons Detachment.
The familiarity of the GR4
Operational Conversion Unit at
RAF Lossiemouth seems very
far away. The apprehension
I feel seems balanced by the
excitement at the potential
of what lies ahead. More
experienced squadron members
are asking questions about things
I hadn’t even considered, and the
look of concentration on their
faces is doing nothing to ease
my concern! It is clear that this
is no longer the training world
- everyone is treated as an equal
and is expected to pull their
weight. As the Junior Weapons
Systems Officer, and most junior
member of the Squadron, it
becomes evident that I won’t
have long to get up to speed in
order to contribute sufficiently to
the running of the Detachment.
A lot of weekend reading lies
ahead before the flying begins...
Day two of the exercise and
it’s my turn: I was programmed
Sitting in the main briefing room for the initial exercise briefings it all begins to sink in – I am participating in Exercise GREEN FLAG; a pre-deployment training exercise prior to 31 Squadron deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK.
as part of a pair to drop live
Paveway IV weapons in the
nearby range. This is my second
trip on 31 Squadron and I am
dropping live weapons! I soon
begin to realise that things happen
extremely quickly on the front
line and you need to keep up.
The programmed crews consist
of two fairly experienced pilots
with two relatively inexperienced
WSOs, the other WSO being
someone that I went through the
initial stages of training with! The
planning stage is unexpectedly
simple due to the proximity of the
imperative that we know the bomb
is in the correct condition before
we take it flying. Once airborne
I am thankful to be number 2
within the formation as it allows
me slightly more capacity to
concentrate on what I need to do
without needing to control the
formation en-route to the weapons
range. Once established in the
range, I watch as our formation
leader carries out the first attack
just as we briefed. I watch on my
Litening III targeting pod as the
bomb impacts the target – now
the pressure is on me to do the
same! We run through the work
cycle pedantically, exactly how we
briefed, keeping the chat between
us to a minimum. I tell the pilot
I am happy with my targeting
processes and I am happy for him
to release the weapon. There is a
very distinct ‘clunk’ as the bomb
leaves the jet and we tell our
controller that we have released
the weapon. I watch the picture
of the target provided by my
targeting pod and monitor the
‘Time to Impact’ indication.
As the numbers count -down I
begin to hope that, as the timer
reaches zero, something will
happen on the screen. Then, 1
second earlier than indicated,
the armoured vehicle that was
once there is replaced by a cloud
of dust and destruction. As we
carry out the post-target checks
we receive a call of, ‘Good Bomb
Good Bomb’, from the ground
controller. There is certainly
a sense of elation within the
jet as, after many months of
intensive training, I have made
my first drop of a live weapon.
Back on the ground I now
completely understand why we
have travelled all of the way to
Las Vegas for Exercise GREEN
FLAG. The terrain and vast
area make it a perfect place for
this type of weapons training.
My confidence in the weapon
and my ability to employ it
has grown immeasurably. The
training benefit of this one sortie
alone has given me more than
a simulated weapons sortie
ever could. I look ahead at the
remainder of the exercise with
more confidence and a new
motivation with the experience
of my first live bomb behind me.
weapons range, the restrictions
placed on us whilst carrying live
weapons, and the nature of Close
Air Support. However, during the
brief I find myself concentrating
harder than I have in a long time.
There is a lot to take in and I am
determined to be absolutely
certain about the required
processes at every stage of the
weaponeering. During the eight
month GR4 conversion course
at Lossiemouth I had operated
using simulated weapons dozens
of times, but actually having a
live Paveway IV attached to the
bottom of the jet significantly
changed the way I thought about
the sortie! That being said, leaving
the brief I was happy I knew what
was required of me in the air.
The Paveway IV is an extremely
advanced and effective bomb
and I was about to get the chance
to see what it could do! My pilot
and I meticulously go through the
flight reference cards to check
the condition of the bomb. It is
eXercise
GREEN FLAG
Fifty one hot air
balloons from across
the UK and Europe
flew across the English
Channel from Lydden Hill
Race Circuit in Kent, creating
a fantastic visual spectacle
including a 61 foot tall, smoke
breathing dragon shaped
balloon together with the RAF
Halton Balloon.
The Halton Balloon ably
piloted by Flight Lieutenant
Chris Fopp from RAF Marham,
together with Wing Commander
(Retired) Tony Attwood and
Flight Sergeant Gareth Bufton
of ACS RAF Halton, were in
the basket taking off at 7.00am
on the 7th April 2011 for the 1
hour 40 minute flight. Having
successfully cleared the
Channel the next objective
was for all balloons to attempt
record Breaking Hot AiR BALLooN challengeThe RAF Halton Hot Air Balloon was amongst a record-breaking group of balloons that took flight across the English Channel on the 7th April 2011.
to land as close to or on Calais
Airfield. After an epic journey
the RAF Halton balloon made a
perfect approach to the airfield
and finally came to rest adjacent
to the Air Traffic Control building.
The Halton team were welcomed
to French soil by the airfields
Manager and Firecrew who were
somewhat bemused to have just
five of the 50 balloons land within
the airfield. Supporting the Halton
Balloon in the retrieve vehicle
were Brian Deans and Andy Laws
(Associate Members) who having
seen the RAF liveried Lindstrand
balloon drift serenely away over
the Kent countryside headed for
Dover to catch the ferry to Calais.
The weather conditions
were perfect, there was not
a cloud in the sky and all the
crews assembled at Lydden Hill
pre dawn to start preparations
were filled with a real sense
of excitement. Tony Attwood
(Pilot RAF Halton Balloon)
commented that “To be part of
this record attempt will live with
me for a very long time”. Tony
an accomplished balloonist and
founder member of the RAF
Halton Balloon Club has taken part
in numerous events ranging from
flying across London to flying
at height in the Austrian Alps.
Steve Richards event organiser
described the take off ‘it went
from peaceful still spring early
morning daybreak to a cacophony
of noise, action and colour’, as the
balloons lifted off into the skies
above the Kent countryside.
After the successful crossing
balloonists were popping
champagne corks at the prospect
of setting a new record. Later
WriTTEn By: FS Gareth Bufton on at the event presentation,
Mr Richards confirmed the
record had been verified
by the ‘Guinness World
Records’ organisation as a
new record for the number of
balloons crossing the channel
– previous record 35 balloons
– new record 50 balloons.
All members of the Halton
team were feeling suitably
proud to be one of potentially
300 people that have flown the
channel in the oldest form of
aviation and being part of the
new record.
6 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
hot air Balloon challenge
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS �Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Here at The Winch we are a family run bar and restaurant that believe in good value and high quality, where there will always be a warm, friendly welcome to regular and new customers
alike as well as accompanied children of all ages. Come along and experience the uniqueness The Winch has to offer and allow your taste buds to be tantalized by our delicious and equally exciting menus both in the restaurant and in the bar. The service in our restaurant is discreet yet highly attentive with a warm welcome given to all guests, all dishes are prepared using only locally sourced ingredients and although The Winch has traditionally been a Carvery restaurant and this tradition continues, we do recognise that you may want something a little different so our exciting, varied menu is designed to offer something for everyone. While food is at the heart of all we do here at The Winch, let’s not forget the bar, unwind, relax and enjoy our extensive range of fine wines, spirits, traditional real ales, draught lagers, and fresh coffee. If you are looking for the ideal location to celebrate a special occasion, our restaurant is available for private hire.
