Lions Roar Summer 22

Inside this Issue: STN NEWS Honours and awards JHSS In Brunei STN NEWS ASTRA

The official quarterly publication of Royal Air Force Benson

N O N A B E IN L PUMA FORCE Summer 2022 Issue 92 www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

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CONTENTS SUMMER 2022

09

12

17

23 SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES: Articles for the Lion’s Roar should be submitted by email, written in Microsoft Word (preferably not the latest version format) and pictures should be sent as high quality original jpegs and attached as separate files, not embedded in the text or reduced in size.

27 4 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

From the Editor…

I sincerely hope the unwavering support from the station that I’ve received will continue for Al and Amy as they forge forward with their new roles! A new editorial team, and a new email address for articles – BenLionsRoarMagazine(Multiuser) from a MODNET computer!

Articles still 500-700 with pictures – Let us know what you’ve been doing! Many thanks for your support again over the last 26 editions!!

Well the time has finally arrived, and after six and a half years as editor I am handing over the reins to Sgt Al Dixon of 230 Sqn, and his deputy Fg Off Amy Dent of 28 Sqn. It has been great fun being able to see all those finished products out and about around the station, and also into the wider civilian community.

Publishing Team PUBLISHER Lion’s Roar is published by Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 334223

Andy Lyes Lion’s Roar Editor/OIC

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jayne Bailey Tel: 01536 334219 DESIGNER Amanda Robinson PRINTER Micropress ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND FEATURES TO… Sgt Al Dixon Fg Off Amy Dent Email: BEN-LionsRoarMagazine@mod.gov.uk

Contents... Summer 2022 PAGE

09 PAGE

606 SQN IN GLASGOW

PUMA FORCE IN LEBANON

PAGE

12

JHSS IN BRUNEI

PAGE

FHQ IN BRUNEI

PAGE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

PAGE

JUNIOR RANKS FLYING SCHOLARSHIP

17 21

MOVER OF THE YEAR

PAGE

PADRES PIECE

PAGE

THE QUEENS GREEN CANOPY

PAGE

LOGISTIC SQUADRON FORCE DEVELOPMENT

PAGE

ASTRA

PAGE

THE HIVE

23 25

10 15

PAGE

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26 27 28 29

Don’t Forget!

Look out for the next edition of Lion’s Roar which is due out in Sept 2022

DISCLAIMER: This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Ltd cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence.

All images © UK MoD Crown Copyright 2016 unless otherwise stated.

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 5

REGULARS STN CDR’S FOREWORD

Foreword from the Station Commander...

Once again, a huge variety and amount of activity around RAF Benson as we change our focus to the forthcoming deployment to Brunei.

All this whilst we continue to support our current National Standby commitments, and the eagerly awaited Queens Platinum Jubilee Flypast.

Many will have seen the support helicopters led by the Puma Force practicing their formation elements with Chinooks from both RAF Benson and Odiham – already an impressive sight indeed, so their contribution to the whole flypast will make it a magnificent sight to see as it flys down the Mall and overhead Buckingham Palace, celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum jubilee.

As always it is a pleasure to invite distinguished visitors to the station.

During their visits both Prince Michael of Kent and Commander JHC presented honours and awards to many station personnel. RAF sports colours, Royal Warrants and operational service medals to name but a few – all thoroughly

well-deserved for commitment to both primary and secondary tasks!

There is much going on as we prepare for the Puma Force’s imminent deployment to Brunei; the whole Station is involved in order to ensure we achieve a smooth handover from the Army Air Corps to the Puma Force. Thank-you in advance for all your support and hard work in making this possible!

It’s not all about our operational output and it was great to see many people taking to two wheels in support of the Royal Air Force Association 100 rides. Be it on or off road, many miles were covered to raise money for this fantastic organisation.

As we approach the summer and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, I hope you all get chance to enjoy quality time with your family!

Editorial Team OIC/EDITOR Sgt Al Dixon 230 Sqn Ext: x7068 DEPUTY EDITOR Fg Off Amy Dent 28 Sqn 33 SQN REP Flt Lt Mullins 28 Sqn, Ext: 8039 230 SQN REP Flt Lt Paul Hutton 230 Sqn, Ext: 7159 28 SQN REP SAC Peter Davidson x7722 LS REP Fg Off Becky Bull OC M&T Flt, Ext: 7428 EXPEDITION & SPORTS REP Sgt Alex Clare x7632 BSW REP Nikki Gasan SEO, Ext: 7245 OPS WG REP Flt Lt Tom Barber Ext: 8139 606 SQN REP Flt Lt Peter Legg 606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238 JHSS REP Flt Lt Matty Snape x 7549 PHOTO & IMAGERY REP SAC Conor Morgan Ext 7265 CARTOONIST FS Dave McCrindle 28 Sqn x8072

COVER CREDIT: Nick Lockwood 6 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

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606 SQN IN GLASGOW

I BELONG TO GLASGOW Have you ever wondered what it is like to speed through congested roads on blue lights, a wailing siren seamlessly parting the traffic in front of you?

Well, as an ambulance driver for Op RESCRIPT in Glasgow, I had that experience, and it certainly gets the adrenaline pumping that’s for sure!

Before the World falls in on me, I should point out that as mobilised SP working for the Scottish Ambulance Service (ScAS), we were NOT allowed to use the ‘blues & twos’ ourselves, however sitting alongside our ScAS colleagues who could, afforded us a view usually reserved only for members of the emergency services.

Riding up front, looking at the way ahead intently and calling out loudly “Clear left” or “Stop, Stop” as you approach a busy junction, a second pair of eyes helping the driver to navigate at speed through the many hazards of other road users, you begin to appreciate how stressful and dangerous blue-light driving in a city can be. There is no room in the ambulance for a passenger, inexperienced in the role we may have been but from the first day on the job, we were the second member of a two-person ambulance crew and to be of any use, we had to hit the ground running.

It is probably fair to say that when we arrived at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh in late October last year for our RSOI brief, few of us fully appreciated just how ‘hands on’ the task of ambulance driver that we had

8 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

been mobilised for would be. The initial brief stated that any vehicle crewed with a military service person was for non-urgent tasks only, such as patient transfers or transport for medical appointments and hardly ever, if at all, assigned to attend emergency calls. The reality, as is so often the case, proved to be very different and after less than two days training on the

vehicle and associated equipment, we were on shift where we had to learn on the job and learn fast. Fortunately, this is where armed forces personnel excel of course and in true military fashion, we quickly adapted to the changing situation, rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in.

