the official publication of royal air...

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham Issue 10, 2014 £Freewww.marhammattersonline.co.uk

Inside this Issue: News Aviation Heritage Centre Update Regulars This Month in Pictures

Also inside this issue…

• World War one remembered• exercise rocky salmon

EdItoR: Clare SmithExt: 6739Email: [email protected]

RAF MARhAM WEb PAgE:www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

dESIgNER: Chris KellerEmail: chris@

lancepublishing.co.uk

SAlES MANAgER: Jayne baileyTel: (01536) 526677Email: jayne@

lancepublishing.co.uk

PRINtER: lance Print ltdTel: (01480) 492183

dISClAIMER: The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2014, unless otherwise stated.

StoCKIStS: The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market 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

From the Editor

To view this publication online please scan the QR code using a smartphone or tablet.

Stn Cdr’s ForewordFrom the Station Commander .............................................4

Heavens AboveFrom the Chaplaincy Team ...... 6

Community Support SqnFull of community news and upcoming events ..............15

TMI!The Marham Interview… ...... 25

Aviation Heritage Centre2014 summer has been one of the centre’s busiest periods ........... 7

RAF Marham TIW Personnel Compete in Bergathon 2014Six personnel took part in the annual event whilst raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity ....................................... 9

RAF Rowing ClubAttended and took part at the Henley Town and Visitors Regatta 2014 ....... 12

This Month in PicturesAt a glance, what has been happing on base this past month .............................................. 8

Our Heritage on the WallsSgt A Copley asked himself “I wonder why I share the surname of that barrack block’ .......................... 29

RAF Reserves Race AheadAll eyes were on the RAF Reserves Honda Team as they headed to Sliverstone in Northamptonshire .............................. 22

Gum ShieldMarham Bulls Rugby Club met with the RAF Marham’s Dental Centre on 24th September for a fixture of a different kind .............. 23

Inter Service Carp ChampionshipsThe Annual Championships took place at Chigboro Fisheries, Maywater Lake in Essex. The competition saw the RAF compete against teams from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines ....... 21

Exercise Rocky SalmonFollowing on from the previous year’s success of Ex Grizzly Tornado, the idea of Ex Rocky Salmon was born ........................................ 24

RegulaRs News

FeatuRes

FeatuRes

spoRt

18

World War one RememberedHundreds of people crowded together underneath the high stone archways ................................. 18

CoNTENTS ISSuE 10, 2014

ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 3www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

ISSuE 10, 2014 CovER CREdIt:

SAC Phil dye

This month the magazine has a Remembrance flavour, this year being particularly poignant as it is the 100th anniversary of the start ofWWI.

We have another jam packed edition full of your

Welcome to the November Issue of Marham Matters.

news and events from across the station. It’s so great to have the articles coming in, particularly with everyone being so busy, but still finding time to tell us your news – please keep them coming in!

Deadline for Next Issue: Friday 14th November 2014Please submit all entries for the next issue by the date stated above.

4 MARhAM MAttERS ISSUE 10, 2014 ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 5‘deliver battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future operations’

Station Commander’s Foreword

REgulARS STATIoN CoMMANDER’S FoREWoRD

109 - 110 High Street, Kings Lynn PE30 1DA Tel: 01553 767 634(formally Hogs Head Pub)

Christmas Bookingsnow being taken

This last month has witnessed two major homecomings: the return of IX(B) Sqn from a very successful four month tour at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, and 138 Expeditionary Air Wing’s return from operations in West Africa, where for three months they have operated from a tented, austere site conducting intelligence and surveillance missions, using the Tornado’s Raptor pod and TIW’s Image Analysts. Both team’s performed exceptionally well, and should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

on the other side of this coin we have seen 31 Sqn deploy to Kandahar, to take on the role of ‘covering force’ and protector of ISAF forces in Southern Afghanistan: ‘The Goldstars’ will be the last Tornado Sqn to operate in the Afghan theatre, after over five years of GR4 commitment to op HERRICK, which has a certain irony since their motto is “First in Indian Skies”. Alongside this, II(AC) Sqn continues to operate from RAF Akrotiri in support of air ops in Iraq: no doubt you will all have followed the news and know that our role in Iraq has recently stepped up a notch, from provision of overwatch and surveillance for supply of humanitarian aid, to kinetic strikes against Jihadist fundamentalists. The precision strike capabilities of the Tornado have really come into their own during these last few weeks, with many

targets being surgically removed from the battlefield in a timely and accurate manner.

RAF Marham’s ‘at home’ team remains as busy as ever, and in many ways is the unsung hero of these recent months of unprecedented operational tempo. I am acutely aware that many of our people are working long hours in order to provide critical support to those deployed overseas, and for this I am tremendously grateful. I am also extremely thankful to our families and friends who continue to give their unwavering support, without which we could not deliver our continuing success - thank you.

I am hoping that by the next issue of Marham Matters, we will have withdrawn from Afghanistan, and our people will have returned home safe and sound. We will then be left with only op SHADER in Iraq to support, and with the recent announcement from the Government that Marham will continue to operate three frontline Tornado squadrons for at least another year, I aim to quickly re-establish a steady and predictable drum-beat of deployments: this will be a welcome change when compared to the frenetic activity of this last summer, and should allow our families the ability to once again plan their lives with some semblance of certainty.

Thank you all, once more, for your continued support, professionalism and dedication: please keep up the hard work.

Gainshare, one of the benefits written into the Super CRL Contract is that a share of the profit earned by the contractor is paid back to the authority. This money can then be used to benefit personnel across the station, by either improving facilities or contributing to events such as the annual fireworks display. Steve only recently joined the team from the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham where he was an Operations Manager for their Catering Services department. Steve has a military background serving 23 years in the Army as a chef finishing in 2002 as a Warrant Officer Class 1.

At the moment the team is working to develop offers and events in the catering and retail outlets at Marham. Daily autumn specials will be on offer from october 6th in the Junior Ranks Mess offering warming soups and some traditional favourites as a bundled offer. Monthly Sunday lunches in the Bull & Bowl commenced on Sunday 21st September and a comedy night; Funny Fokkers is scheduled for Louis Bar on the 13th November - tickets will soon be on sale for this event. There are also plans to introduce a six weekly “Bop” in Louis bar, keep a look out for details on this and many other new events planned for Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas.

ISS Catering, Retail & leisure

Steve Gooder, ISS General Manager for the Catering, Retail & Leisure contract presented a Gainshare cheque for £20,000 to the Station Commander, Gp Capt Harvey Smyth last month.

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6 MARhAM MAttERS ISSUE 10, 2014

AVIATIoN HERITAGE CENTRE NEWS

ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 7‘deliver battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future operations’ www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

REgulARS HEAVENS ABoVE RAF MARhAM ChuRCh SERvICES (SuNdAy)2nd November, 0930 Holy Communion (with children’s activities)9th November, 0930

Morning Worship (with children’s activities)16th November, 0930 Harvest Sunday Breakfast (Cafe.Church@Marham)23rd November, 0930 Holy Communion (with children’s activities)30th November, 0930 Morning Worship (with children’s activities)

FRogSThe Parent & Toddler Group held at the Chaplaincy Centre has re-launched on Tuesdays term-time at 9.30 to 11am, where pre-school children can play and learn social skills, while parents and carers can chat and share their knowledge, all within a warm Christian environment with refreshments too! Contact Padre Phil Layton for more details [email protected].