Welcome To THE WINCH01553 782952 70 Main Rd, West Winch, Kings Lynn, PE33 0LY
StartersChef’s Homemade Soup ..................................£3.50
Crayfish Cocktail, Cucumber & Chive Creme Fraiche .....................................£3.95
Chicken Liver Pate, Red onion marmalade & melba toast ..................................................£4.25
Goats Cheese and roasted pepper salad .............£4.50
Mozzarella & Tomato Salad with basil pesto .........£4.75
Main Courses Steak & Ale Pudding ........................................£9.45in suet casing with rich gravy and fresh seasonal vegetables
Norfolk Lamb Cutlets ......................................£10.45served with potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables
Fish in Beer Batter ............................................£8.95chips and mushy peas
Grilled Rib Eye Steak ......................................£12.95field mushrooms, tomato and chunky chips
100% Beef Burger ..........................................£8.95in sesame bun, served with chunky chips
Ribs in our Smoky barbecue sauce ..................£10.45served with jacket potato and fresh green saladClassic Lasagne ...............................................£8.95
Sweet Pepper and Goats Cheese Tart .................£9.95served with jacket potato and fresh green salad
Carvery (Under 5’s eat free with one full paying adult main course)
Choice of Roasted Meats with fresh local vegetables ......................................................£8.95Childrens Carvery with fresh local vegetables .......£4.95
Childrens Menu Homemade Chicken Wraps ...............................£3.50with fresh green salad
Mini Cheese & Tomato Pizzas ............................£3.25
Homemade 6oz Beefburger ..............................£3.75with fresh salad and chips
Desserts A selection of desserts, all at £3.95
Light Bar MealsHome Cooked Honey Roast Ham, Egg & Chips ..£7.95
Jacket Potato (Beans & Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise)...............£6.95with fresh green side salad
Traditional Stilton, Cheddar or Ham Ploughmans ..£8.95
BLT in a fresh roll .............................................£6.95
Minute Steak Sandwich ....................................£7.95
Chicken Fajitas .................................................£7.95
10% discount to all RAF personnel
on production of ID card
� MARHAM MATTERS issue 4Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS �Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
air cadets put marham on the map
They recently took part
in a weekend course
at Marham to prepare
them for their ‘First
Class Cadet’ assessment
and Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award expeditions.
Saturday was spent at the
Youth Activities Centre (YAC)
on the theory of navigation,
during which they learned how
to read Ordnance Survey maps
and use a compass to navigate.
They also had to draw a scale
map of the YAC compound.
On the next day, they
donned their walking boots
and rucksacks for a 15km
navigation exercise across
Marham Fen, along the
Nar Valley Way, through
Shouldham Warren,
Shouldham village and back
across the fields to Marham.
Cadets from 864 (Marham) DF Air Training Corps are now fully trained in map reading and navigation.
Cadet Aaron Bannell
(13) said: “It was tiring but
worth it. I now feel a lot more
confident reading maps”
Commanding Officer
Flight Lieutenant Tony Hall
said: “They all did very well
and were only ‘temporarily
uncertain of their position’
on one occasion but soon
got back on the right track.”
Marham Air Cadets are
now recruiting boys
and girls between the
ages of 13 and 16 from
around the Marham
area. If you wish to
give it a try, please
contact TOny HALL on
07900 518153 or send
an Email to: oc.864df@
aircadets.org.
PiCTurEd: Compass: Cadets get to grips with using a compass
at the Youth activities Centre.
air cadets Put mARHAm oN tHE mAP
The children and their
parents were able
to participate in a
Treasure Hunt, Messy
Play Activities, Gardening
and much more. The highlight
of the event was the session
of Bollywood and Bangra
dancing, hosted by Mrs
Harjinder Tina Vallance, where
the children, and parents,
were given the chance to use
their physical skills through
music and movement.
The Rainbow Centre at RAF Marham recently held an events day where the parents were invited in to share some ‘fun’ with their children.
the RAiNBow CENtRE at raF marham
Rainbow’s Centre Manager,
Dee Gent said “Today was
about promoting the 6 areas
of the Early Years Foundation
Stage (EFYS) through a varied
range of vibrant, exciting
and stimulating activities.
We hope to maximise the
opportunities for parents
to have an insight into how
their children spend their
time at the Rainbow Centre
and develop further our
relationships with them.”
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Wednesday 8th June 20113.30pm - 5.30pm
All welcome - no chargeSimply call 01603 810390
If you’d like to join us
Our thinking independent school has the warm, friendly atmospherethat ensures pupils reach their full potential
Hethersett Old Hall School, Hethersett,Norwich NR9 3DW
www.hohs.co.uk [email protected] 01603 810390
We invite all goodboys and girls up to age 7 (bigbrothers, sistersand grown-ups arewelcome too!)
...to bring their furry friendto a Teddy Bears’ Picnic.Enjoy fun and games in our woods, grounds andplayground. Bring a picnicand enjoy a fun summer’safternoon.
Come and meet
your Swaffham
Sure Start TeamWe offer exciting activities and information in and around Swaffham including Marham.
For further details please contact us on 01760 721101, email [email protected] or visit our website www.swaffham.childrencentre.org
LITTLE OAKS PRE-SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUB
01366 502150 www.little-oaks-preschool.ik.org
A warm, friendly welcome is waiting for you!
Sessional childcare : Monday to FridayPre-School Manager: Debbie Sammons, 47 Wretton Road, Stoke Ferry,
01366 502150Email: [email protected]
School Term Time: children aged 2 to 5
Holiday clubs for2 - 8 year olds
15 hrs a week funded places for children ages 3 & 4
Places available for Special Educational Needs
Tasty hot meals provided
Three trained staff: NVQ2, NVQ3, BA(Hons)EYPS awarded
OFSTED Inspected
Open 50 weeks a year
Mums and Tots group: Tuesday 1.30-3.00pm
Parent quote: “…it has a great reputation and being able to take our son to a local, well respected
pre-school is fantastic.”
The Royal British Legion
Riders Branch is a
National Branch of the
Royal British Legion
and has nearly 4,000 members
worldwide. This year the Riders
Branch has raised a staggering
amount of just over £150,000
for the Poppy Appeal through
On Saturday 2nd April approximately 130 members of The Royal British Legion Riders Branch rode to RAF Marham to present a cheque to Wing Commander Jim Mulholland, Officer Commanding 31 Sqn.
various sponsored events. The
bikers travelled from all across
the country, meeting up at the
Hollywood Diner in Swaffham
before riding together to RAF
Marham to make the cheque
presentation. Wing Commander
Mulholland joined the bikers for
the final stage as a passenger on
the back of a Honda Goldwing
before accepting the cheque on
behalf of the Royal British Legion.
The money raised will
really help with the work that
the Royal British Legion does
providing welfare to all Armed
Forces – serving, ex-service
and their dependants.
the royal British legion riders
Branch RidE to RAF mARHAm
Static aircraft displays
will also include the
Griffin, Puma and the
RAFB Hot Air Balloon
which will offer static rides!
An evening of
entertainment will follow
starting with the children’s
entertainment from 4.30pm
– 6.30pm, then live band and
further evening entertainment
from 7.30pm – 11.00pm.
Tickets will be available from
As an update to this event, this year’s flying display promises to be an exciting one with air displays performed by the Red Arrows, BBMF (Spitfires and a Dakota), Hawk, Typhoon, Tucano, Stearmans, Focke Wolf 190 and the Tornado GR4 Airfield Attack with Pyrotechnics.
Supporting
Operations
including the 1,000
Bomber Raids in
1942 and the liberation of
Kuwait in 1991, XIII Squadron
celebrates a momentous
and historic service history
with a final flight in May
2011. XIII Squadron Tornado
GR4s will be seen in the
skies over Marham at
1313hrs on 6th May 2011.
Xiii sqn FiNAL FLiGHt
raF marham FRiENds & FAmiLiEs dAY11tH AuGust 2011(THIS IS A PRIvATE EvENT – NOT OPEN TO THE PUbLIC)
The GR4 aircraft is flying
sorties focusing on
Libyan military command
and control facilities and
air defence infrastructure as well
as armed reconnaissance sorties
aiding the objectives of protecting
the civilian population from attacks
by Colonel Gaddafi’s forces.
Currently, 12 of Marham’s
Tornado GR4s are forward
deployed to Italian Air Force Base
Gioia Del Colle. The presence of
the Tornados, together with the
Typhoon fighters, means that the
UK can strike both air and ground
targets as required, ensuring that
we protect civilians in Libya.
The RAF’s commander of
air operations over Libya, Air
Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, has
oP ELLAmY updateTornado GR4 aircraft from RAF Marham are currently playing a crucial role in Coalition operations in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
reported that, thanks to the efforts
of personnel deployed from
Marham, the Libyan Air Force ‘no
longer exists as a fighting force’.