From Redford Barracks I moved with two other RAF Reserves to HMS Dalriada in the Govan area of Glasgow, which was to be home for the next four months.

Here we joined a troop of some thirty RLC drivers, some of whom had already been on Op RESCRIPT since August. Listening to their accounts of the Op so far, we quickly understood that our role was very much more front-line A&E than we had been told.

The day after I arrived in Glasgow, found me working alongside a paramedic who was 23-year veteran of the ScAS. “Are you a medic with the RAF then?” was his first question, to which I answered, “No, but I have some first aid training”. This turned out to be something asked of me on a few more occasions during the months ahead, not just by ambulance staff who wanted to understand what they had to work with, but by patients as well, who often assumed that we must be.

It may have given them some reassurance in their hour of need to believe that. After all, if there is an ambulance parked outside your house, you are probably having a very bad day and I Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

certainly did not want to add to the patient’s understandable anxiety by dispelling their belief in us, while at the same time affixing the ECG electrodes to their chest, taking their temperature, SATs and bloods (doing the obs). Instead, I would simply reply that we were in Scotland helping our NHS colleagues, which was the company line and usually that satisfied their curiosity. It seems that for many people, the sight of a service person in uniform is reassurance enough and in many instances during the shifts I worked on, it was a conversation starter that helped to distract the patient or their family from whatever unfortunate trauma they were going through.

As a member of an ambulance crew, you are often meeting people at the very

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worst point of their lives and they believe that you will be able to make it right for them. We are very often the first on scene and you never know what you are going to be dealing with until you arrive, chest pains, acute headache, overdose, a stabbing, cardiac arrest, or a fall. I attended all of these and plenty more besides. In many cases, a set of obs at the scene, some words of reassurance and a trip to the hospital satisfies the immediate need but in other cases, sadly, nothing we can do will make it better. I attended three cases where the patients had already died some hours (or even days) before we arrived at the scene, yet their relatives still hovered around hopefully. I can recollect with reasonable ease, almost every callout I attended during the past four months, each unique in its circumstances yet some are more easily recalled than others but not always for the reasons you might think. It would be an untruth to say that some of those cases did not leave a tear in the eye and lump in the throat while others brought a true sense of fulfilment and value.

During my 11 years with 606 Squadron at RAF Benson, I have been fortunate that my duties have provided me with several amazing opportunities and experiences at home and overseas. This was my fourth

Op RESCRIPT mobilization, the other three had involved Covid testing around the UK and whilst all those gave me a real sense of purpose during the pandemic, it is the time I spent with the men and woman of the ScAS that will stay with me.

Cpl Jenkinson 606 Sqn

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 9

PUMA FORCE LEBANESE

Lebanese Air Force Engagement and Training Visit Royal Air Force Engineers and Aircrew from RAF Benson Puma Force visited the Lebanese Air Force in Spring of 2022 as part of a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship.

With over 50 years of experience of maintaining and operating Puma helicopters, the Puma Force are sharing that wealth of knowledge with their Lebanese counterparts. The visit to Lebanon followed a reciprocal visit from the Lebanese Air Force to Benson in Jan 2022.

During the trip to Lebanon, Royal Air Force engineering specialists focussed on supporting the Puma P4 programme, the repair of main and tail rotor blades and air safety. The team of 5 deployed Engineers demonstrated their own processes for activities such as blade repairs, helping their Lebanese hosts to further develop and assure their own highly effective and efficient Puma capability in the future. In addition, significant time was spent discussing air safety to encourage positive progression of the evolving safety culture that is already starting to make waves across the Lebanese Air Force.

Further to the above, there was also a strong focus on women in defence, specifically in the engineering field.

Two strong, well respected female RAF Engineers deployed to Lebanon to support the Lebanese female engineers who have recently been integrated into their workforce, answering their questions, and empowering them to interact with their male counterparts as equals. These interactions encouraged Lebanese women to feel confident in their roles and abilities, facilitating multiple

10 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

inclusive and constructive debates across all Lebanese engineers whilst discussing engineering activities and processes.

On the other side of the house, our highly experienced aircrew worked closely with their Lebanese colleagues on enhancing key flying skills such as winching and carrying under-slung loads.

Extremely positively, it was also noted that the Lebanese Air Force have made an incredible leap in the progression of rear-crew technicians, a big focus from the last Benson visit to Lebanon in 2020.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

ARTICLE TITLE SECTION HEADING

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SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 11

JHSS IN BRUNEI

WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNEI… OK, so that’s the rubbish dad joke out of the way but until recently most people at RAF Benson had hardly heard much talk about this small sovereign nation 8000 miles away on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Certainly prior to the announcement regarding the redeployment of the Puma Force to Brunei later this year, the only real connection with anyone at Benson had been through our unit, Joint Helicopter Support Squadron.

Many people are not aware of the continued permanent presence of British Army units in Brunei who first arrived in 1962 and remained at the invitation of the current Sultan, after gaining independence in 1984. A battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles consisting of 1500 personnel is garrisoned at Seria in the Southwest of the country; centred around the large Shell Oil and Petroleum industry hub.

Close by is the small heliport and camp known as Medicina Lines which is home to the Jungle Warfare Division, part of the Infantry Battle School of the School of Infantry and 667 Sqn Army Air Corps.

12 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

667 Squadron (formerly 7 Flt AAC) currently fly the ubiquitous Bell 212 helicopter and have supported the Jungle Warfare Division in Brunei since 1994 as well as supporting elements of the Special Forces Training Wing. As such they are part of Joint Helicopter Command and therefore subject to the same rules and regulations as all other JHC military helicopters. This is where the link with JHSS comes into play.

One of the specialist roles of our cadre of MAOT Leaders is to complete recces and assurance for helicopter landing sites (HLS) for JHC helicopters across the globe. This can be anything from a simple patch of ground to a complex multilanding point heliport with everything in between. The task in this case was to visit, revalidate and update a Jungle HLS Directory with close to 70+ Landing Points (LPs) spread across 100s of square kilometres of primary jungle in Borneo. This is not a quick job and would require careful planning and execution to compete, not least as this was to take place whilst strict Covid travel restrictions were in place.