AlPhA CouRSEAlpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith. No pressure. No follow up. No charge. It runs in churches, bars, coffee shops and homes all around the globe. Typically Alpha has around ten sessions and includes food, a short talk and a discussion at the end where you can share your thoughts.

Alpha really is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage debate and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, honest and informal environment.

We are planning to run an Alpha Course at RAF Marham beginning in early october 2014, should you wish to participate in this course, then please contact the Chaplaincy Clerk on 01760 337261 Ext: 7550 or [email protected].

bACoN buttIES, WEdNESdAy MoRNINgEach Wednesday morning from 0645 to 0745 a number of personnel gather at the chaplaincy for ‘Bacon Butties and Coffee’ and a short time of reflection, bible study and prayer before work. All are most welcome to join us on a Wednesday morning.

thE PARENtINg CouRSEBeing a parent is an immense challenge, privilege and responsibility and one for which we receive very limited training and preparation for the task.

The ‘Parenting Course’ is a five week course covering such areas as Building Strong Foundations, Meeting our Children’s Needs, Setting Boundaries, Teaching Healthy Relationships and Allowing Children to Grow. We are hoping to run the course in the Chaplaincy after the summer holidays on Monday evening. It will be held in a relaxed setting beginning with Coffee and Cake.

To enquire further or to reserve a place please contact the Chaplaincy Clerk on: 01760 337261 Ext: 7550 or [email protected].

Such pictures, however wonderful they are, have only served to highlight the vastness of space and the massive limitations on our ability to explore it.

Most of our solar system is millions of light years away, so even if we could send a space ship to probe its depths, it would not provide us with any meaningful information for centuries to come.

So much of the universe is so tantalisingly inaccessible and can only be understood through piecing together the various clues given to us.

It perhaps makes us reflect on our own world? Do we have a sense of the magnificence and amazement of the world that God gives to us? of wonder and thanks for the world and the friendships that we have and hold? or do we often take these things for granted and move past them without noticing?

Perhaps each day we should set aside a little time, to pause, be still, to appreciate and give thanks for the wonderful world in which we live.

hARvESt bREAKFAStCAFé.ChuRCh@MARhAMSuNdAy 16th NovEMbERour new service ‘Sunday Breakfast – Café.Church@Marham’ continues on Sunday 16th November 2014 at 9:30am. Beginning with coffee, croissants and other delights, It is a time when families of all ages can come together; enjoy being together, making things together on a Harvest Theme, eating together, having fun together, and celebrating God together through prayer, activities and worship. It is a new way of being church that allows us to be a worshipping community of all ages that puts our relationships with each other, our families, our children and putting God at the centre of all we do in a creative, fun and exciting way.

AdvENt REFlECtIoNS WEdNESdAy 3Rd, 10th ANd 17th dECEMbER

In the season of Advent, leading up to Christmas the Chaplaincy will be putting on a series of Advent Reflections. An opportunity to pause in the busyness of life to think about the special gift of Jesus that God gave to us 2,000 years ago. Special services with readings, meditations, quiet and a time for reflection. These will be on Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 17th December, beginning at 8pm.

ICthuS youth FootbAllFor Boys and Girls aged 8 to 13 years inclusive (all abilities) starts in November! ‘Pure Football in a Christian environment’ an hour of simply playing football in a safe, supervised environment, hosted by the RAF Marham Chaplaincy Centre. Every Thursday (term time) meet at Chaplaincy Centre 3pm for drink/biscuit, finishes at 5pm. It’s FREE, just turn up! Contact Padre Phil Layton for more details [email protected].

Recent years have seen some stunning pictures of the planets in our solar system, most particularly Mars and Jupiter, revealing details about them never seen before.

They collected, with your help, in the excess of £1,450. The staff have chosen to split the proceeds equally between: Shamans Legacy, a local charity who organises the fostering of dogs, East Anglia Air Ambulance and Kings Lynn Special Care Baby Unit.

We would like to thank everyone for your generous donations and for supporting us on which was a fun filled event.

turners Fundraising dayLast month the cleaning operatives who are employed by Turner FM held a fancy dress fundraising day.

The Heritage team hosted the Air Cadet Summer camp every Wednesday evening, imparting to the cadets the rich history of our unit whilst instilling the core values and ethos of our Service. The cadets also enjoyed the Heritage Centre quiz, which we provide to all visiting school and youth organisations. In total during this period the team welcomed over 500 visitors, who ranged from the cadet forces to veterans, squadron associations and VIPs; acting as a showcase for visiting dignitaries and military groups. The Heritage Centre team also met each and every request for station visits from the Media and Engagement team and also covered the weekend open days.

To remember the start of the First World War, the team, under the supervision of Wo Dougie Law, prepared a special tribute exhibition to all the WWI airmen who won the Victoria Cross (VC). This exhibition gives an insight into each of the Air VCs of that conflict.

on a more sporting note, the Heritage Committee was approached by the RAF Marham football team who needed money to purchase new tracksuits and training kit. The committee saw this as an opportunity to give something to the Station and voted £500.00 to be made available. During the next financial year funds will be generated to support not only sporting initiatives, but FD trips too, contact the Curator for more info.

our historic collection grew considerably this summer thanks mainly to the kindness and generosity of the people of Norfolk. Mr Reed DFC a WWII Mosquito Pilot who flew from

Written by: Wo Steve Roberts MBE

RAF Marham

Aviation heritage Centre update

The 2014 summer season has seen the Aviation Heritage Centre have one of its busiest periods since opening.

Norfolk bases, presented the Centre with his best uniform jacket. He also visited the Centre where he met with the Station Commander, during the visit they compared log books and chatted about flying operations then and now. Mr Brown of Cromer who was the executor of the estate of Squadron Leader David Gordon Knight DFC an RAF Air Gunner, gifted a WWII Mae West life preserver and a very rare US Army Air Corps B7 Flight Jacket. The jacket was issued to the Squadron Leader when he flew as a Gunner on the B17C High Altitude Stratosphere bombing experiment with 90 Sqn in 1941. More detail on this remarkable story on the display.

The Service has also been very kind with the gifting of a 1,000lb bomb and a Mk10a Ejection seat, thanks to the sections who helped to make those display items become a reality.

At Christmas the Centre will create a special Christmas tree. The tree will become a festive focal point where relatives of the fallen can sponsor a name tag, upon which they can put the name of a loved one. These tags will be hung from the branches for the festive period and will remember the losses from all conflicts. The proceeds from the sponsorship will go to the Bomber Command Upkeep fund.

Finally there are still vacancies on the Heritage team, should you wish to join, please contact FS oates DATo C4i. Be aware though that there is a degree of commitment required, especially during the monthly open days and Station visits. In return you get to take part in a living history project, whilst helping to share our experiences with the wider community.

Bring your vehicle down to MT for a free winter check on Wednesday 19th November from 9:30am to 2:30pm.

RAC and Autoglass will be in attendance, MT Personnel will be on hand to carry out ‘daily inspections’ and wheel change exercises, also to answer any questions you might have.

open to all service, MoD and dependants, refreshments available. Report to MTTT&L upon arrival, check your wreck.

Dependant? don’t be!