“We are now applying sustained,
unrelenting pressure on the
Libyan Armed Forces. Their
air force no longer exists as a
fighting force, and its integrated
air defence system and
command and control networks
are severely degraded to the
point that we can operate over
[Libyan] airspace with impunity.
As we continue to enforce
the no-fly zone, we are watching
over the innocent people of
Libya and ensuring that we
protect them from attack.”
Marham based XIII, IX(B) and
II(AC) Squadrons have played
a leading role in the unfolding
conflict, carrying out precision
strikes making use of the GR4’s
state of the art Litening targeting
pods and a variety of low
collateral guided munitions.
Wg Cdr Howie Edwards,
Commanding Officer of XIII
Squadron, told of how air and
ground crews knew they were
racing against time to prevent a
massacre in Libya: “There’s no
doubt genocide was about to
happen in Banghazi. We knew
we needed to get there before
(Gaddafi’s) troops did.”
RAF Marham Station
Commander, Group Captain
Pete ‘Rocky’ Rochelle, praised
the efforts of his personnel and
spoke of the continuing relevance
of the Tornado GR4: “Whilst our
main effort remains Operation
HERRICK, supporting troops on
the ground in Afghanistan, our air
men and women have time and
again demonstrated just how truly
agile, adaptable and capable they
are, responding to and focusing
on the task of Operation ELLAMY.
This once again proves the
relevance and broad range of
contingent capabilities of the
Tornado GR4, having flown
missions of historic distance from
Norfolk: 3000 mile round trips
in support of UNSCR 1973.”
Prime Minister David Cameron
has passed on ‘heartfelt thanks
from the British public’ to RAF
personnel engaged in Libya during
a surprise visit to the Italian air base
at Gioia del Colle last week.
“The whole country should be
proud of what they have done,”
he said. “They have responded
incredibly quickly. They have
flown many sorties. They have
been extremely successful in
holding back Gaddafi’s forces.
10 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
op ellamy update
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Xiii sqn Final Flight
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 11Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Don’t forget you can keep
up with all of the latest
information regarding this
event on the RAF Marham
website located at: www.raf.
mod.uk/rafmarham/events.
May 2011 and can be obtained
from the Wing Registries, The
Community Support Hub and
from Passes and Permits.
Sqn Ldr Darren Henry
oC Css
01760 337261 Ext: 7235
Rita Broomfield
Community Development
officer
01760 337261 Ext: 7884
or 07899 908372
Stevie Lewis
HIVE Information officer
01760 446121 or
01760 337261 Ext: 7425
Jane Murdoch
Community support
admin assistant
01760 446136 or
on base 95951 6136
Email: adminspt@
btconnect.com
Flt Sgt Terry Norman
station Community
support officer
01760 446052,
on base 95951 6052
Email: scsorafmarham@
btconnect.com
Erica Reynolds
Youth Worker
01760 446378 Ext: 6378
or 07931 997797
Safer Neighbourhood Team
Watlington
08545 456 4567
MODern Housing
Solutions (MHS)
Help Desk
0800 707 6000 Option 4
HIC (Housing Information Point)
Help Desk
0800 169 6322 Option 1,
Option 2 (Thetford)
Marham Lodges Bookings
Call into the Community
Support Hub or Contact
01760 446136
SSAFA
Tom smith
01760 44 6051 Ext: 6051 or
Ronna Garrod
01760 44 6900 Ext: 6900
community
suPPoRt squAdRoNcontacts:
This month there is a
whole host of things
to get involved with.
So make sure you pull
out your ‘What’s On’ insert for
more information and details on
how to get involved with these
great activities. Don’t forget
that we are always on the look
out for volunteers so if you see
something that you would like
to support directly or can help
with any of our events please
contact riTA the Community
Development Officer on Ext: 7884.
RAF MARhAM CoMMunity Supp
oRt
Sq
uA
dRo
n t
el: (0
1760)
446 136 Gptn ext: 6136
what’s
oN!spring 2011
Full details and a complete listing of events, please contact the Community Support Hub, RAF Marham Website and MarhamNet.
may 2011SundAy 1ST MAy
Great East Anglia run (GEAR) 12k
Road Race & 1.2 Mile Fun Run.
King’s Lynn Tuesday market place
SundAy 1ST MAy
Morris dancing. Knights Hill
Roundabout Wooton King’s Lynn
SundAy 1ST MAy
May Garland Procession A Real
May Day Event. st margaret’s
Church - Town Centre King’s Lynn
FridAy 6TH MAy
Folk on the Pier. pavilion
Theatre at Cromer
FridAy-SundAy 20TH-22nd MAy
Cromer & Sheringham
Crab Festival
THurSdAy-SundAy
26TH-29TH MAy
Subaru international Horse
Trials. Houghton Hall
What’s on in the local area during May & June 2011:
SundAy-MOndAy 29TH-30TH MAy
Country Weekend. Bircham
Windmill (Sheep Racing,
Dogs, Horses and Crafts)
June 2011SATurdAy 4TH JunE
Cambridge Strawberry Fair
One-day Music Festival
SATurdAy 11TH JunE
Picnic in the Park. Wootons park,
King’s Lynn (Family Fun Day)
SATurdAy-SundAy
11TH-12TH JunE
Cambridge Town & Country
Show. parkers piece, Cambridge
SATurdAy-FridAy
18TH-24TH JunE
Summer Seaside Special.
pavilion Theatre in Cromer
WEdnESdAy 22nd JunE
Cambridge Midsummer Fair.
midsummer Common
SATurdAy-SundAy
25TH-26TH JunE
The Muckleburgh Military
Collection Military WWII Weekend
with camping and WWII re-enactor
and military entertainments
(Discount for Service personnel)
SATurdAy 25TH JunE
Festival Too Weekend Free
Music Festival. King’s Lynn
Tuesday market place
SundAy 26TH JunE
Hunstanton Carnival
SundAy 26TH JunE
Beachamwell Open Gardens,
opens at 12.00, entry fee £3 per
adult, £5 per couple, children
free, parking free. Other
attractions include a band, raffle
and tombola.Ploughman’s lunch
and cream teas available to buy
on the day. all welcome, near
RaF marham, just off the a1122
look forward to seeing you.
THurSdAy-SundAy 26TH-29TH MAy
Subaru international Horse Trials. Houghton Hall
12 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 1�Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
community support squadron
London Road25 London Road,King’s Lynn,01553 773168
Spring has arrived!Now is the time to bring your
rabbit in for a free health checkMake sure they are safe from Myxomatosis
www.makeyourpetsmile.co.uk
Hollies ClinicParadise Road,Downham Market,01366 386655
London Road Veterinary Centre
Your Local Independent Vets
Mill Barn, Necton, PE37 8EN
01760 721000 / 723178
Baby pages is set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside in converted barns, where you will find a variety of nursery
goods for that very special new addition
Nigel & Colleen offer excellent customer care service as they have always prided
themselves on delivering a first class service.
Stockists of
Free Silver Cross Ventura car seat with any Silver Cross pram purchased.
Offer closes 31/5/11
14 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
community support squadron
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.ukissue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 15
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
community support squadron
As you have no
doubt witnessed
there has been
a dramatic rise
in the number of families in
Marham. We understand that
our facilities are coming under
increasing pressure to meet
the needs of all our families
and would like your help to
assess, in the first instance
the current need for our
families taking into account
and supporting the Norfolk
Children’s Plan. In order to
assess this need it would
be very helpful if you would
complete the questionnaire
which can be found on www.
sandringhamcentre.com or if
you prefer pick up a hard copy
from the Community Hub or
your childcare provider.
Eagles Coaches
Bus Service Route 51
downham Market to norwich
service runs 1st and 3rd
Wednesday of the month
• May 4th and 18th 2011
• June 1st and 15th 2011
• July 6th and 20th 2011
Adult Fare: £6 Return
Bus Times from
rAF Marham to norwich:
RAF Marham Main Gate: 0910
Norwich Castle Meadow: 1020
Bus Times from
norwich to rAF Marham:
Norwich Castle
Meadow Stand W: 1330
RAF Marham (Request
stop): 1445
Full timetable available from
the Community support Hub.