On the 4th January I set off for the airport with fellow MAOT Leader Captain Alex Brogan (AAC) and began the long journey to Brunei. For anyone going that way in the future, it is a 12-14 hour flight so take plenty to keep you occupied or stay up late so you can sleep on board!

After finally arriving at the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, we went through the full Covid testing process before being taken to a government run ‘hotel’ to spend the next 8 days in complete isolation.

This is best described as “an experience” and the local provided cuisine was “interesting” to say the least. However, fast forward to why Alex and I were here….

667 Sqn are an Army Air Corps Squadron who operate 3x Bell 212 helicopters (often referred to as a Huey) and currently commanded by a name familiar to many ex-Merlin people at Benson, Major Luke Hoare. They support the British Forces Brunei by providing helicopter lift for the Jungle Warfare Division and vital Medevac/ Casevac cover during jungle training. The HLS’s they use vary from concrete purposebuilt pads to tiny ridgelines and clearing deep in the jungle. All of them need to be surveyed and assured for safety every 3 years. That is where Alex and I come in.

Although Brunei as a country only covers 2200 square miles, its internal borders are very spread out surrounded by Malaysian territories. This means that most of the area is only accessible by air without long cross-country drives through inhospitable terrain. This was where 667 Sqn were able to assist us in our task by flying us deep into the jungle direct to the LPs that they used.

Even as an experienced SH Crewman, my eyes were out on stalks approaching into some of these LPs! Some of the clearings were just about large enough to fit the rotor diameter of the Bell and the actual ridge lines were just large enough to put skids onto. Stepping off a helicopter with dense primary jungle with a canopy up to 200ft tall in front of you and in several cases, a sheer drop of several hundred feet right behind you certainly focuses the mind! That was just the arrival….

Once on the ground we had to work quickly as the crew would depart to loiter nearby and only had a limited amount of fuel to get us to all the sites and then back to Medicina Lines. The first thing that hits you is the heat. The humidity is often at 100% with temperatures in the 30s and low 40s at times. You become soaked in sweat within minutes! Then there is the jungle itself; everything in the jungle is designed to get you. The insects and creepy crawlies are bigger, the flora is all pointy and sharp and there is the noise of larger but thankfully more scarce beasts around!!

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Temberong jungle and then climbing up a hillside to a 40-story scaffold tower to then climb up to the roof of the jungle canopy 300ft further up. The experience was literally breath taking! Once back down to the river valley we found a natural waterfall and plunge pool for a refreshing dip before white water rafting back to base camp. All in all, an amazing experience which no doubt those Puma Force personnel bound for Brunei will hopefully be able to replicate at some point.

Brunei is certainly a country of opportunity for different experiences which those members of the Puma Force who take over from 667 Sqn later this year will hopefully be able to fully embrace.

It is certainly a country both Alex and I have said we would like to return to in the future, perhaps when there are no longer any Covid restrictions!!

Master Aircrew Gaz Attridge, Mobile Air Operations Team Leader This is probably a good time to mention that on our first day, Alex causally pointed out the 3 metre Saltwater Crocodile that was gliding around in the river below next to one of the HLS we were due to visit. No swimming for us!!

With a combination of the 667 crews flying us and our own self-drive adventures we managed to complete the whole task in just under 4 weeks or our arrival, including the isolation ‘adventure’.

We did manage to get some downtime at the weekends due to no flying and explore some of what Brunei had to offer despite the Covid restrictions. A real bucket list tick for me was taking a wooden longboat trip deep upriver into the Ulu

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SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 13

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FHQ IN BRUNEI

BRUNEI PUMA RECCE When the news was received that Puma visit was to take over the Defence tasks in Brunei and Cyprus, recce teams were assembled to test the waters, and pave the way for the future detachments.

The closest crocodile to the canoe was Brunei, where the Puma Force is due to take over responsibility for the jungle training support and MEDEVAC tasks from 1 October this year.

A crew of logisticians, engineers, infrastructure specialists, and operators headed to Brunei at the start of February to judge the feasibility of locating a semi-permanent Puma detachment in the infrastructure currently used by the Army’s 667 Sqn, operating the Bell 212 helicopter.

Unfortunately before face-to-face work could begin, a 7 day period in very strict isolation had to be endured due to COVID, in distinctly average accommodation.

Feeling more like Tom Hanks in Castaway with each day that passed, online meetings to begin our recce became a highlight.

A week later after a negative PCR, and finally released into the tropical heat of Borneo, we were able to commence our recce in earnest. The team was warmly welcomed by the Army to a families’ BBQ on 667 Sqn, and later into the Officers’ Mess of the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles for one of their famously spicy Gurkha curries – lovely stuff – as well as visiting the Chief of the Royal Bruneian Air Force at their main operating base in the capital city, Bandar Seri Bagwan.

It was not all fun and games, however.

The team quickly assimilated as much information as they could to inform www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

decisions on what Puma Force would need to be able to operate safely in the jungle, taking on the mantle from the Army who have been conducting the task successfully for decades. The various subject matter experts dispersed across multiple locations to domestic accommodation, ops rooms, aircraft dispersals, hangars, and - for those who prefer to stay out of daylight – IT nodes, to ferret out electricity and fuel supplies, comms stations, local logistics fixers, and bed spaces; the largely unsung elements of every successful detachment.

There was the occasional opportunity to explore more dramatic elements of the country; the jungle at Labi and the Limbang River providing an insight into the rare opportunities available to those who might volunteer for a tour in this landscape. I was lucky enough to fly with the Army over some of Brunei’s virgin tropical rainforest, a truly spectacular and at times intimidating landscape. To be admired, but also respected by those that venture there.

The excellent facilities already in place for the British military in Brunei will make the Puma Force’s future detachment there

an enjoyable and exciting one; albeit we have the odd major hurdle to overcome before we can truly settle in. This, and the proximity of so many other exciting and exotic countries within easy reach, make for a unique opportunity for current and future Puma Force personnel and those that support them.