FEAtuRES THIS MoNTH IN PICTURES BERGATHoN 2014 NEWS


The TSW Bergathon is an annual event hosted by the Royal Air Force Tactical Supply Wing at the Swynnerton Training Area in Staffordshire. The event which is open to all three Services covers three 10km circuits against the clock in three man relay teams. In addition to the distance challenge, competitors must also carry a rifle and a 35lb Bergen throughout the course. In between circuits, a member from each team must take part in a competition shoot on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) range. The shoots, if done well, offer the chance for the team to knock time off their circuit times.

Representing RAF Marham were Sgt Alex Lilley, Cpl Jon Hurcombe, Cpl Sean Mooney, Cpl Mark Sloan, SAC Matt Young and SAC Kayleigh Andrews. The A team set off first at 8:20am, completing their first 10km lap in a time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. They then handed over to the B team who finished not far behind with a lap time of 1 hour 34 minutes.

Fatigue, old injuries and blisters started to show after the second lap with all of the team feeling some of the effects. Cpl Jon Hurcombe finished his second lap by painfully making his way to the blister tent to have his bulging blisters drained with a syringe; comparing the pain to ‘walking on broken glass’. Mid-event massages, medics and plenty of support was available from the Staffordshire Search and Rescue team and Ambulance Service, who did a great job of

RAF Marham TIW Personnel Compete in bergathon 2014

Six personnel from the Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing (TIW) recently competed in the Royal Air Force Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) Bergathon whilst raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

patching personnel up and sending them on their way to complete another circuit.

Due to injuries, only one member remained of A team to complete the final lap. Sgt Alex Lilley pushed through to the finish line, despite thinking his little toe was going to fall off! The three members of B team crossed the finish line marking the end of the event, much to everyone’s relief!

After the event, all those that were involved in the Bergathon hobbled over to MoD Stafford for a BBQ hosted by TSW. The presentation revealed the results of Bergathon 2014 with TSW Eng claiming 1st place and also the quickest lap with an impressive time of 1 hour and 2 minutes. RAF Marham’s TIW made up for their lack of speed by coming a respectable 2nd place in the shoot. on the whole the team did exceptionally well, especially as two members (Cpl Mooney and Cpl Sloan) stepped in to replace others at short notice and without the normal three months training!

Written by: SAC Kayleigh Andrews, TIW Mission Support Cell

Pictured: CAS visit to RAF Marham

Pictured: Marham vs Honington football match

Pictured: RN Splice The Main Brace

Pictured: Norwich City Football Club Poppy Parade Promo

This Month in Pictures

Pictured: Aviation Heritage Centre Team receive Stn Cdr Commendations

Curator WO Steve Roberts MBE

10 MARhAM MAttERS ISSUE 10, 2014 ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 11

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NEWS RAF RoWING CLUB

ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 13‘deliver battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future operations’

Attracting crews from all of the local clubs and further afield, with beginners, novices and through to elite events on offer.

The first RAF crew, saw a mixed quadruple scull racing against Henley RC in a round robin beginners event. With the crew unfortunately catching a crab and losing their

RAF Rowing Club at… henley town and visitors Regatta 2014

Henley Town and Visitors Regatta, is an annual event hosted by Henley RC and conducted on the River Thames, along the world famous Henley on Thames Royal Regatta course.

first outing of the day. After the race debrief, the quad was determined to win the second race against Weyfarers RC. The race went all the way to the finish with the RAF losing to a boat length at the finish. A spirited performance considering many of the crew have had less than three months water time under their belts.

Last month children from the local infant school were presented with a number of water bottles to take with them on days out.

Update from…

RAFA Wg Cdr Pete Daulby, Chairman of the

RAF Marham RAFA Branch said; ‘It was a wonderful way for teachers, parents and children to hear about the local branch and to promote the Wings Appeal in a way that benefits many Service children.” The children were so excited to be using the new bottles as they set off on their first walk of the autumn term. It is hoped that the bottles will continue to serve as a visible reminder to the school children that RAFA is there to support all those in the service community.

the new RaF Marham RaFa Branch became aware of the requirement through the station’s Community team and asked RaFa HQ if they could supply some bottles which they duly did.

Next to race was the novice men’s coxed four, racing in against Henley RC and Hillingdon RC. The first competitors Henley RC, took a boats lengths lead off the start, but the strength of the RAF crew rowed through them to achieve their first win of the day. After the race debrief and a modification to the starting sequence the four boated again for the second race, against Hillingdon RC. With a successful start the RAF crew powered away from the start and cruised to an easy victory.

The final event for the RAF RC at Henley, saw the RAF Senior men’s coxed 8, racing in the IM1 event (The last category before Elite) against Upper Thames RC. A tightly contested contest from the start, with the RAF eight holding their own, against a well-drilled and technically competent local crew. For the RAF team having only trained once as a crew before the event, this was a spirited performance, which saw the team narrowly beaten by one length at the finish.

The RAF Rowing Club was formed in 1947 and over the years has produced olympic representatives and Henley winners. Rowing is as much based on crew teamwork as it is on fitness and the majority of RAF Rowers are introduced to the sport after they join the Service. The RAF Rowing Club is keen to recruit rowers at all levels to boost its squad for the coming year. If any RAF personnel are interested in joining the club, please visit the RAFRC Moss portal or your P’ed section for advice and area representatives.

The Ostrich Inn, a beautiful 16 Century coaching Inn set in the heart of Norfolk’s rural Castle Acre, a village rich in historic beauty, surrounded by picturesque Fords and situated on the old Roman walk “The Peddars Way”. We are rated a 4 star Inn by the AA and have won a 5 star excellence award for food.

The Ostrich offers fabulous accommodation, including 2 double rooms, 2 twins, a family room and a gorgeous newly refurbished superior double, all of them are en suite and include delicious hot breakfast with fresh coffee in the morning.

Passionate Head Chef Kerry Asker demands nothing less than top quality from her local suppliers and pure excellence from her team. Creating new dishes every day is a must for Kerry who also offers a very decently priced children’s menu and some

wicked week day lunch time deals. Open all day from 10am, lunch is served from 12 noon until 3pm and supper from 6pm until 9pm. Feel free to talk to our friendly front of house team regarding special dietary requirements, buffets and party bookings.

A family friendly pub with a wonderful beer garden, games for the little ones and our friendly pub rabbit Flop.

Visit the magnificent Priory and Castle ruins and walk along the river to work up an appetite for fantastic ales, fabulous food and a great pub atmosphere, see you soon.

(Quiz nights are every other Monday at 8pm and acoustic music jamming sessions, the last Sunday night of the month, bring your instruments.)

For table, room reservations or Christmas Party bookings please call 01760 755398 • www.ostrichcastleacre.com

Swaffham Veterinary Centre, 3 Tower Meadows, Swaffham, PE37 7LT.Opening hours:Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6.30pmSaturday 9.00am - 12pm

We provide our own out of hours service where you will be seen by one of our vets at the practice in Swaffham.Please phone the normal practice number in an emergency.

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14 MARhAM MAttERS ISSUE 10, 2014 ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 15www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

MAlEFICENt, PG 2Nd, SuNdAy At 14:30 A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.

A FAult IN ouR StARS, 12 3Rd, MoNdAy At 19:30 Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel’s other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

thE SNoW QuEEN, PG 9th, SuNdAy At 14:30 The Snow Queen created the world of eternal winter where the polar wind cools human souls and clearness of lines obscure emotions. A girl named Gerda, her pet ferret Luta, and orm the troll must save her brother Kai and the world.