Fancy shopping in norwich? Now You CAN
The use of
Service Families
Accommodation for a
business or commercial
activity e.g. internet and home
working, mail order catalogue;
cosmetic representative;
kitchenware sale; registered
child minding etc, is not
generally prohibited but prior
permission must be sought from
the HIC and the Local Service
Commander (via SCSO).
Such activities must not be
prejudicial to the good order of
running a Business / commercial
ACtiVitY FRom sFAthe SFA estate and the general
interest of other occupants.
Business or commercial
undertakings requiring installation
of industrial machinery, storage
of heavy, large, car repairs or
constant visits to the SFA by
members of the public (e.g.
surgery/advice services) are not
permitted and the unauthorised
use of a SFA for such an activity
could lead to compulsory vacation.
Additional advice can be sought
from the SCSO in the Community
Support Hub.
• The name and address of
the owner must be inscribed
on the dog’s collar.
• The Licensee is responsible
for keeping the pet(s)
under control at all times.
• The pet(s) must be
prevented from causing
nuisance, including barking
and fouling footpaths
and public areas.
If a dog fouls at any time
and the person in charge
of the dog fails to clean
up the faeces, they may
be in breach of their
license to have a pet,
dogs are not permitted
in Children’s play areas.
• The owner/Licensee
must comply with the
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• The Licensee is to ensure
that pet(s) do not damage the
fabric of the building, spoil
the makeup of the garden
area or cause damage to
perimeter fencing/boarding.
• The Licensee is to notify
Defence Infrastructure
Organisation Housing if
there is any change to the
information provided.
keeping dogs in sERViCE FAmiLiEs ACCommodAtioN
With the increase
in the numbers
of children,
using the
Infants school and Rainbows,
parking has become an issue.
This has caused several
incidents of occupants being
blocked in and being unable
to get to work or to hospital
appointments. The parking
issue now has got to the stage
where the local authority and
police, with the support of
the Station, have agreed that
action needs to be taken.
As of the 1st May 2011,
parking outside the Infant
school, Rainbows and
surrounding roads will be
monitored (for a 6 month
period) and anyone found to be
parking illegally will be warned
of the action which may be
taken if they persist to ignore
the Road Traffic regulations.
Additional parking has been
identified to the rear of the
Infant school, parking in the
Ash Road Garages, access is
via Ash Road. Please do not
block the front of the garages
Please help by parking
correctly, not blocking
the front of drives, drive
with care and allow extra
time for your journey.
PARkiNGinFants school: RAiNBows
The Community Support
Hub have a range of
discounts available for
holidays in the UK and
abroad, just pop in and pick up
your copy of the Forces Discount
holidays oR short BreaksBook. RAFA have holiday chalets
at Hemsby on the Norfolk Coast
which can be booked for a family
break and are reasonably priced.
RAF Neatishead have a
boat on the Broads just north
of Norwich which can be
hired by Service personnel.
Interested then pop
in for more information
and to see what other
holidays are available.
Fancy a trip to ALtoN towERs, LEGoLANd, sEALiFE, this summer? Tickets are available from
Merlin Corporate Discount with
up to 55% discount available at
selected attractions. Contact
the HIVE for further details.
tHE wiNCH a10 west winch Carvery Restaurant offering
10% discount to those serving
at RAF Marham. More
information available from the
Community Support Hub.
latest disCouNts
defence Infrastructure
Organisation Modern
Housing Solutions
(MHS) has been
informed by Service customers
that unsolicited ‘cold call’
individuals who produced SSE
Identity Cards & stated that MHS
had brokered a deal with SSE.
They stated that a 22%
reduction in the bill for energy
cold calls soutHERN & sCottisH ELECtRiC
can be achieved with SSE as
MHS has brokered a special
arrangement for Service
personnel & exclusively with
SSE. They then invited the
SFA tenant to sign a change of
contract form which included
a Direct Debit mandate. MHS
has no such arrangements in
place and is unlikely to ever
make such arrangements.
On Sunday 3rd April
Community Support
hosted the 2011
Deployed Mothering
Sunday Lunch. Eight Mums and
one Grandmother and Granddad
were treated to a wonderful lunch
courtesy of The Olde Windmill
Restaurant at Great Cressingham.
The glorious spring
weather enabled the children
deployed Families motHER’s dAY suNdAY LuNCH
to play in the garden whilst
families were able to meet,
chat and share experiences.
The families had sons,
husbands and daughters
deployed to various locations
such as The Falklands,
Afghanistan and Italy. To be
able to come together and
share this special day with
other families and not to have
to slave in a kitchen or wash up
made it even more fantastic!
We would very much like
to thank Community Support
and the staff of the venue for
providing such a wonderful
event, and also to ‘Home
Alone’ who so very kindly gave
us all a box of chocolates.
who are we?We are a group of over
150 education and welfare
professionals working
collaboratively with members
of the Military community to
encourage and facilitate the
provision of high-quality support
to Service Children and their
families. Our wider membership
now numbers over 500 people.
What are our aims?
• To promote wider understanding
of the specific needs of Service
Children and their families.
• To offer effective support
and advice to professionals
who work with Service
Children and their families.
why?We believe that the specific
needs of Service Children and
The next Occupancy
Consultancy
Group meeting
will be held on
Tuesday 7th June 2011 at
4.00pm at the Chaplaincy
Centre. Please feel free to
come along if you have any
questions or complaints
relating to housing within the
families accommodation.
housingHAVE YouR sAY
childcare suFFiCiENCY Audit
serVice CHiLdRENs NEtwoRk
their families are frequently
overlooked, often for no other
reason than a lack of knowledge
and understanding of the
pressures placed upon them
and the issues they face. This is
perhaps understandable given
the lack of dedicated research
and policy guidance relating to
Service issues within the UK.
However, it is encouraging to
know that across the Country,
pockets of excellent practice
and small-scale research to
support Service Children
and families can be found.
We believe that it is vital
that educational and welfare
professionals be made aware
of the challenges that can arise
as a result of military life and
the potential impacts that they
can have on children and their
educational attainment.
www.servicechildrensupportnetwork.com/index.html
St. Margaret’s & St. Andrew’s
C of E & CSFC Churches
Wednesdays:
12:00 – 12:30 Mid-
week Communion.
Sundays:
10:30 United service
with Sunday School.
C of E Chaplains
Ext: 7225/7101
CSFC Chaplain
Ext: 7991 (Vacant post at present)
Chaplaincy Clerk
Ext: 7550
Daily prayers are said by
the Chaplain throughout
the week. There is a notice
board in St Margaret’s
church where requests for
prayer can be placed.
church serVices HELd iN tHE CHAPLAiNCY CENtRE At RAF mARHAm
The dates for this year’s Summer Ball’s are as follows:
wo & sgts’ mess:Friday 17th June, 2011
oFFicers’ mess:Friday 24th June, 2011
oFFicers’ mess, wo & sgts’ mess summER
BALL
sunday 15th
diAMOnd dOG
CAPEr,
104mins,
A courageous
boy battles
a gang of bumbling thieves to
rescue a dog carrying a fortune in
stolen diamonds.
sunday 22nd
GuLLiVEr’S
TrAVELS,
85mins,
Travel writer
Lemuel Gulliver
takes an assignment in Bermuda,
but ends up on the island of
Liliput, where he towers over its
tiny citizens.
monday 16th
THE KinG’S
SPEECH,
118mins,
The story of King
George VI of
Britain, his impromptu ascension
to the throne and the speech
therapist who helped the unsure
monarch become worthy of it.
monday 23rd
BLACK SWAn
108mins,
A ballet
dancer wins
the lead in
“Swan Lake” and is perfect for
the role of the delicate White
Swan - Princess Odette - but
slowly loses her mind as she
becomes more and more like
Odile, the Black Swan.
HOW TO Find uS… Located
in the Ops Wing, Station Main
Briefing Room shown on the
large screen in a relaxed,
comfortably seated atmosphere.
nO MEMBErSHiP iS rEquirEd.