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 15

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HONOURS & AWARDS

Honours and Awards

Acting Cpl Lee-Davis Cdr JHC Commendation.

Cpl Evans RAF Rugby Presidents award.

Cpl Farrow OSM Iraq & Syria.

Cpl Gallon GSM Western Africa.

Cpl Hodgson LS&GC.

Cpl Hodgson OSM Afghanistan with clasp.

Cpl Hunter OSM Iraq & Syria.

Cpl Matthews LS&GC.

Cpl Melia RAF Champion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Honours and awards recipients with Cdr JHC.

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 17

CT Littlejohn LS&GC with clasp.

CT Swalwell LS&GC with clasp.

Flt Lt Inglis LS&GC.

FP Flt Cdr JHC Commendation.

FS Sharp RAF Clay Pigeon Shooting Sports Colours.

MAcr Dunkerley GSM Western Africa.

MAcr Lyes Meritorious Service Medal.

MAcr Rowlands Royal Warrant.

MAcr Strawson Meritorious Service Medal.

PMOK, Stn Cdr and recipients.

18 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Mrs Tomlinson Cdr JHC Commendation.

SAC Farrelly OSM Afghanistan with clasp.

SAC Maskell OSM Iraq & Syria.

Sgt Bristow Cdr JHC Commendation.

Sgt Bull Air Safety Award.

Sgt Clare RAF Volleyball Sports Colours.

Sgt Murdern Stn Cdr Commendation.

Sgt Pickup Cdr JHC Commendation.

WO Withey Royal Warrant.

RAF Benson FP Flt with Cdr JHC Commendation.

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 19

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JUNIOR RANKS FLYING STN NEWS

Junior Ranks Flying The JRPSS is a fantastic opportunity for those with a passion for flying to get their foot in the door and gain some valuable experience and knowledge about flying light aircraft with the potential to go on to gain further qualifications such as their Private Pilot’s Licence.

The application process is very straight forward but also nerve wracking as you are writing to try and secure a position to be 1 of 15 out of over 200 applicants.

The application consisted of different questions about yourself starting with your name, age and location, then moving onto a reason why you believe you would be suited to the scheme and what benefits you could bring to the Royal Air Force and your role if you are selected. These questions give you the opportunity to really sell yourself as the ideal candidate and show how passionate you are about flying and how much this incredible opportunity would mean to you.

The Scholarship runs from 1st April until 31st August and is more than just getting in a plane and learning to fly. It teaches you the correct radio transmissions, in-flight procedures, how to log your hours, airspace awareness and the theory required to fly solo. We have all been given our kit bags which contain theory books, a log-book and uniform to wear while we fly so that we can represent the Scholarship Scheme when we are out and about. All applicants are given 15 hours worth of flying time to get them confident to be able to fly solo. Once they have completed their 15 hours, a select few will be offered an additional 15 hours that will take them on to complete their Light Aircrafts Pilot Licence.

This is an incredible opportunity for anyone selected and those of us that were lucky enough to be selected are vey grateful.

Here are a few words about one of the applicants’, SAC Bryant, hopes and aspirations Flying in general has always been a dream of mine, right from a very young age. I’ve always been interested in aviation and long after the JRPSS I still hope to be involved in aviation, be it engineering or flying. The main goal in life being flying old Warbirds which is definitely not an easy job to get into but thanks to the scholarship I’ve been given a great starting point to go from. Completing the JRPSS will be very beneficial as it will provide me with new

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skills and knowledge I could use later in life, especially in the aviation world. It will also be beneficial for my time in the RAF as it will be a big confidence and teamwork booster, both of which I will strive to continue learning and implementing in my RAF career. As soon as I start my flying the first goal will be completing my pilot’s licence and then gaining more qualifications within flying, ultimately leading to me being able to fly Warbirds. In aviation you are constantly learning and always finding out something new and I hope to continue this journey of gathering knowledge and skills for many years to come.

Written by SAC Samantha Griffiths and SAC Scott Bryant

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 21

FULL CIRCLE TRAVEL

• Bespoke, personal service - a one to one personal travel consultant.

• We are ABTA and AITO members and ensure your money is as safe as possible in a very uncertain world.

• ATOL protected flight inclusive holidays.

• Villas, hotels, chalets, adventure, activity - we can help with any holiday plans.

• Specialist agents for Club Med, Neilsons, A & K, Audley, Ski Espirit plus many more.

• We take all the stress out of booking your family holidays at no extra cost.

• We are here to help from the initial ideas to your return home and beyond.

• We take care of all the administration and finer details.

• We listen; we care and are passionate about finding you the perfect holiday.

The Old Counting House, Wallingford, OX10 0BS Tel: 01491 833227 Email: families@fullcircletravel.com Web: www.fullcircletravel.com

MOVER OF THE YEAR

Mover of the Year 2021 Cpl Lauren Smith was awarded the Carmen Medal 2022 for her incredible contribution to the RAF Logistics (Movements) Trade in 2021.

Lauren’s outstanding commitment to her team and to Puma Force has been highly recognised during a very busy year in 2021.

The obvious choice to take over when her sections Sgt’s post was to be gapped. Lauren was awarded acting rank acting for seven months between Feb 21-Sept 21. During this period, her main responsibility was to oversee and support the reintegration of Puma Force deployments across the UK & overseas that had been paused or cancelled because of Covid-19 lockdowns. Faced with an incredibly busy and expanding exercise plot, the introduction of new Brexit laws and everchanging COVID-19 protocols that heavily affected her staffing levels and her team’s welfare. Her task was considerable, Lauren’s work ethic excelled though.

Managing her workforce to support the concept, activation, and recovery of

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

multiple exercises concurrently via road, sea, and air she fully utilised her considerable operating experience and MSF knowhow and identified ahead of time where pinch points would occur. Building in further resilience to her workforce, she engaged with external agencies to bolster her team which allowed the section to fully support all station output during a period when Covid-19 regulations were having a major impact on her team’s availability to deploy and support taskings. Expertly communicating across the whole force at Raf Benson she played crucial role in the successful delivery of two large scale international exercises in the USA (Imperial Zephyr) and Kenya (Inua Askari), as well as numerous UK exercises such as Kukri Dawn during this period.