22 JuMP StREEt, 15 10th, MoNdAy At 19:30 After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.

PlANES: FIRE & RESCuE, PG 16th ,SuNdAy At 14:30 When Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he joins a forest fire and rescue unit to be trained as a firefighter.

luCy, 12 17th, MoNdAy At 19:30 A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

thE houSE oF MAgIC, PG 23Rd, SuNdAy At 14:30 Thunder, an abandoned young cat seeking shelter from a storm, stumbles into the strangest house imaginable, owned by an old magician and inhabited by a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos.

JERSEy boyS, 15 17th, MoNdAy At 19:30 The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.

FRozEN (SINg AloNg), PG 30th, SuNdAy At 14:30 When a princess with the power to turn things into ice curses her home in infinite winter, her sister, Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to change the weather condition.

RAF Marham

Cinema Club Listings for… November

CoMMUNITY CoMMuNIty SuPPoRt WEbSItE www.marhamhub.co.uk

CoMMuNIty SuPPoRt - oCFlt lt gary WalkerTel: (01760) 337261 Ext: 7491 or 95951 7491Mob: 07740 799593Email: [email protected]

hIvE INFoRMAtIoNMaydie SmithTel: (01760) 446121 or (01760)337261 Ext: 7425Email: [email protected] Nikki Savage Tel: (01760) 446121 or (01760) 337261 Ext: 6136Email: [email protected] MurfittTel: (01760) 446121 or (01760) 337261 x 7425Email: [email protected] lodgES/CoNtACt houSESNikki Savage Tel: (01760) 446121 or (01760) 337261 Ext: 6136Email: [email protected]

HoUSING SCSo Flt Sgt terry Norman Tel: (01760) 446052, on base 95951 6052 Email: [email protected] CARIllIoNAMEy oCCuPANCy SERvICE tEAMHelpdesk: Freephone 0800 707 6000Maintenance requests open 24/7othER SERvICESAllocations, furniture, move in/out appointments (open Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm)RAF Marham local Customer Service Centre3 Woodview Road above the SCSo’s office (open from Monday to Friday at 9am until 1pm)CoMMuNIty dEvEloPMENt vacant Tel: (01760) 337261 Ext: 7158 StAtIoN youth WoRKERJosie WoodTel: CS Hub on 01760 336136Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

WELFARESSAFA tom Smith Tel: (01760) 446051 Ext: 6051liz Smith Tel: (01760) 446900 Ext: 6900 lynsey butterfieldTel: (01760) 337261 Ext: 6378Email: [email protected] voluNtEER Co-oRdINAtoR Tel: 07984 908622SAFER NEIghbouRhood tEAM, WAtlINgtoN Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101oC PSF Flt lt Clare Wells Tel: (01760) 337261 Ext: 7489

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BEST PUBCATEGORY

Christmas bookings taken now and throughout December


REgulARS CoMMUNITY SUPPoRT SQUADRoN


You are warmly invited to join us for ‘Frogs.’

Tuesday in term time, 9:15am to 10:15am at St Margaret’s Church, RAF Marham.

Frogs is a gather for songs, stories and prayers for pre school children, parents and carers. This includes refreshments and activities for the children.

Charity Car Wash (£5) from the 10th to 14th November at the Fire Section, 9am until 5pm.

To book your car in contact the Fire Section on Ext: 7073.

Frogs

oRdER oF EvENtS:• Event Starts, 6pm• Judging of the

Fireworks Safety poster competition, 6.45pm

• Bonfire Lit, 7pm• Fireworks Display, 7.30pm• Children’s Entertainment,

Funfair and Stalls

tICKEtS IN AdvANCE£3, over 12’s and £1, Under 12’s

tICKEtS oN thE NIght£4, over 12’s and £1 Under 12’s

oN SAlE FRoM…Central Registry, The HIVE and The Thrift Shop

RAF Marham

bonfire Nighttuesday 4th November 2014

Located on the Blacktop field behind the Rainbow Centre. Deployed Families may attend for free with an advance ticket available from the HIVE.

Health and Safety regulations (No dogs or personal fireworks (including sparklers) are permitted at this event. Professional display by Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd, provider of London Olympics Fireworks 2012.

West Norfolk’s 4th Celebrate AbilityTaking place on Friday 21st November 2014 from 10am to 4pm at Downham Market Town Hall, Bridge Street, Downham Market.

Featuring displays, demonstrations, information and advice on a wealth of ideas from organisations, groups and individuals in the local community to help people with disabilities and their families to be more active and lead an everyday life.

A great way to meet people and to find out about the services, support and facilities available in your local area all under one roof. organised by the West Norfolk Disability Forum.

Saturday 29th November from 11am to 4pm (Christmas Lights Switch on at 2pm).

Do you make your own cards or maybe you have a talent for other crafts such as making jewellery, decoupage or knitted garments. Perhaps you are a dab hand at flower arranging or you may love to spend hours in the kitchen making cakes, puddings pickles and chutneys?

If so would you like an opportunity to sell them? We are looking for local people to sell their own wares at the Fayre.

For more information or to book a pitch (£5) contact the HIVE on Ext: 6136, 7425 or 7491.

Christmas Fayre

Are you interested in becoming a qualified AT Instructor?

RAF Marham is short of Instructors in the following: Canoeing, Kayaking, Skiing, Mountaineering and Climbing.

Free AT Instructor Courses contact the PEd Flt for further details on Ext: 7058.

Your Station Needs you!

RAF Marham Fire SectionChildren in Need Appeal

Tickets will be free to the families of deployed personnel and will only be available to them up to the 14th November. After the 14th November they will be available to others but at a reduced price of £9 per ticket.

Saturday 20th December at 5.30pm and Sunday 21st December at 1.30pm. Don’t delay, book in the HIVE.

There will be entertainment by the following: The Dereham Band, Choir of the Sacred Heart Convent School Swffham Players and also featuring talented Soloist Amber Batten. A collection will be taken in aid of the poppy appeal.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

We will remember them”

At the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange.

Thursday 6th November 2014 at 7:30pm at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Swaffham.

Snow White Panto

Neighbourhood Policing team

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Concert

The ‘Is it for me?’ workshop will help you decide if self-employment or starting your own business is for you.

our expert business adviser will…• Help you decide if it is for you• Give you practical business

start-up advice• Offer independent impartial

advice on your ideas• Help you plan your next steps

Book at the HIVE by Monday 3rd November, and for any further information contact: 01923 698430, Email: [email protected] or visit: www.tchc.net.

be your own boss! Is it for me?RAF Marham Library Thursday 5th November at 12 noon till 4:30pm.

You are warmly invited to join us for our Remembrance Sunday Service for all ages.

Sunday 9th November at 0930, St Margaret’s Church, Chaplaincy Centre, RAF Marham.