However, a small donation of £1
per person would be gratefully
received upon entry, to help
maintain this service.
OPEninG TiMES
monday: Doors open at 1900,
film starts at 1930
sunday: Doors open at 1400,
film starts at 1430
your Very LoCAL CiNEmA FiLm GuidE FoR mAY 2011
STATion mAin briefing room
rAf marham
sunday 1st
BAMBi 2,
74mins,
Picking up
shortly after the
original movie’s
end, Bambi follows his father, the
Great Prince, into the forest after his
mother’s death and the Great Prince
must teach the young fawn, and his
friends Thumper, Flower and Owl,
how a deer survives in the forest.
monday 2nd
CLOSEd BAnK
HOLidAy
monday 9th
THE GrEEn
HOrnET,
119mins,
Following
the death of
his father, Britt Reid, heir to his
father’s large company, teams
up with his late dad’s assistant
Kato to become a masked crime
fighting team.
sunday 8th
ArTHur And
THE GrEAT
AdVEnTurE,
93mins,
Arthur answers
a distress call from Princess
Selenia, who is menaced by the
nefarious Maltazard.
sunday 29th
TAnGLEd,
100mins,
The magically
long-haired
Rapunzel has
spent her entire life in a tower,
but now that a runaway thief has
stumbled upon her, she is about
to discover the world for the first
time, and who she really is.
monday 30th
CLOSEd BAnK
HOLidAy
16 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 1�Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
The scenery made
by the brownies
looked fantastic, as
did the costumes
that had been made by the
parents. There was plenty of
singing and dancing and lots
of audience participation – the
‘booty’ shaking by the audience
was very impressive! Each of
the brownies received an award
at the end of the night from
Wing Commander Dharamraj,
OC Base Support Wing, along
with the Entertainers badge
for those that hadn’t already
obtained it. A big thank you to
everyone that helped to make
this such a fantastic event
and to those that came along
to support the brownies.
The 1st RAF Marham Brownies production ‘A Brownie Tale’ was a great success with £116 being raised for their appeal to Sponsor a Child from Sierra Leone.
Simon will be starting
his challenge from RAF
Marham and will finish
at RAF Cranwell, to raise
funds for both the ‘Help for Heroes’
and ‘Cancer Research UK’ charities.
If you would like to sponsor
SiMOn please visit the
following websites. To donate
to the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity
please visit: www.justgiving.
com/simon-spencer4. To
donate to the ‘Cancer Research
UK’ charity please visit:
www.justgiving.com/simon-
spencer3. Thank you.
24hr charity 100km tABLance Corporal Simon Spencer of MPGS at RAF Marham will be undertaking a 24hr Charity 100km Tab fund raising event on 25th May 2011.
raF marham
BRowNiEs
community support squadron
How mANY smokE ALARms do You NEEd?The more alarms you have,
the safer you’ll be - as long
as they are working - so make
sure you test them weekly.
You should have a minimum
of one alarm on each floor.
However, if you have only one
alarm and two floors, put it
somewhere you’ll be able to
hear it when you’re asleep.
If you have a large electrical
appliance, like a computer,
in any of the bedrooms, you
should fit a smoke alarm there
too. You should also make
You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven’t got a working smoke alarm. A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape.
sure you test it weekly.
All Married Quarters should
already be fitted with smoke
alarms. If there any issues
with these smoke alarms
Modern Housing Solutions are
to be notified immediately.
mAiNtAiNiNG YouR smokE ALARmTo keep your smoke alarm in
good working order, you should:
• test it once a week, by
pressing the test button
until the alarm sounds
• change the battery
once a year (unless it’s
a ten-year alarm)
• replace the whole unit
every ten years
Please contact RAF Marham
Fire Safety Officer, SGT
SIMON MARSH for further
advice on Ext: 7234.
smoke ALARms
The Crossings Veterinary CentreSaint John’s Way, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0QQ
01366 382219 (24 hours emergency cover)
Professional and Personal• Modern, spacious purpose built premises • All staff and facilities on one
site • Easy access with dedicated parking including disabled spaces • Fully independent • Free consultations with nurses
• Mixture of open surgeries and appointments for your convenience • Full medical and surgical facilities • Dedicated sterile operating theatre
• Dedicated dental suite • Full x-ray facilities • Ultrasound facilities • In-house laboratory • ECG facilities • Separate dog and cat wards •
Isolation ward • 24 hour nursing cover available• Computerised record keeping • Pet Passport and Export Services
• Only 2 veterinary surgeons ensuring continuity of care
Opening Times; Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm Saturday 9.30am-12.30pmConsultations; Open surgeries; Monday to Friday 9am-10am
Saturday 10am-11.30amAll other consultations by appointment
Go to www.crossingsvets.co.uk for all the latest surgery
news Email: [email protected]
Our new purpose built premises continue to receive plaudits but many clients still comment on the easy access and ample parking which we are able to provide with our convenient location on the outskirts of town. We continue to maintain the personal and professional service that our clients are accustomed to. We warmly welcome new clients who wish to register with us.
As part of our aim to give something back to the community we recently purchased a full set of match shirts for the Swaffham under 9’s rugby team. We hope to extend this to other age groups in the future. Now the quality of the shirts can match the quality of the rugby!
Hall Farm, Church LaneRoydon, King’s LynnPE32 1ARt: 01485 600 022f: 01485 601 186
Roydon Clinic
Weekdays 8.30 - 6.00pmSaturday 9.00 - Noon
Hunstanton Clinic
No 95 Westgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5EPt: 01485 535 950f: 01485 535 962
Weekdays 8.30 - 6.00pm Saturday 3.00 - 6.00pm
Out of hours emergencies 07802 83065810% discount to service personnel and their families
www.sunnysidevets.co.uk
The ten hours is being
made up by a gruelling
mix of training on
static bikes in the
gym, spinning sessions and
on the road riding to prepare
them for the challenge.
The team have recently
been in talks with Jon-Allan
Butterworth about his possible
involvement in the ride. Jon-
Allan is an ex-RAF weapons
technician who lost his arm
whilst serving in Iraq in 2007.
He took up the sport of cycling
and is now aiming for gold
at the Paralympics in London
2012. As Jon-Allan has received
assistance from RAFA he is
very supportive of the ‘Ride
for RAFA’ and is hoping to join
With the Ride for RAFA challenge only weeks away the cyclists training has been stepped up a gear with a minimum of ten hours a week in the saddle being required.
the team for a training session
and maybe a leg of the event.
The team took part in their
first fundraising collections at
local supermarkets. At Morrisons
in King’s Lynn they were joined
by Watton Air Cadets and some of
the members of the RAFA King’s
Lynn Branch, who arrived with
two birds of prey and collected
outside the store for the ride.
The Ride team set up a display
inside the store and together
they raised £780. A few weeks
later the team went to Tesco’s in
King’s Lynn, again assisted by
RAFA and Watton Air Cadets.
On this occasion approximately
£1,300 was collected. So a big
thanks goes to the gentlemen
from the RAFA King’s Lynn branch
and the Air Cadets who gave
up their time to help raise the
money. Also a thank you must
go to Morrisons and Tesco’s in
King’s Lynn for allowing us to set
up inside the store, as without
their support the collection
would not have taken place.
If you wish to make a donation
to the Ride for RAFA you
can at the following: http://
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
rideforrafa, Text: ridE to 70007.
Text message cost £3 plus
one message at your standard
network rate. please ask the bill
payer’s permission. an average
of £2.74 will go towards the RaF
association’s Wings appeal
which offers support to serving
and ex-RaF personnel and
their families, whenever they
are in need. Or cheques can
be made payable to: Service
Funds rAF Marham and sent
to Tornado Structures Flight
(TSF), royal Air Force Marham,
King’s Lynn, norfolk, PE33 9nP.
1� MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
ride For raFa
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
storyBook wings & raFalo’s quiZ night
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 1�Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
ride FoR RAFA
can You help?
The RAF Association Storybook Wings project needs your help. Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week, a computer and a soft spot for childrens stories?