The Carmen Medal was awarded to Lauren on 23 Feb 22 at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London by HRH The Princess,

Commanding Officer Sqn Ldr Karl Wright accompanied her. Lauren said “It was an honour to have been selected and awarded the Carmen Medal for my work efforts last year. Having it presented by HRH The Princess and to be personally thanked for my efforts during a busy and COVID restricted time was a privilege. It was a beautiful venue with exquisite food, an event I’ll forever cherish.”

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 23

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PADRE

Padre Piece Her Majesty the Queen has reached the magnificent milestone of seventy years on the throne, which we’re frequently told is, “unprecedented”. During the pandemic when everyday life came to an eerie standstill, the media said it was all “unprecedented”. The way so many people in the West have chosen to support Ukraine during the unlawful invasion by Russia is described as – you’ve guessed it – “unprecedented”.

What the word “unprecedented” of course literally means is, that we’ve never seen anything like this before. In fact, it’s a word that might be overused. It’s a bit like the word “unique”. Someone recently described Her Majesty’s sense of duty, her wisdom, grace and selfless devotion as “very unique”, which would have sent my old English teacher into a fit: “Boy! Something is either unique, or it is not. It cannot be very unique!” (Even my Word document grammar checker knows it’s wrong!).

Yet, leaving all that grammar-fuss aside, the old Chinese wish “may you live in interesting times” is proving all too true – perhaps uncomfortably so. My ten year-old has already lived through more “unprecedented” and “unique” events than either her parents or her grandparents when they were her age! It actually might be all too easy to despair at the relentless uniqueness of so much change and decay in everything around us and to crave some sort of stability and changelessness, dare I say it, even “boringness”! The military life of posting/detachment/deployment/time away on courses/exercises can mean that we of all people can become “uniquely tired.” Tired like no-one else. We’ve all been there, seen that, some have even got the t-shirt. Sometimes we say it’s “fine” and it actually is. At other times we say it’s “fine” and what we really mean is we’re Fed-up, Insecure, Neurotic and Exhausted. It’s in the difficult times that community can make all the difference – a non-judgemental ear and a calming presence can see us through.

Padres are always here for a chat and the kettle’s always on!

But there’s something else that is “unprecedented” and “unique”. That’s you and me. Our fingerprints tell us, our DNA tells us, our face-recognition phones tell us – that there’s no-one quite like us. Take time to think about that. This is a good thing! Why? Because we are each of us a special, limited edition, of such worth and www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

dignity and value that there was only one of us ever made in the first place! The first curator of the American Museum of National History was Margaret Mead. She was an impressive pioneer in the field of human anthropology. She used to tell her students, “Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.” The Bible would agree with that, telling us in the Old Testament that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

There really is no-one like you and no-one like me (“Thank-goodness for that”, says Mrs Padre, aside).

Back to Her Majesty and her genuinely, uniquely brilliant reign. How has she done it? In 2008 the Queen said: ‘I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life… He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving

You are unprecedentedly unique!

than receiving; more in serving than in being served.’

“To serve and not to be served” is the RAF Chaplains’ Branch motto. Get that right and we can all live “unprecedentedly unique” lives of great worth and purpose.

Padre Philip Wilson

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 25

STN NEWS QUEENS GREEN CANOPY

Queens Green Canopy Rabbit’s Hill, on the domestic site at RAF Benson is being transformed into a sustainable, bio-diverse wellness area that can be enjoyed by the whole community, celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

the ceremonial plaque, and officially declaring the area open, during her Annual Formal Inspection of Benson on 7 June.

• Finally, an area of chippings and a bench will be installed near to “The Queen’s Tree”.

In all 70 trees – one for each year of her reign – will be planted as part of “The Queen’s Canopy” – a national environmental project launched by the Queen and Prince of Wales to boost the number of trees throughout the land.

The project, which has involved a considerable amount of planning and co-operation across various agencies, has been months, if not years, in the making.

Under the careful supervision of MAcr Andy Hunt and his enthusiastic team, nothing has been left to chance. Trees have been specially chosen in consultation with the Forestry Commission and ecological experts to ensure they not only encourage bio-diversity, but have no impact on flight safety; partnerships have been forged and deepened with DIO and Vinci services; many cups of coffee have been drunk and PowerPoint presentations shown. Early on, it was decided that this should be a whole community project, part of ASTRA incorporating the next generation of the Royal Air Force, with tree-sponsorship being offered to various clubs and organisations across Station, the central tree being suitably dubbed “The Queen’s Tree”.

• The remaining 15 trees were decided to be planted by the community around the time of the Jubilee Celebrations.

• AOC 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall kindly agreed to plant “The Queen’s Tree”, unveiling

From the outset it has been envisioned that the project would be more than a one-year spectacle but would be maintained and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.

Dog walking will continue at Rabbit’s Hill for many years to come, but in a more diverse and aesthetically pleasing environment than ever before. MAcr Hunt, Fg Off Kyle Murrie, SAC Adam Hollick and Sqn Ldr Karl Wright and many others are to be thanked for their hard work on such a tree-mendous project, fit for a Queen!

Padre Philip Wilson

THE PROJECT HAS INVOLVED SEVERAL KEY STAGES: • First of all, in early May the whole site was cleared of weeds and mown, with markings laid out for where the 70 holes for trees would be dug.

• Towards the end of May, the first of 55 trees were planted by contractors.

26 LION’S ROAR SUMMER 2022

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

LOGS SQN FD/AT

LOGS SQN FD/AT Activities have ranged from paddleboarding in the Thames, climbing on board HMS Belfast to skiing in the Alps.

FD Benson’s TDF SharePoint ‘Off The Shelf’ packages have been invaluable in LS pers. being able to participate in FD activities. The most recent was a trip to HMS Belfast in March where 10 pers. learnt in depth about the vital wartime role the ship played in the arctic convoys of WW2 keeping the USSR in the fight. Other schemes, LS participated in was exploring the Churchill War Rooms located in the heart of London, learning about the tri-service co-operation and crucial relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt in Britain’s darkest hour.

Looking forward, there is a visit planned to the Imperial War Museum where the broad range of heavy hitting topics from WW1 to the Holocaust will be covered. Also, in late June there is a bespoke FD package where

Members of Logistic Squadron (LS) have been taking full advantage of the FD/AT that RAF Benson and the wider RAF has to offer.