We will be holding a short service open to all to remember those who have died in the service of their country. It will include our own special time of silence.

home Watch Security Products • Shed Alarm: £10.75 • Mini Purse Alarm: £4• Wrist Alarm: £4• Standard Purse Alarm: £4• Personal Alarm: £4• UV Marker Pens: £1• Padlock Alarm: £12• Purse Bells: £1• Tool Marking Kit: £19.50• Simulated TV: £Call for a price• Warning Signs: £1.45• Heart Shape Personal Alarm: £3.50• Purse Chain with detachable Coin: £3 • Driveway Alarm: £25

Above is a list of Home Watch Security Products that are available to buy, if you are interested please contact PCSo 8445 Edwards on 101 or [email protected] who would be happy to show you the display of products. The products can be purchased from PCSo Edwards.

The Watlington Neighbourhood Policing Team works closely with colleagues, residents and partner agencies in your community to identify and address the issues which are affecting people’s quality of life.

Please contact me to discuss any problems that you feel I could help with on 101 or you could Email me on [email protected].

I am PCSo Jane Edwards and I am the dedicated Community Support officer for Marham.


FEAtuRES WoRLD WAR oNE REMEMBERED


World War One cost the lives of many millions of servicemen and civilians alike. The ‘War to end all wars’; as it was called at the time was truly of a global scale. Britain’s Empire and allies from many countries were drawn into fighting over continents, seas, oceans and into the skies worldwide.

Initial losses arising from skirmishes and battles led to many of the dead (on both sides) either being hastily buried without timely care without recorded details taken of where they had been buried. Early into the war Fabian Ware, a commander of a Red Cross mobile ambulance unit on the western front was affected by devastation that he had witnessed. From this man’s foresight and inspirational leadership, his unit was authorised to begin the organised recording of and care of burials and grave sites. By 1915 the unit was officially recognised by it’s incorporation into the British Army. over time Fabians’ creation evolved into what we know today as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

The CWGC is now an international organisation working in 153 countries where war cemeteries and memorials exist of both world wars and others. Dedicated staff are entrusted to look after and maintain 23,000 sites worldwide. Each site has been carefully designed to commemorate our fallen, in compliance with the highest standards and principles of the Commission.

only a short walk from the main gate there are two cemeteries that contain Commonwealth War Graves. In Marham village, St. Mary’s churchyard and Marham Cemetery contain servicemen’s graves of both world wars. There are British, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, a South African and even Germans interned.

Although comparatively small in number, every grave has a story to tell of how people from around the country and the world gave their life for the freedom of others.

local Commonwealth War graves

Each main cemetery has been purposely designed to leave a lasting impression to visitors with an atmosphere of dignity and commemoration. When you visit a site or memorial you will generally see arranged headstones symbolising the ‘servicemen standing to attention’. A ‘Cross of Sacrifice’ and a remembrance stone depending on the amount of casualties within. Many thousands of service personnel do not have a known gravesite. All graves are equally cared for, because with death all are treated the same regardless of rank.

More information can be found on their website at www.cwgc.org. Here you can learn more about the commission and the work they do worldwide. If you know of a relative who died, you can search for a relative and the cemetery they are buried in or of one that they are commemorated in. There is educational content to help teach children and news further information if you want to volunteer.

I myself, volunteer to go down and help look after the up keep of the graves as a token effort to give something back for what they gave to us. The Ministry of Defence is asking us all to support the work of the CWGC. online, the commission are running a ‘Lest we forget’ campaign asking for the general public to send in a picture either at their cemeteries or anyone holding a ‘Remembrance’ sign that can recorded by social media.

I urge anyone who has not visited a CWGC cemetery to at least take a visit to one of the Marham sites or to local sites (when you head back home for the weekend). over the coming years more remembrance ceremonies will take place not just on the 11th of November but to mark the main and lesser battles. If and when you are chosen to take part in any parade in your career, this is one thing that will help you realise why we commemorate those who have came before us and sacrificed so much.

The passing of the 4th of August saw the 100th anniversary of Britain’s entrance into the Great War with the declaration of war against Germany.

Written by: Cpl Edward Stanley

Written by: TCS Force Development

As the local volunteer fire service march out, silence falls over the swollen crowd. To my left I can see a RAFA standard slowly lowered as the five buglers shatter the silence and blast out the Last Post. Our journey through the battlefields of the Great War culminates with the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial.

The mission for the Tornado Components Squadron’s (TCS) Staff Ride was to gain an insight into the operational difficulties surrounding campaigns on the Western Front and pay our respects to the fallen. our route through history would trace the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF) first contact of the war, the

RememberedHundreds of people are crowded together underneath the high stone archways. Gentle jostling takes place as people search for a better view while waiting for the start of the ceremony. We can hear the quiet whispers of at least six different languages around us from people of all ages.

development of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and conclude with the battles of Le Hamel and Amiens and the Menin Gate Memorial.

So twelve personnel from TCS piled into two minibuses and off we went. First stop was St omer airfield. For most of World War I (WWI) it was a major British airfield and the largest on the Western Front. over 50 of the RFC’s flying squadrons are recorded as having operated from St omer, some only briefly, but others for extended periods – including 9 and 16 Squadron that were first formed here.

At Mons we learnt about the BEF’s first contact with the Germans and the first Victoria Cross recipients. At Tournai Cemetery we visited the graves of the first RFC aircrew

killed in action. on 22nd August 1914, Second Lieutenant Waterfall and Lt Bayly were on an observation flight when they made a very low pass over a column of advancing German soldiers. As they turned their aircraft and lined up for another pass they were shot at and their Avro 504 crashed killing them both.

Vimy Ridge is one of the most impressive and dominating memorials I have ever seen. Towering above the elevated position Vimy Ridge commands, it’s easy to see how important this area was. As we descended into the bowels of the earth on a tour of the tunnels underneath the battlefield it was poignant to see the living and fighting conditions endured by both sides during the war. Emerging into the Allied side of a preserved trench network the German trenches were scarily only 15m away.

The Thiepval Memorial is the largest of the Memorials to the Missing. This is the most imposing of the memorials visible from a long way off, and visiting here was a moving and sobering experience. Inscribed on the walls are the names of over 70,000 British soldiers lost during battles in the Somme region that have no known grave.

Moving to Ypres we stopped at Ballieul Cemetery and in particular the final resting place of Sgt Thomas Mottershead. He was the only non commissioned RFC officer to receive the VC during WWI. on 7th January 1917, Sgt Mottershead was on patrol when he was engaged in combat by two enemy aircraft. With

one aircraft downed, their machine caught fire. Enveloped in flames he was very badly burned but managed to fly back to the Allied lines and made a successful forced landing. The undercarriage collapsed on touching the ground throwing the observer clear but pinning Mottershead in his cockpit. He was rescued but died of his burns five days later.

Later that day we visited Passchendaele Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery. We knew that this was a large Cemetery, 11,954 allied graves and the inscribed names of 33,783 missing British servicemen. But it wasn’t until we actually stepped inside the boundary of the cemetery that the gravity actually hit us. Row after row after row of engraved bright white headstones, rising from the earth, lined up with military precision facing the field of battle. As we made our way through the grounds it felt as though time stood still. The short drive to the accommodation was a very quiet and reflective one.

Throughout we learnt about the evolving tactics and co-operation between the RFC and Army ground units. Increasingly the RFC and BEF co-ordinated their planning and support resulting in more successful attacks and increasing amounts of ground gained.

And so we found ourselves stood under the Menin Gate memorial to the missing. Inscribed are the names of over 54,000 missing British servicemen. This staff ride had been a massive eye opener into the reality and devastation caused by the Great War. Everyone who took part delivered informative stands and we all learnt something new about the history of the RFC and the BEF in Europe.