Storybook Wings is
growing from strength
to strength. With over
30 Stations now using
the scheme, stories are coming
in faster than the current small
team of volunteers can edit
them so we need your help. This
is a fantastic scheme designed
to offer comfort to children
whose parents are deployed.
Full training and the relevant
software is provided
for all volunteers.
For more information
please contact: FS
TErry nOrMAn SCSO.
Ext: 6052, SAC KErry
SMiTH (volunteer editor)
Ext: 6308 or Storybook
Wings direct on: www.
rafastorybookwings.com
tHEN VoLuNtEER to BEComE A stoRYBook wiNGs EditoR.
The aim of the
evening was to
integrate the
supported branches
together at RAF Marham and
for them to meet up with old
friends and make new ones,
in a relaxed and friendly
environment. It also gave the
RAFALO’s the opportunity
to demonstrate the ongoing
support and commitment that
RAF Marham has to serving
the welfare of these branches
and RAFA as a whole.
The evening was a
resounding success, with over
50 members participating, and
a team from the Downham
Market branch scooping first
prize in the quiz, on what
proved to be a very closely
contested competition.
It was also due to the
generosity of many of RAF
Marham’s Squadrons/
Sections and BAE Systems,
that the RAFALO’s were
able to hold a raffle with
some very unique and
special prizes. The raffle,
along with the auction
of a signed Red Arrows
book, went down a storm
on the night and raised an
additional £100 for the RAF
Association’s Wings Appeal.
Thanks go to SAC Chrissie
Hall and SAC Richard
Bartholomew for organising
the raffle and auction, to SAC
(T) Kerry Smith for organising
the security arrangements and
quiz, to Sgt Tom Sawyer for
his ‘Quiz Master’ impression
all evening, and to the other
RAFALOs who assisted
throughout the evening.
RAF Marham’s Royal Air Forces Association Liaison Officers (RAFALO’s) played host to members from each of the RAFA branches that it supports on 6th April 2011 for a Quiz Night in the WO and Sgts’ Mess.
raFalo’s quiz NiGHt
The club is still growing as
a team and new players
are just as welcome
as veterans! To satisfy
all needs, the club plays union
games as well as league. This also
enables us to play throughout the
year and give players a chance
to play both types of game.
If you are interested in joining
the club, training takes place every
Monday and Tuesday evening
next to the astro pitches.
the training times are as Follows:
Monday
1800hrs, cardio session
(touch rugby)
Tuesday
1730hrs, skills ‘n drills
All standards are welcome
and encouraged!
For further enquires,
please contact:
OIC: FLT LT CHriS PEArSOn,
Ext: 3526
CLUB CHAIRMAN:
SAC COnrAd quArMBy,
Ext: 7274
TEAM CAPTAIN:
SAC CHriS dOrLinG,
Ext: 3476
PUBLICITY:
CPL STu COATES, Ext: 4931
raF marham
BuLLs RuGBY FCRAF Marham has now got its rugby club up and running again with a new committee voted in and Flt Lt Chris Pearson as OIC.
crossBowCAPABiLitYat raF marhamFrom 8th March 2011, RAF personnel of the Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing (TIW) based at RAF Marham have been providing near real time imagery intelligence analysis in support of UK and Coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Analysts receive
feed from the US
Distributed Common
Ground System
(DCGS), which provides globally-
networked Intelligence Surveillance
and Reconnaissance (ISR)
capabilities. The UK capability
is known as CROSSBOW.
CROSSBOW’s concept
of operations calls for true
interoperability between both the
United States Air Force (USAF)
and the Royal Air Force (RAF) for
distributed use of information
from ISR collection assets.
“This capability is the result
of a longstanding, mutual trust
and relationship between the
United States and our British
allies,” said Major General James
Poss, the Air Force’s Assistant
Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR.
“Crossbow will enhance the future
potential for leveraging synergies
in distributed ISR operations,
translating into additional
capability to better support our
joint forces commanders and
warfighters engaged in combat
operations in Afghanistan.”
Major General Poss explained
that the programme represented
a significant capability to enable
improved shared situational
awareness at the coalition
operational and tactical levels
of command. It also provided
a better use of scarce imagery
analyst resources, increasing
the overall intelligence support
to theatre without increasing the
number of people in Afghanistan.
This is the first time that the UK
will have the capability to provide
near real time imagery intelligence
20 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
crossBow capaBility at raF marham
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 21Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
support to Afghanistan from the
UK. This ‘reachback’ capability –
the ability to use service personnel
in the UK to support troops on the
ground in Afghanistan - ensures
we make optimum use of available
resources without increasing
our footprint in Afghanistan.
Air Officer ISTAR, Air
Commodore ‘Flash’ Gordon
stated: “CROSSBOW is an
innovative, affordable and highly
effective force multiplier that
significantly enhances our combat
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target
Acquisition and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR) capabilities; it also
serves to demonstrate the
close and enduring cooperation
between the RAF and USAF”.
Officer Commanding TIW,
Wing Commander Andy Stewart,
added: “CROSSBOW is a highly
effective capability that allows
TIW to provide situational
awareness to Coalition ground
units right now. Our dynamic
support ensures that these
units can successfully plan
and execute their missions,
knowing that we are there to
support them. We enhance
our CROSSBOW operations
with Reconnaissance Air Pod
Tornado (RAPTOR) imagery,
which collectively provides a
highly potent ISTAR capability.
I am immensely proud of what
everyone on TIW has achieved
in such a short time.”
Open 10am - Midnight 7 days a week Page Stair Lane, King’s Lynn
Tel: 01553 691081
• 4 English Pool Tables
• 15 Snooker Tables
• 5 American Pool Tables
• Big Screen TV - All Sky Sports
• 20% discount to Service personnel on all tables
• Families Welcome• Licensed Bar• Food available all day
Large selection of clothing fabrics.Burda, Simplicity & Butterick patterns in stock.
Extensive range of haberdashery items.Alterations & repairs to clothes undertaken.
Sewing Machine Sales & Service. Having trouble finding clothes you like, or that fit?
We make garments to order from any of our fabrics.1 Lynn Road
Downham Market(by the traffic lights)
Telephone: 01366 387147Open: 9am to 5.30pm
closed Wed & Sun
SALENA DAWSON & CO.SOLICITORS
Matrimonial ~ FamilyAdvice and Representation on:
n Divorcen Separation Agreements
n Matrimonial Financial Settlementn Contact and Residence for Children
First Free Interview available
Personal Injury ~ Wills ~ EmploymentHome Visits Available and Free Car Park
01953 88353520 Thetford Road Watton Norfolk IP25 6BS
www.dawsons-law.co.ukMarket Town Firm with City Experience
Taxis Up to 8 seatsMinibuses 8-16
& 21 seatsGet around safely and book
early to avoid disappointment
BISHOPS TRAVELCall Gary or Denise
01366 324307
Mobile 07767 304684 07789 724366
CAMBRIDGE ARMY & NAVYSUPPLIES STORE
Used and new militaryclothing & equipment
39a St. Andrews StreetTel: 01223 576564
www.squaddie-direct.co.uk
BACO-COMPAK (NORFOLK) LTD Innisfree Trading Estate, Bawsey, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1EX
n Licenced Transfer Stationn Skip hire 2cu.yd to 16cu.ydn Roll on/off 16cu.yd to 40cu.ydn Wheelie Bins • Trade • Residentialn Septic Tanks • Cess Poolsn Paper/Cardboard Recycling
A FRESH TASTE OF THE SEA
DONALDSONS
AUSTIN FIELDS, KING’S LYNNTEL: 01553 772241
S. & D. WilliamsonProprietors
Licensed Game Dealer
For all your fresh, smoked & shellfish, visit your local friendly fishmonger!
OPEN: Tues: 7-4 Wed 7-4 Thurs 7-5 Fri 7-5 Sat 7-3Visit our deli counter for a selection of British cheeses,
Italian olives, ham on the bone and patés.