14 pers. will travel to Dunkirk and other prominent places in Belgium and France comparing and contrasting Operation Dynamo to the evacuation of Kabul last year in Operation Pitting.

AT Aside from FD, there has been a big push from LS to get people involved in AT schemes.

We have a member of LS who participated in Mountain Bike Eagle at RRC St Mawgan where they matured their skills, culminating in a 2-day expedition over the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park. Earlier in the year, we had members fly out to Bavaria, Germany on Snow Eagle, where they pushed themselves outside their comfort zones to improve their skiing ability on various ski resorts in the Alps.

In early June, LS has managed to secure 4 places for Sea Eagle, which is a 5-days of sailing offshore the scenic southern Cornish coastline, giving individuals a chance to experience a completely new activity.

Fg Off McEntee

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 27

Be recognised for your professionalism

With you now and for the rest of your career.

Professional registration provides recognition of your military skills and experience and may mean you are eligible for up to £3,000 once achieved*.

Become professionally registered with the IET. We are licensed by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng, EngTech and ICTTech. With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply.

Find out more by registering for our latest webinar What you will learn – An overview of the IET – Membership benefits – Professional Registration Categories – Overview of the UK SPEC – The benefits of Professional Registration – The Professional Registration Application process – The guidance and support we offer

Register here:

theiet.org/easy-resettlement Heather Brophy, MOD Development Manager heatherbrophy@theiet.org * More information can be found by asking your Trade or Branch Sponsor about the Engineering Professional Registration Award (EPRA).

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698).

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

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24/03/2021 12:36

HIVE

HIVE – The HIVE Information Officer, Mrs Janine Ansty-Bridges is situated between in the Community Centre where a warm welcome awaits you.

The RAF Benson HIVE Service supports the Chain of Command and tri-Service community through the provision of up to date and relevant information.

RAF HIVE Information Officer can provide an extensive range of information on relocation, local facilities, schools and further education, housing, healthcare facilities, employment and training opportunities. Information on future relocations is one of the key areas of information support and is available either in advance or on arrival at the receiving unit. RAF HIVE staff are also involved in providing Operational deployment support, including distributing deployment support resources.

If you would like to contact me, please email BEN-BSW-HIO@mod. gov.uk or call 01491 827213.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM Community Support Officer – Meg Wickett – BEN-BSW-CDO@mod.gov.uk Station Community Support Officer – WO Phil Withey – BEN-BSW-SCSO@mod.gov.uk Padre 1 Rev (Sqn Ldr) Paul Stephens – paul.stephens104@mod.gov.uk Padre 2 Revd (Sqn Ldr) Philip Wilson - Philip.Wilson126@mod.gov.uk Chaplaincy Clk – Mrs Sharon Waters – sharon.waters934@mod.gov.uk Stn Youth Worker – Hannah Wilson – Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org Deborah Wise (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Deborah.wise@ssafa.org.uk Faye Grant (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Faye.grant@ssafa.org.uk Kathy Porat (Welfare Administrator) - Kathy.porat@ssafa.org.uk Amy Suttling (Social Work Team Lead) - Amy.suttling@ssafa.org.uk Joanne Harper (Social Work Regional Manager) - Joanne.harper@ssafa.org.uk Welcome to RAF Benson Gathering

– Are you newly arrived into station and want to meet the Station Community Support Team? Why not pop along to www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

For more information regarding these groups, email: Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org

the Common Room, right hand side of the Shuttleworth Mess for a free coffee and followed by a windscreen tour of the Station. Open to everyone.

The Community Support Team will be there every 1st Wednesday of every month from 1000 – 1130.

We look forward to meeting you all soon.

Weekly Clinics Mortgage Advice Clinic – Appointments held fortnightly on Thursdays with representatives of Lexion Financial Services.

Solicitor Clinic - Appointments held every alternate Wednesdays with Richard Rodway from the Head Partnership in Henley.

To book an appointment, please contact the HIVE Information Officer on Ext 7213 or email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk Community Support Weekly Planner Stn Church Morning Prayer every Mon – Fri 0830 – 0900, every Thursday Catalyst Christian Bible Group from 1800 – 1930.

For more information email: BEN-BSW-Chaplaincy@mod.gov.uk Playgroups Little Cherubs Structured Playgroup – Sessions run every Monday & Thursday morning from 0930 – 1130 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre.

Oxfordshire Play Association – Sessions run every Tuesday 1000 -1200 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre and Saturdads runs every other Saturday.

For more information email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk

Scouting Groups Cubs – Group runs every Monday from 1830 -2000 for children aged 8 – 10.5 years.

Beavers – Group runs every Tuesday from 1800 – 1930 for children aged 6 – 8 years.

Scouts – Group runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 2030 for children aged 10.5 – 14 years.

Explorers – Group runs every Friday from 1900 – 2100 for children aged 14 – 18 years.

For more information about scouting, email: Raf-benson@thameschilternscouts.org.uk Girlguiding Groups Rainbows – 1700 – 1815 Brownies – 1800 – 1930 Guides – 1800 – 1930 Groups runs every Thursday, for more details email: yvetteandduncan@btinternet.com Station Cinema Friday - 1930 – Adults Only Saturday - 1000 – Open to all Sunday 1400 – Open to all For more information email: BEN-CinemaClub@mod.gov.uk Thrift Shop Monday – 0930 – 1130 Tuesday 0830 – 1030 Wednesday 0930 – 1130 First Saturday of every month – 1000 – 12-00 For more information email: Simon.Bird869@mod.gov.uk Ceramics Club – Monday 1830 – 20.30, email: Jennifer.brown323@mod.gov.uk Oxfordshire Mind – Tuesday 0830 – 1630, email: RAFBENSON@oxfordshiremind.org.uk BROGA – Tuesday - 1200 – 1300, Bookings through the Myzone App via the gym.

Military Wives Choir – Wednesday 1900 – 2045 held in the church – benson@militarywiveschoir.org

Airplay Groups Ben Club – Session run every Tuesday from 1615 – 1730 for children aged 5 – 8 years.