World War one

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INTER SERVICE CARP CHAMPIoNSHIPS NEWS


The competition, which is competed for by the Royal Air Force, The British Army and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines is run over 48 hours with four pairings of anglers from each Service battling it out for the chance to become the Inter Service Champions. RAF Marham provided nearly half the team with three anglers, RAF Team Manager CT Alfie Waters of Tor LITS PT; CT Lee Sustins of CMU and SAC(T) Jim Starr of ISTAR.

With weather conditions staying dry and mild, everyone was in an upbeat mood going into the draw for sections, the RAF team captain, Sgt Jason “Reg” Verney declared that he would pick out the RAF in the section that they fancied and duly did so! With the advantage of getting their first

RAF Deploy Precision Tactics at Inter Service Carp Championships

choice of sections on the lake the RAF lads took no time in getting pairings into position ready for the all in at 11am. With two of the swims in the sections covering a large expanse of water that was unfishable due to the weed growth, the decision to apply a strategy that would not disturb the fish in the area was adopted. In fact the decision to apply precision baiting tactics had been made during the RAF Team’s walk around the lake the previous evening. It was a decision which proved “spot on”. The pairing of Cpl Andy Wilson & CT Lee Sustins were fishing a lovely quiet area in “C” section which had a channel of water between two islands as well as some other fantastic features to fish to. Whilst on the other side of the lake in “D” section, CT Mark Chappell and Sgt Matt Hunt were in a similar situation, with an island in front of them and open water in the area to the left. Down in “B” section Sgt Reg Verney along with Cpl Dean Caseberry were fishing an open water area, which had plenty of weed present. Finally in “A” section, and the most unfancied section on the lake, were CT Alfie Waters & SAC(T) Jim Starr with half an island to go at but lots of floating weed to contend with as well as depths of only two feet of water!

As the hooter sounded for the start of the event, battle commenced and it wasn’t long before the first fish came out for the RAF pairing in “C” section, Andy Wilson getting the RAF team off the mark with a decent common carp. Whilst the Army team were busy “Spodding” out plenty of bait the rest of the RAF team were quietly going about their business, using single baits fished over a scattering of boillies. This tactic proved decisive as fish were coming out on a regular basis to three of the four pairings over the next 48 hours. It took until the 22 hour point for the pair in “A” section to register a fish with Alfie netting a 13lb 4oz common which was worth its weight in gold and save a potentially devastating dry net scenario. As the

The Annual Inter Service Carp Championships took place recently at Chigboro Fisheries, Maywater Lake in Essex.

other sections continued to catch at a steady rate, it was becoming clear that the RAF were building up a substantial lead, with weights for the RAF surpassing 100lb in quick time.

The tactics remained constant and the fish kept coming from the RAF, soon the weights would become 200lb plus and for the pairing of Andy & Lee in “C” section even 300lb was exceeded!! By the time the final hooter sounded after 48 hours of excellent fishing from the RAF team, it was clear who the winners were going to be.

1st Place: Royal Air Force2nd Place: British Army 3rd Place: Royal Navy & Royal Marines

The RAF Team won three of the sections, finishing 2nd in the 4th section as well as having the biggest fish from three out of four of the sections and the biggest fish of the competition with a fine 33lb common falling to Cpl Andy Wilson’s rod from which RAF Marham’s CT Lee Sustins had to reel in, as Andy had to visit a call of nature!

It was a fantastic performance from the RAF Team and proof that the tactics deployed for the venue worked like a dream and the watercraft knowledge of the team also was decisive in picking the most productive swims.

FINIShINg WEIghtS FoR thE RAF tEAM AS FolloWS:• A Section: 13lb 4oz• B Section: 137lb 10oz with biggest

fish of 21lb 2oz• C Section: 308lb 12oz with biggest

fish of 33lb 8oz • D Section: 249lb 10oz with biggest

fish of 29lb 0ozTotal winning weight of 699lb 4oz

Bridge Street, Downham Market. Tel: 01366 383407

Join in the celebration of Christmas at Dents Farm Hilgay on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November. A Festive Food and Craft weekend.

Discover local crafters where over 25 stallholders will be showcasing their talent. Indulge in some delicious food tastings, where you can try before you buy- Turkey, handmade pickles, Jams, cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats along with Beers, wines and liqueurs.

With many Festive ideas for your home this Christmas, beautiful gifts to treat family and friends. Be inspired by the extensive range of speciality

foods, for hampers, presents and gifts.

The Farm shop at Dents is full of delectable food and drinks sourced locally, fashion scarves and jewellery, and stylish decorations for your tree and table to suit all tastes and budgets and lots of present ideas for loved ones.

With Breckland Handbell Ringers and Hilgay Silver Band in attendance over the weekend to add to the celebration of Christmas.

The Barn Cafe restaurant will be open as normal for you to enjoy freshly prepared and home baked foods. Come and enjoy!

• Delicious Food and Drink• Wonderful gift ideas• Unique decorations• Clothing & Jewellery• Hamper Make up

Service• Oak Barn Cafe/

Restaurant

Christmas at Dents

Open 7 days a weekMon-Sat 9-5pm, Sun 10-4.30pm

[email protected]

01366 385661

Festive Food

and Craft

Weekend

15th & 16th

November

10am - 4pm

ChristmasParty NightSaturday 6th December

3 Course Dinner & live music

£25.00

Find us on the A10, Hilgay, 5 miles South of Downham Market


SPoRt SADDLE CLUB GUM SHIELD SPoRt


SAC Taylor, a member of the Marham Bulls, organised a successful “Gum Shield” event with the help of Flt Lt Parker-Groves, one of RAF Marham’s Dental Officers.

SAC Taylor said: “I spent hours searching the internet for a decent mouth protector, but struggled to find anything that seemed adequate. During a fitness event being run by the PEd Flt at the gym, I spoke with a dental nurse who informed me the dental centre can provide mouth protectors for free. I was aware that a number of other members in the club were in the same position as me, and decided to organise a group gum shield fitting event to reach as much of the rugby club as possible.”

The event was aimed at promoting safety in sport, raising the profile of the

Marham Bulls Rugby Club met with the RAF Marham’s Dental Centre on 24th September for a fixture of a different kind.

Rugby Club and also showcasing the services on offer from the Dental Centre.

Flt Lt Parker-Groves speaking on behalf of the Dental Centre said “The Dental Team at RAF Marham are always keen to promote oral health across the station and when asked to assist in the provision of mouth protectors for Marham Bulls, they were more than happy to volunteer. All staff at the Dental Centre assisted in planning, preparation and execution of the event, giving up their personal free time to ensure that the team were provided with custom made mouth protectors.”

The Marham Bulls’ Captain, SAC(T) Spencer, had this to say about the club “Having been based at Marham for over five years now, I have played with a very wide range of players and abilities. This is the first year I can recall a Marham side with so many players with such a broad range of experience. We have just come off the back of a very physical Rugby League season, where we managed to come fourth out of all competing stations. A fantastic achievement for a team that consisted of three RAF League representatives and five entirely inexperienced players. We are now looking forward to the Union season where the club continues to grow.”