Orders now being taken for Easter OPEN GOOD FRIDAY 7am - 1pm
The function was
funded and organised
by the East Anglia
Reserve Forces
and Cadets Association in
partnership with the regions
SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s
Reservists and Employers) Team
and provided a rare opportunity
to thank many of the supportive
employers of the 350 Reservists
who live and work in the County.
The Officers’ Mess provided
a fitting venue for the event
and apart from showcasing the
operational contributions of the
Station’s own Reservists, from
7010 Photographic Interpretation
Squadron and 2620 Squadron
Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Regiment, employers had the
opportunity to meet Reservists
from Norfolk’s Territorial Army
units; 3 Royal Anglian and 254
Medical Regiment.
The evening commenced
with a welcome address from
The High Sheriff of Norfolk,
Mr Charles Barrett and was
followed by a presentation
from 2620 Squadron’s Sergeant
Niall Hayton-Williams who
talked about the transferable
skills gained from both his
service and civilian careers
and how important the support
from his civilian employer had
been in helping him realise his
ambitions. Niall works for Lotus
Cars UK at their Hethel site, a
former RAF station just outside
Norwich and his employer,
Mr Peter Wainwright, was
also present at the dinner. Mr
Wainwright commented: “It was
interesting to see such a diverse
range of local companies that
currently employ Reservists,
and the uniformity of support
these companies provide to
recognition For EmPLoYERs oF NoRFoLk REsERVistsOn the evening of Thursday 7th April 2011, RAF Marham hosted a special dinner for the employers of Reservists in Norfolk.
them. Obviously, I was especially
interested in Niall’s presentation,
and thought it was a credit to
Lotus, the RAF, and himself. Many
of the qualities and attributes
that were mentioned in the
presentations underline exactly
why I employed Niall in his current
position, and I firmly believe the
initiation of these skills came from
his RAF experience.” A second
presentation was delivered
by Sergeant Pete James, an
final speaker of the evening
was Air Commodore Russell La
Forte, Commandant General
of the RAF Regiment and while
he praised the outstanding
performance of the Army as the
largest Reservist component
of the UK contribution to
operations in Afghanistan, he
was quick to acknowledge the
remarkable contribution of
Reservists from all the Services,
not least the 20 Squadrons of
the Royal Auxiliary Air Force
that collectively deliver more
than a dozen specialist roles
ranging from Movements to
Intelligence. Responsible for
9 of the Squadrons within
the Royal Auxiliary Air Force,
the Commandant General
concluded by emphasising the
vital role of those Reservists
in maintaining a robust Force
Protection capability on
operations, all of which was only
possible thanks to the ongoing
support from civilian employers.
At the end of the evening, the
High Sheriff and Commandant
General presented certificates of
appreciation from the Ministry
of defence to Norfolk employers
for their unswerving support
to the regions Reservists. The
certificates, signed by both
the Secretary of State and
Chief of the Defence Staff were
presented to the following
organisations: Archant Ltd,
Aviva Plc, Breckland Council,
BT Openreach, College of
West Anglia, Emergency
Service Systems Sgcaccd,
Ford and Slater Ltd, Hughes
Electrical, James Paget
University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, Lotus Cars
UK, Norfolk Community
Health and Care NHS Trust,
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service,
Norvic Ambulance Service
Ltd, Serco Local Government,
University of East Anglia,
Waitrose, Walkers of King’s
Lynn, Crowes Complete Print,
Reepham High School, Norwich
City Council, Warehouse
Express, Ormiston Venture
Academy, Edwards and Blake
Ltd, Norfolk Employer Support
and the Port of Felixstowe.
anaesthetist with the NHS and
with 254 Medical Regiment. Pete
talked about the similarities of
working in an NHS hospital in
the UK and the hospital at Camp
Bastion in Southern Afghanistan,
providing a vivid account of the
contribution made by Reservist
medical professionals on
operations every day.
Following a superb dinner
with music provided by the
RAF Honington Volunteer Band,
guests and hosts alike were
treated to a further presentation
on the Reserve Forces, but this
time from the perspective of the
employer. Mr Bob Page, Head of
Support Services from the Port
of Felixstowe employs some
30 Reservists in the region and
highlighted how the transferable
skills developed through military
training benefit every aspect of
his business, even down to lower
than average sickness rates. The
22 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
employers oF reserVists in norFolk
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
adVice From the raF police Flight
issue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 2�Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
PiCTurEd: mr peter Wainwright
of Lotus Cars UK (right) receives his
certificate from the Commandant General of the RaF Regiment.
crime reduction AdViCE FRom tHE RAF PoLiCE FLiGHt
WriTTEn By: Cpl Peter Rushton
As part of the crime prevention series of articles written by the RAF Police, this month we look at the subject of car and caravan security.
CARAVANsYour caravan is as valuable to you as your home is, especially when you’re on holiday or touring.
• Immobilise your caravan even
when you only stop briefly.
• You could have a tracking
device fitted so that the
caravan can be traced if
it is stolen. All caravans
manufactured since 1997 have
been electronically tagged.
• Have a reliable alarm fitted
and switch it on whenever
you leave your caravan, even
if only for a few minutes.
• At home, always keep caravan
keys in a safe place out of sight
from windows and doors.
• Take valuables with you when you
leave the caravan. If you can't,
lock them away in a cupboard.
• Ask about built-in security
when buying a new caravan.
CARsCar crime can be a big worry for motorists. Protect your car by following our simple
advice - it might just be enough to deter thieves from targeting your car.
• Lock all the doors and close
the windows when you
leave your car, however
long you are leaving it for.
• When parking at home,
always use your garage if you
have one and lock both your
vehicle and your garage. If
you don't have a garage, try
to park in a well-lit, place.
• When parking outside,
always try to park your car
in an attended car park.
• Don't leave anything
on display. Even an old
coat or plastic bag can
be a tempting target for
the opportunist thief.
• Remove the stereo if you can.
• Don't keep valuables or
important documents in the
glove box. Leave the glove box
open to show there's nothing
inside or if you can, lock it.
• Tuck in wing mirrors and
put the aerial down to
discourage vandals.
• Never store your car's
documents in the car.
• A Thatcham-approved
immobiliser or steering
lock can help secure older
vehicles and deter thieves.
• Have the windows etched with
the car's vehicle registration
number (VRN) and make a
note of its chassis number.
• Keep your car keys in a safe
place, even in your house,
so that someone breaking-
in cannot steal your car.
• Get an alarm fitted. Alarms
can deter thieves not
only from stealing your
vehicle, but also from
taking items from it.
• Secure your wheels using
locking wheel nuts.
• Mark all equipment, eg.
car stereo, with your car
registration number.
• When your caravan is not
in use, leave curtains and
cupboard doors open – thieves
can be put off by a caravan
that is obviously empty.
For further information
please contact CPL PETE
ruSHTOn on Ext: 7621.
Baste the duck with a knob of
butter, then roast in the oven
for 2-3 minutes (for medium),
or until cooked to your liking.
5. Heat the fennel and coriander
seeds in a dry frying pan until
aromatic. Grind the seeds in
a pestle and mortar. Add the
nutmeg, cinnamon and orange
zest. Stir in the honey and
enough orange juice to give
the glaze a good consistency.
6. Remove the duck breasts from
the oven and brush the spice
mixture over the duck breasts
with a pastry brush. Baste the
duck with its roasting juices and
leave to rest for a few minutes.
7. Heat a frying pan until hot, add
the duck stock and cook until the
volume of liquid has reduced
by half, then add the 25g/1oz
of butter and whisk until well
combined. Season with salt and
freshly ground black pepper.
8. For the creamed Savoy cabbage,
heat a lidded frying pan until
hot and fry the bacon lardons,
carrot and celeriac with the
lid on for 4-5 minutes.
9. Add the cabbage and season,
to taste, with salt and freshly
ground black pepper. Cover
with the lid and continue to
cook for 3-4 minutes, or until
the cabbage is tender. Add the
cream and cook for 1-2 minutes,
or until the cream has thickened.