Inters Youth Club – Session runs every Tuesday 1800 – 2000 for children aged 12+ Airplay Juniors – Session runs every Wednesday from 1630 – 1800 for children aged 8 – 10 years.

Airplay Forum – Session runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 1930.

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 29

TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR CAREER You don’t have to be a civilian to gain civilian qualifications. With more than 200 qualifications and 400 modules to choose from, and the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world, the OU can improve your knowledge, progress your career and fill your downtime.

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PERCY & WILLY COMMUNITY

Percy & Willy Illustration By: FS Dave Mccrindle

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson

SUMMER 2022 LION’S ROAR 31

RFEA THE FORCES EMPLOYMENT CHARITY RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

F

ounded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

WHY VETERANS? There are many reasons why veterans are a great fit for any company, some of which include being able to thrive under pressure, delivering against tight deadlines, and an ability to cope with change. There are many advantages of hiring veterans; here are just a few.

SKILLS AND TRAINING Ex-Forces personnel are trained and skilled to the highest levels.

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Expertise ranges from senior executive leadership, through operational management, to technical and supervisory skills. The Armed Forces train and develop specialist skills including: • Business Services • Information Technology • Transport and Logistics • Engineering • Security • Physical Training

COMPETENCIES A career in the military promotes flexibility, loyalty, self-discipline, reliability, a strong sense of duty and commitment, the ability to use your initiative. Core competencies include: • Communication skills practised with internal and external stakeholders • Organisational skills • Leadership and management skills • High degree of professionalism

• Problem-solving • Self-motivation • Health and Safety, Security awareness and best practice • Team working

WHAT WE OFFER EMPLOYERS Access to military talent Ex-Forces are one of the largest sources of talented potential employees in the country. Service leavers and veterans are highly trained and skilled individuals who have worked within a motivated culture with exceptionally strong teamwork. We work with 20,000 Service leavers and veterans every year, meaning that we can support employers to recruit when they need high volumes of people to join their organisation.

Our recruitment service

On average, we work with over 9,000 employers every year, ranging from the largest multi-national companies through to regional and local businesses. We work with employers in every sector including construction; engineering; technology; financial services; cyber security; telecoms; leisure; sport; forestry; waste management; energy and many more.

"Since 2014, the FDM Ex-Forces Programme has helped well over 500 ex-services personnel transition into the business world. It’s an exciting process, with candidates relishing new career challenges and bringing significant value to FDM Group and our clients. We recognise that individuals who have served in the Armed Forces have many transferable skills, ranging from adaptability and

RFEA AND STEP INTO HEALTH

Deborah Poneskis, Programme lead for NHS Step Into Health, says: “Having reached the rank of Colonel in the British Army, I have RFEA is proud to witnessed first-hand the highly work with many transferable skills that those who organisations who have served in the Armed Forces recognise the invaluable support veterans bring to the have to offer. I have also been civilian workforce, including the Step into lucky enough to have benefitted Health Programme. It supports members from the incredible support offered by one of RFEA’s many of the Armed Forces Community to programmes – the Military Women gain employment in the NHS. NHS Programme – to help me further organisations pledge to commit to my civilian career. I encourage making their recruitment processes others to look into the many types more forces-friendly and to offering of help and support that are out work placements and insight days. The there to ensure ex-Servicemen and Step into Health programme highlights women can secure meaningful the transferable skills and values and sustainable careers in their which members of the Armed Forces civilian life.” community can bring to the NHS.

The Armed Forces charity directory

maturity through to responsibility and leadership. We have a strong relationship with the RFEA and have worked alongside them since we started in 2014. The RFEA’s CTP Employment Engagement Team plays an instrumental role at the front end of our recruitment process - enabling the service leaver to take that first step in the commercial sector and increasing our talent pipeline. Ultimately, this helps to iron out the transitional process for service leavers and veterans.’’

Danielle Sandy Head of Recruitment – Ex-Forces Programme, FDM

including vacancy search, CV preparation and review, and interview techniques training • Vocational skills acquisition, including accessing training funding provided by other charities • For those who have wider life skills and functional obstacles we work closely with other charities, including RBLI’s Lifeworks, the Warrior Programme for motivational programmes, and Combat Stress and Walking With the Wounded's Head Start Programme for those who need mental health support • Once the individual is ‘job ready’ we provide direct jobfinding support, brokering vacancies with potential employers

ONLINE JOBS BOARD RFEA uses the Career Transition Partnership’s RightJob, an online jobs board that is dedicated to jobs for Service Leavers and Veterans. RightJob promotes your organisation and your vacancies to 20,000 service leavers and exForces personnel who are actively seeking jobs. RFEA’s TechVets programme has an additional jobs board with opportunities directly from employers that link talent gaps in industry with the skills veterans and service leavers are developing through TechVets. The Families Programme also works closely with the Forces Families Jobs Board, set up by the Families Federations, and also uses RFEA’s extensive network of over 9,000 employers who actively recruit service leavers and veterans.

HOW WE SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS RFEA offers a number of unique programmes that provide tailored support to clients, from those who are in need of ‘light touch’ guidance such as CV review, through to those in need of more specialist support to tackle barriers to their career journey.

What people can expect from RFEA’s Employment Advisors?

• We undertake a needs assessment to understand individual’s needs and the obstacles to employment. This enables an employment action plan to be agreed which determines vocational goals and develops a support pathway.

• Depending on the needs of the individual this support will include: • Career guidance and advice using talent matching and seven-point planning techniques • Job search technique guidance The Armed Forces charity directory

Lee Johnston, Families Employment Advisor at RFEA says, “Whether it’s in terms of welfare, family or deployment, I can completely empathise with the challenges our clients face, because, as the wife of a Royal Marine, I’ve experienced them myself. That’s why I am so passionate about getting our clients to where they want to be.”

DOG TAGS TO DATA TAGS: JUMPING INTO CYBER SECURITY

joining the Army in 1998 and always tried to remain current.

In 2005, paratrooper James Lugassy, 28 signed left the British Army to pursue civilian role in cyber security and the tech industry. He used the support of RFEA programme TechVets to help jump-start his new career.

What did you enjoy about the military? The adventure, the excitement, and the comradery.

Full name: James Lugassy Age: 28 Current job title: Information Security Manager When did you join the military?