Marham Bulls Rugby Club meet every Monday at 1750 on the station sports field, although timings may change during winter months to lunchtime sessions. Please feel free to come along and get stuck in, all abilities welcome!

gum Shield

RAF Reserves Race AheadIn early october, all eyes were on the Royal Air Force Reserves Honda Team as the MCE British Superbike Championship moved to Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

The (RAF Reserves Superbike) team, led by MoD Civil Servant Lee Hardy, enjoyed a successful weekend at Silverstone for the penultimate British Superbike Championship round of 2014.

After a very wet Saturday race, where conditions were extremely difficult, the team fought hard to change to a dry set up for the start of Sunday’s race. Their hard work and determination paid off, as rider Peter Hickman moved from 21st on the starting grid to cross the line in 9th place after a couple of action packed races.

“Having a supportive crowd really helped to spur me on. We had a difficult qualifying, for a number of reasons, but I really wanted to show what the team are made of for our loyal supporters but also our special guests,” said Peter

on hand offering support to the team were Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Andrew Pulford, Honorary Air Commodore and BRDC Member, Lord Beaverbook, Air Commodore Chris Luck, Air Commodore Terry Jones and members of the RAF Recruiting Team.

”It’s been a privilege to be able to attend todays race. It’s not only important to

show our support to the team but also to witness the development in technology which is so important for both motorsport and aviation. Watching a team of RAF Reserves, regulars and MoD Civil Servants working together to provide air power one week and race power the next, shows the quality of people we have across the whole force.” Added Sir Andrew Pulford.

The final round of the season took place at Brands Hatch on 18th and 19th october where the RAF Recruitment was on hand to offer assistance and support to anyone wanting to find out about how to join the Royal Air Force and Royal Air Force Reserves.

If this inspires you to get in the saddle, get in touch with RAF Marham Saddle Club. It has undergone resurgence in the last year and now offers discounted weekly lessons at a local riding school for any Service person, dependant or MoD civilian working at Marham. Don’t worry if you’re not very experienced or have been out of the saddle for a few years as all levels are catered for. There’s even a Junior Saddle Club with lessons fortnightly on a Sunday if you have a budding Charlotte Dujardin or William Fox-Pitt in the family..

Membership of the Saddle Club entitles you to a discount of 10% at the local saddlers Nags Essentials in Narborough, and the committee are

Britain currently has the individual World, European and olympic as well as team olympic dressage and show jumping gold medallists.

looking into organising trips to events such as London’s olympia Christmas horse show, Burghley Horse Trials and smaller local horsey events.

For those of you with your own horse there are plans for locally held clinics in a variety of disciplines, as well as group activities such as riding on Holkham beach.

There is the opportunity to compete for Marham for both horse-owners and non horse-owners. The Equitation Inter-Station League competition is held during the summer months on riding school horses and consists of a riding test and a small course of show jumps, the final is held in october – this year at Shawbury. RAF Marham managed to get a team together at the last minute for the ISL and were late entrants in the Northern league. In mid August SAC Burrell, SAC Sing and Sqn Ldr Beynon travelled to RAF Linton to compete against RAF Boulmer and Linton; the team doing well very

Written by: Flt Lt Nat Morrell

Saddle Club

for their first event with individual placings in the top three. There next competition will be against RAF Lossiemouth sometime this month.

The culmination of the RAF Equitation year is the Championships held at Larkhill in Wiltshire in mid-September. RAF Marham took four riders: Mrs Mussell, Fg off Craven, Flt Lt Morrell and Sqn Ldr Beynon; three horses: Nemo, Joop (aka The ASBo) and Glits; two helpers: SAC Burrell and SAC Sing; and Mitzi dog. Each rider came away with at least one rosette, the final total for Team Marham being a first, 3 thirds, 2 fifths and a sixth, in dressage, show jumping, cross country and the one day event (a combination of all three disciplines). Sqn Ldr Beynon and her horse Glits were a last minute addition to the RAF show jumping team and jumped well at a higher level than they are used to in only their first proper season competing.

For details about the Saddle Club please see our Facebook page (RAF Marham Saddle Club) or visit our moss site at the following address. (http://cui5-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/381/SaddleClub/default.aspx).


NEWS ExERCISE RoCKY SALMoN THE MARHAM INTERVIEW REgulARS


FACt FIlEName: Del Wilkinsborn: Kingston upon Thames,

south west London.Job history and Job title: General Technician Workshops (GTWS). I trained as a Gen Tech WS tradesman at No. 4 School of Technical Training, to a standard to be competent of producing/repairing quality complex parts, ranging from Land Rover to Tornado fast jet components. time at RAF Marham?11 years, eight years as a Serviceman and three years as a MoD civilian, employed within Station workshops.

What is your role at RAF Marham? I am part of the Station Workshops team that provides a fast & efficient manufacturing facility that is required to repair or manufacture aircraft components and hydraulic pipelines for RAF Marhams Tornado fleet. Whilst also providing support to Mechanical Transport and Ground Support Equipment, at the same time providing a general engineering manufacturing service for the entire Station. We have an excellent well equipped facility with highly skilled tradesmen who are driven to provide excellence in all that we undertake. We are diverse and are always looking for improvements running a rigorous

continuous improvement schedule which shows the

aspirations of the workshop. CAPABILITIESAircraft Welding Repair: I am capable of performing a full range of welding repair techniques, from more structural Arc and Metal Inert Gas (MIG & MAG) operations, to the

aircraft quality Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) process

that covers the joining of aluminium alloys to high

quality stainless steels.

Aircraft Sheet Metal Fabrication: Along with my GTWS

colleagues, I’m capable of reproducing / repairing the majority of aircraft sheet metal components / structures. These skills are continuously used in support of our resident flying Squadrons. Plus manufacturing support to BAE Systems as part of the ATTAC contract.

Aircraft Pipe Fabrication: Additionally I have been trained to manufacturing aircraft hydraulic pipes. Utilising specialist computer aided machinery.

Aircraft Machining: Also at my disposal, I have full access to Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) and manual milling machines and lathes.I can be tasked on occasion to carrying out one off prototype or batch run production.

Utilising the above aspects of my trade I can manufacture or repair most components using engineering drawings, or reverse engineering from parts removed from aircraft or ground use equipment to very close tolerances, sometimes to + - 0.0012 mm or a fraction of a human hair.

three best words to describe yourself?Enthusiastic, Compassionate and Forgiving

Not many people know this about me…My first name is Clive, not Del or Derek. There must be a link between Derek and Clive, maybe for people of a certain generation.

I can’t get through the day without?occasionally checking the QPR news website. For any news of my beloved football club.

book or Film?Good Book

dream Car?E Type Jaguar / BSA Goldstar motorcycle.

Who inspires you?I believe an inspirational role model does not necessarily have to be a particular individual. I gain inspiration from work colleagues, experience, attitude, habits etc. I can’t say that I am inspired by any one person or individual.

If you could be Stn Cdr for the day, what would you do?Arrange a Station exchange for a day scheme. Personnel to swap roles for a day, allowing a greater appreciation & understanding of the different skill sets that are required to support the efficient operation of RAF Marham.