10. To serve, spoon the cabbage
onto serving plates and top with
the roasted apples. Slice the
duck breasts and place on top.
duCk with APPLE & creamed sAVoY CABBAGEiNGREdiENts: For the duck • 2 x150g/5oz duck breasts
• 1 Braeburn apple, quartered
and core removed
• 25g/1oz butter, plus
a knob of butter
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp honey
• 25ml/1fl oz orange juice
• 175ml/6fl oz duck stock
• salt and freshly ground
black pepper
For the creamed saVoy caBBage • 50g/2oz smoked bacon lardons
• 30g/1oz carrot, diced
• 30g/1oz celeriac, diced
• ½ Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
• salt and freshly ground
black pepper
• 250ml/9fl oz double cream
PREPARAtioN mEtHod1. For the duck, preheat the
oven to 210C/425F/Gas 7.
2. Score the skin of the duck
breasts in a criss-cross pattern.
3. Place the duck breasts in an
ovenproof frying pan, skin-side
down, and cook for 4-5 minutes,
or until the fat is rendered.
Add the apple to the pan.
4. When the duck skin is crisp
and golden-brown, turn the
duck breasts over and cook
the other side for 1-2 minutes.
FAmiLY wEEk �0th may to 5th JuneYou might think you would
be stuck for something to do
with the family locally during
the Half-Term 30th May to 5th
June, 2011. Not so as events
will be detailed in What’s On
leaflet for May 2011. Look out
for activities such as horse
riding; family entertainment
in the Bull & Bowl on Friday
3rd June and a disco for 5 to 12
year olds in the Sandringham
Centre on Saturday 4th June
and the special Sunday Family
Church Service planned at St
Margaret’s Church on Sunday
5th June. See the What’s On
leaflet for full details.
raF marham comBines two NAtioNAL wEEks to BENEFit ouR CommuNitY!
there is plenty to be done in the
RAF Marham community under
the umbrella of ‘Big Society’,
doing things for ourselves. To
help us create and maintain the
Society we enjoy, volunteering
is the key as well as being
extremely rewarding - just
speak to those who do it year
after year. The Community
Development Officer, Rita
Broomfield, will be finalizing a
booklet in mid - May with the
self-help jobs that need doing.
Contact riTA on Ext: 7884.
However, you can expect a
volunteers’ fair on Wednesday
1st June in the Sandringham
Centre - where we will be
showcasing the planned
developments to the building
as well as some volunteering
opportunities such as First
Responders; radio station to
encourage communication
in the community; librarian
to extend the library hours of
operation; Home Watch as a
local safer Neighbourhood
scheme and community
support activities such as
road reps for Service families
accommodation. On the evening
of 1st June the Uniform Groups
will be holding an open evening
at the Youth Activity Centre
to encourage volunteers such
as the need for a warranted
Guide leader so come along and
see what the uniform groups
including Scouts, Explorer
Scouts and Girls Venture Corps
Air Cadets have to offer.
We intend to finish the
Volunteers’ Week on Tuesday
7th June with an invitation only
Volunteers’ Thank You Lunch in
the Bull & Bowl.
VoLuNtEERs’ wEEk 1st June to �th June We want to raise the awareness
of the need for everyone to be
involved in their community.
This is a National event and
24 MARHAM MATTERS issue 4
recipe: duck with apple & saVoy caBBage
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.ukissue 4 MARHAM MATTERS 25
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
SPECTRUM FINANCIAL PLANNINGIndependent Financial Advice for all your financial needs
Contact: Peter Oddey APFS Tel: 01366 348037Chartered Financial Planner www.spectrumfinancialplanning.co.uk Address: Fodderston Mill, Mill Road, Shouldham Thorpe, Kings Lynn, PE33 0EA
Spectrum Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
THE OLD GRANARY ANTIQUES CENTRE
King’s Staithe LaneKING’S LYNN Tel: 01553 775509Selling antiques and collectables
Open Mon - Sat 10am to 4.30pm
J. W. SARGEANTFamily Butcher
The Best Traditional Butcher in the AreaFAMILY RUN
Established for over 75 yearsWe produce all our own cattle and
only use farm produceFREEZER AND COOKED MEATS
to suit your requirements
Stow BridgeNr Downham Market Tel: (01366) 382232
Specialists in Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
End of Tenancy CleaningNo Job Too Big or SmallThe Experts in Cleaning
Domestic and CommercialCall Ben on01553 677047 or 07788 458985www.bmlservices.co.uk
Burrows and Howes Ltd9 Cherry CloseMarhamKing’s LynnPE33 9JF
Tel: 01760 337222Tel: 01366 328149Mob: 07900 673220
www.burrowsandhowes.com
P & K Training ServicesYour local training provider
For details - call Angela01553 692045
email: [email protected]
• HSE First Aid at Work• Emergency First Aid at Work• First Aid for Sports/Carers/Teachers etc.• Paediatric First Aid (OFSTED approved)• Child Protection• CIEH Food Hygiene and Health & Safety • Moving & Handling
Say hello to your dog’s new best friend!
The local home boarding for dogs that’s a real alternative to kennels...
Norfolk Pet CarersThe kind alternative to kennels
Tel: 01553 631818 Mob: 07766 811142Web: www.norfolkpetcarers.co.uk
Steve’s Heels & KeysShoe Repairs - Shoecare - StitchingHousehold Keys - Car Keys - EngravingWatch Straps & Batteries - Sharpening
41 High Street, Downham MarketNorfolk PE38 9HF
Telephone: 01366 384900E-mail: [email protected]
Steve Palfrey
23 Bridge Street,Downham MarketNorfolk, PE38 9DW01366 384414Local & Interflora deliveries. Phone orders welcome
www.elizabeththeflorist.co.uk
ELIZABETHTHE FLORIST
FLOWER CORNER 49 Norfolk Street King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1AG 01553 774544 Local & Interflora deliveries Phone orders welcome
www.flowercornerfloristry.co.uk
FM PERFUMES & COSMETICSNow in the UK
Distributors required in50 countries
Tel: 01945 582493www.fmcosmetics.co.uk
Paths, Patios Laid, Brick weave, Block paving,Shingle/Slate driveways, Decking, Fencing, Gates of all types, Ponds, Water features,
Small trees/hedges removed/trimmed, Lawns laid/seeded, Small drainage repairs, Shed/Summer house bases laid, Guttering,
Rain water soak-aways.All general Garden jobs. Patio Cleaning. Fully Insured.
For a free no obligation quotation call:Martin 01760 336103 / 07879 335609
27 St Andrews Lane, [email protected]
PITTYS Garden Maintenance & Landscaping. No Job Too Small.All Work Considered
TRAILER SALES & HIRE
STOCKING BLUELINE & BATESONS TRAILERS
• Sales • Hire • Service • Repair w w w. m i d n o r f o l k t r a i l e r s . c o m
SERVICING FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS LAND ROVER SPECIALIST
VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS & LAND ROVER SPECIFIC DIAGNOSTICS
MOT’S FOR: CARS, VANS, MOTOR HOMES, QUADSMINI BUSES & HORSE BOXES
SERVICES & MOT CENTRELandrover Specialists
Manor Farm, Weasenham, Kings Lynn PE32 2TF Telephone: 01328 838484
10% OFF ANY SERVICE OR MOT with this advert
Motorcycle servicing, repairs, spares, tuning, modifying, restoration.For more info please see our websitewww.icenimotorcycles.co.uk
Now moved to new premises at,Narborough Garage, Main Road,
Narborough PE32 1TETel: 01760 444359
Insurance Approved • Accident RepairsRestoration • Windscreens • Body Kits
Chris Brown (Downham Market) LtdSovereign Way, Trafalgar Industrial Estate, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9SW
Tel: 01366 386608 Fax: 01366 386005www.chrisbrownuk.com
Modern ApArtMent: SleepS 4
w w w . l a g o s a l g a r v e . c o . u k
to book ContACt: For more info or to book contact Judith: 01536 711884 or Email: [email protected]
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.
Prices are per week. Special rates for longer periods can be negotiated. Prices include cleaning and linen change. Towels are changed mid-week and beds at the end of the week. A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking and balance is due six weeks prior to departure.
priCes:Nov to Mar £190Apr, May, Oct £255June & Sep £320July & Aug £395