1998 Who did you serve with?

The Parachute Regiment What qualities did it give you to survive in the outside world? Self-confidence, a sense of self worth and a great work ethic. An ability to prioritise getting the job done (to a high standard), and never having a mindset of being slave to restrictive working hours.

FIND OUT MORE

Why did you decide to leave?

To pursue a career in the private security industry overseas.

If you are interested in finding out more about how ex-Forces talent could benefit your organisation, or have a vacancy you would like to fill, please call us on 0121 262 3058 or email info@rfea.org.uk www.rfea.org.uk

Did you always want to pursue a tech career? No, but I’ve always been interested in tech and have always been an early adopter of new technology. I was computer literate to a high standard before

EMPLOYING VETERANS CHANGES LIVES Commodore Alistair Halliday, RFEA’s Chief Executive, comments: “At RFEA we know that the qualities required for a career in the Services make ex-Forces personnel a fantastic addition to the civilian workforce, which is why our teams are so passionate about helping veterans, and their families, to find meaningful employment. We provide an invaluable, tailored support service to ensure our clients are equipped with everything they need to demonstrate the value and relevance of their experience to civilian employers.

By doing so, we bring about life changing transformations for thousands of veterans, and their families, every year.

Nicki Bradley from Plymouth, a former Leading Naval Nurse in the Royal Navy, served from 1992 to 2006.

After leaving the Service she struggled to transfer her valuable experience into skills that were recognised by civilian employers. RFEA was able to help her recognise the value of her skills and translate them into suitable job opportunities. With the support of her RFEA Regional Advisor, Nicki secured a job placement, which led to her being employed in her current role as a part-time administrator. Nicki says: “After 3 years of unemployment after being made redundant, my new job means I am able to come off benefits and be proud to be earning my own money once more. I feel I have purpose again and can convey this feeling to my children. I can now improve on

How has TechVets and the community supported you? A year ago, I decided to re-train as a security and risk practitioner.

I could no longer ignore the growing threats found in the cyber domain, I joined TechVets, it was my first introduction to the cyber industry. The more I spoke to the other members and the more free training I undertook through the TechVets community made me realise that I wanted to move into a tech career full time. I started to understand that good Cyber Security came down to strong risk management, and realised I wasn’t as out of my depth as I first thought. The community not only reassured me that side-stepping into the industry was achievable, but also provided me with the training and advice that I needed to move my CV in a direction that fitted my end goals (the cyber domain is massive, so it’s good to understand it and take a focused approach to joining the industry).

What are you doing now?

Thanks to the help and advice of the TechVets team, combined with a year of studying and test taking, I have managed to side step from risk management into cyber risk management as an Information Security Officer.

skills I already possess as well as acquire new ones through workplace development courses.”

Paul Ansell, who served in the RAF and later secured a role as a Trainee Thermal Installation Engineer, says: “My biggest challenges were trying to transfer skills I gained from the forces into the outside world. I found a lot of skills I had didn’t transfer, but with support from my advisor, I found I could use my skills in other areas of work which made me look at areas I had never thought of.”

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WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE JOBOPPO COMMUNITY

BUILT BY EX MILITARY, FOR EX MILITARY

Many of the JobOppO team have been in your shoes & we will strive to offer the support we wished we had.

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We connect you directly with good people at organisations who are seeking to employ Service Leavers & Veterans. We do not work with recruitment agencies.

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Are proud sponsors of this year’s Heropreneurs Employers Award

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

Whether you left the forces yesterday or 20 years ago, we can provide information, advice & guidance regarding your options and approach to job hunting.

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27+ Sectors are currently listed on JobOppO

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We work with Full Time and Reservists

1 IN 5 FSTE 100 Company board members have a Military background

TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY TODAY, PLEASE VISIT WWW.JOBOPPO.CO.UK OR SEND US AN EMAIL AT INFO@JOBOPPO.CO.UK

THE FRAMING STUDIO

PET HOTEL

We frame your photographs, prints, watercolours, oils, certificates, medals and needlework.

Call us on 01491 836103 Book online at www.avalonkennels.co.uk • Luxury Dog and Cat Hotel • Award winning Grooming Parlour • Own brand dog/cat food • Open all year • Fully licensed and insured

What do you want framing?

Ask us, you may be surprised!

We stock a large selection of frame mouldings and mountboard.

Avalon Pet Hotel, Icknield Way, Oakley Wood, Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6PP Tel: 01491 836103 | Email: avalonpethotel@gmail.com

We also sell mirrors, ready made frames and framing accessories.

Outstanding care for pets, farm animals and horses across South Oxfordshire

CHOLSEY | BENSON | DIDCOT | GREAT WESTERN PARK | SUTTON COURTENAY

Opening Times Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.00 - 17:00 Wednesday: 9.00 - 17:00 Thursday: 9.00 - 17:00 Friday: 9.00 - 17:00 Saturday: 9.00 - 13:00 Sunday: closed

126b Broadway Didcot OX11 8AB 01235 815934 www.framingstudiodidcot.co.uk framingstudiodidcot@aol.co.uk Facebook: The Framing Studio Didcot

10% forces discount offered on production of valid ID card or in uniform.

01491 651379 / 01235 814991 | 24 hour service | www.larkmead.co.uk

250 varieties and colours of basket & patio plants all grown on the nursery

BARBER SHOP

Busy Baskets Nursery trading as:

WALLINGFORD, OXON - 1958

MON, TUES 8.30am - 6.00pm THURS, FRI 8.30am - 9.00pm SAT 6.00am - 6.00pm

01491 837124 thamessalon.com

Chapel Lane Hair and Beauty 5 Chapel Lane, Benson, Oxfordshire, OX10 6LU Telephone: 01491 838931 www.chapellanehairandbeauty.co.uk

HANGING BASKET SPECIALISTS

VEGETABLES & HERBS

BEDDING & CONTAINER PLANTS

PERENNIALS, CLIMBERS & SHRUBS

Seasonal Opening: April-July & September-November 7 days a week - See website for details

e: andy@purelyplants.co.uk 01491 833 831 w: www.purelyplants.co.uk Purely Plants Nursery, 142a Wantage Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0LU

H175M in the tracks of the Puma