Following on from the previous year’s success of Ex Grizzly Tornado, the idea of Ex Rocky Salmon was born. Utilising the knowledge gained and being aware of potential pitfalls, the planning process was put into full swing. 13 personnel from RAF Marham and one from RAF Northolt would be attempting a self sufficient open canoe trip down the Petawawa River, Algonquin National Park, Ontario.

on the 7th of July, all 14 personnel arrived in Toronto, the many months of planning, endless phone calls and emails, were now coming to fruition. The first phase of the expedition was upon us, the drive from Toronto to Dwight was five hours and in true expeditionary fashion, was completed in a thunderstorm of biblical proportions. Perhaps we might need the canoes earlier than we imagined!

our first day on open water began with the necessary safety briefings and equipment familiarisation. With the instruction finished, a chance for all to acquaint themselves with the water appeared. Some of the group took this rather literally, spending the majority of the morning swimming! With the mood lightened, we moved on to rescue drills. Whilst on the river, these would be performed in moving water, not in the serenity of a calm lake! The necessary skills were gained quickly and began to show through. Coupled with a healthy dose of teamwork, everyone left the lake with a new found confidence. We were made aware of some local areas of interest and subsequently headed off towards the local waterfall to take in the stunning scenery. one of the group (who shall remain nameless), decided this would be the ideal time to slip on a twig… Luckily, this resulted in nothing more than a bruised ego and gave a timely reminder of how quickly things could change during our time on the river.

The next unexpected challenge was the packing and organisation of all the equipment, seven days worth of food alone for 14 people is astonishing! That plus tents, sleeping bags, personal kit and cooking equipment was unbelievable. It was hard to believe there would be enough room left for the crew of two!

We unloaded our seven boats and mountain of equipment off the big yellow bus and after one last group shot before

Exercise Rocky Salmon125km of lakes, rivers and rapids plus the dreaded portage lay ahead.

the real adventure began, the sheer size of the task ahead literally lay in front of us. our starting point, Cedar Lake, is roughly the size of Norwich City Centre; we simply had to traverse this to our first campsite. As we began the long paddle across, with the boats fully loaded, the realisation that we were on our own was there for all to see. There was not a soul in sight, just vast amounts of water and trees as far as the eye could see, now was not the time for a capsize!

our first campsite overlooked the lake and a nearby logging dam. It was here we quickly realised we were not alone, the mosquitoes making an unwelcome appearance. It seemed the insect repellent we applied acted as nothing more than a homing beacon with the swarms

quickly upon us! It was amazing to see how 14 strangers began to gel almost instantly. The boats were unloaded and camp prepared as if by an F1 pit crew, something that would stand us in good stead for the week ahead.

The group set off down the river and we experienced our first taste of moving water. It was here we started to learn the art of communication, not only between crew mates, but also the other boats. It was imperative to maintain good communication at all times otherwise it could end in disaster. As we travelled down the river, our first Grade 1 rapid was quickly upon us. This was scouted from the top of a disused railway bridge, a line was decided upon and the group nervously

Written by: Sgt Danny Earnshaw and CT Will Clements

began their first descent. Miraculously, we all completed the first rapid without incident, an achievement which would not be repeated until the final day!

The rapids came thick and fast, the likes of Big Sawyer and Battery Rapids were run and the inevitable swamping and capsizing began. All survived unscathed, although some were minus the odd shoe, paddle and bag. All of the rapids within our remit were run, which was not only testament to the skill of the group, but also the excellent instruction we received. Unfortunately some of the rapids along the Petawawa River were just far too dangerous to attempt. The only option was portage, this meant all the kit, including the boats, had to be carried around the rapid. on one particular day, the group portaged in excess of 15km with over 50kgs of kit! Physical and mental stamina was a must, with plenty of banter and deer fly mixed in along the way.

With the skill level rising everyday, we all took the opportunity to go solo, practise ferry gliding in the current and attempted to surf the white water. Great fun was had by all and the fear of swimming had now well and truly evaporated.

As we approached the final camp site of the trip, an eagle was spotted soaring along the water line; this was just one of the many stunning sights seen along the way. Algonquin Park is a fantastic place and the ever-changing topography provided some unbelievable challenges and stunning back drops for a truly memorable experience.

Every individual on the trip had pushed the limits of their comfort zone more than once and I’m sure many asked the question, how on earth can I do this?

The trip was an undeniable success, promoting all the pillars of Adventurous Training, which in turn links directly to operations, where your trust and ultimately your life is placed in the hands of those alongside you.

26 MARhAM MAttERS ISSUE 10, 2014 ISSUE 10, 2014 MARhAM MAttERS 27

Motorcycle servicing, repairs, spares, tuning, modifying,

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Large selection of clothing fabrics.Burda, Simplicity, New Look and McCalls patterns in stock.

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oUR HERITAGE oN THE WALLS FEAtuRES


our heritage on the Walls

Last year I asked myself the question “I wonder why I share the surname of that barrack block?” I never thought how much of a personal journey that question would take me on.

It started with a simple internet search ‘Copley Block RAF Marham’, which found various websites detailing the story of

Written by: Sgt A Copley

Later in the war Copley took part in what turned out to be his last mission over Germany. Leaving from oakington airfield on the 29th September 1941 in a 7 Squadron Short Stirling aircraft (Serial W7441), Copley’s role was now Flight engineer but with his experience he was known as ‘Pop’ at just age 29.

His aircraft’s mission was to be the lead aircraft to mark the target with flares and fire bombs on a raid on the Polish coastal city of Stettin which served as a major port for Berlin. His aircraft was attacked by a German night fighter; with the aircraft on fire he opened the hatch and helped as many of the crew escape. Being unable to help any others he bailed out and was subsequently captured in Denmark. This was now to be his war, enduring the hardships as a prisoner of war. At the end of the war he returned to his family running a garage repair shop and petrol station in his home village.

Four generations of the Copley family recently visited RAF Marham to see the barrack blocks recent improvements. I had reutilised the family’s documents and photographs which I had access to from a previous visit by his daughter and placed framed information with pictures on the walls of the barrack block to tell his story to the occupants. They also made a visit to the RAF Marham Aviation Heritage centre which included seeing a restored Bristol Hercules engine component from the aircraft J J Copley bailed out from. This component was recovered from the sea bed by the nephew of the radio operator from the downed aircraft and who also visited RAF Marham at the same time.

The family has been once again connected to their relative’s story and feel the connection to RAF Marham more than ever. Prompted by the work I did with Copley barrack block I researched my own family’s past and managed to find my dad after 29 years apart; my journey has only just begun…

a Yorkshire man from the small village of South Heindley, near Barnsley, which happened to be the town where I was born.

John James Copley joined the RAF in 1935 aged 22. Having trained as a flight rigger he was posted in 1936 to 38 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall and then transferred in 1937 with 38 Squadron to RAF Marham.

on the outbreak of war Copley took part in leaflet drops over Germany taking the role of air gunner and in late 1939 he flew in a Wellington bomber and took part in a seek and destroy mission over the coast of Germany which led to him receiving a DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal) given for his actions bringing down a German fighter.

During this mission the aircraft suffered damage and crashed landed on arriving at RAF Marham. Copley discovered post landing that an impact he felt during the attack had in fact been caused by a German bullet which had lodged in the buckle of his parachute harness; his life saved by a fraction of an inch.

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To advertise in the next issue of this publication please contact

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Tel: 01366 383819

11 High Street, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DA

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THE OLD GRANARY ANTIQUES

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PRICES:Nov to Mar £190Apr & Oct £255May & Sept £290June £330July & Aug £410

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