Whether it’s a quick question or you need to arrange a mortgage, PFL Mortgages are here to help. We offer flexible appointments to work around your busy schedule.
We work with all the top UK lenders, offering hundreds of deals, including exclusive rates not available on the High Street.
At PFL Mortgages, we are passionate about giving back to the military community.
This is why alongside signing the Armed Forces Covenant and donating to SSAFA for every mortgage we complete, we are also proud sponsors of BrizeFest 2024 and the RAF Brize Norton A400 Football Team, Atlas Force.
Contact us below, or simply click here to request a call back.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor Ms Anita Jack
Editorial Team
Mrs Stacey Evans Mrs Bev Masters
Editorial Contact 51⁰ North Magazine
RAF Brize Norton Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX
Email: bzn-51degreesnorth@mod.gov.uk
PUBLISHING TEAM
Published
Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL
Tel: 01536 334222
Email: mike@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Advertising
Darren Greenhead
Tel: 01536 680414
Email: darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Designer
Amanda Robinson
Tel: 01536 334226
Email: amanda@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Printed
Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6SZ
E DITOR’S FOREWORD
The decorations are packed away for another year, the echoes of celebration have quieted, and the routines of daily life are now once again at the forefront, yes, the festivities are most definitely behind us.
As we embark on a new year filled with promise, challenges and opportunities, it is with great excitement that I welcome you to the first edition of 2025. A new year is not just the turn of the calendar, it’s a blank canvas which will allow me to share all our news from the RAF’s largest Station.
Many of us will have embraced the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions may not always be smooth and some may evolve as the year unfolds, however, what really matters is the commitment, therefore, we must celebrate the milestones along the way.
Individuals and teams from across the whole force were recognised for their achievements in the New Year Honours list 2025. These individuals and teams are an inspiration to us all and their phenomenal achievements are testament to the exceptional work that we do here at RAF Brize Norton.
With an ever-busy calendar of varied events and exercises already in the planning, I am looking forward to bringing you all the latest news, success stories and so much more.
Everyone has the power to inspire and inform. As we venture into 2025, we want you all to be part of our narrative by sharing your stories and experiences. Whether it’s a triumph, a community initiative, or a unique insight into RAF Brize Norton, let’s make all of these a reality, please do reach out to the media team and let us bring your story to life, the possibilities are endless. Together we can build a platform that celebrates everything we do.
New for 2025 is Brize Podcasts which will give you a real insight into RAF Brize Norton. With the whole force participating, I am sure there will be something for everyone. You can access via RAF Brize Norton Youtube channel – happy listening.
Don’t forget you can access the magazine digitally by visiting: WWW.RAFMAGS.CO.UK/MAGAZINES/ RAF-BRIZE-NORTON
Welcome to 2025 – we are so happy to be back and excited at what lies ahead, the best is yet to come.
Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North
DEADLINE
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 12TH MARCH
Your article should aim to be between 300-500 words in length, with a high resolution picture over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named and that you provide the author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.
XV179 Memorial
RAF Brize Norton Marks 20 Years Since Hercules Crash.
Amemorial service has taken place at RAF Brize Norton to mark 20 years since the crash of RAF C-130K Hercules XV179. The aircraft, operating as callsign ‘Hilton 22’ was flying a routine mission in Iraq in 2005 as part of Operation Telic when it crashed, causing the loss of life of all personnel on board.
XV179 was operated by No. 47 Squadron, at the time based at RAF Lyneham. The memorial service took place outside 47 Squadron’s old headquarters at Brize
Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Andy McIntyre said:
“Today we remembered the lives lost on 30th January 2005, and the crew of XV179. Holding the service outside old 47 Squadron is a fitting location, as we laid wreaths on the memorial garden which was put in place here 10 years ago. Today I’ve been reflecting on how much time has passed, and how at the time when I was a young co-pilot myself, the incident was felt across the entire Force. Everyone coming together today reminds me how the Air Mobility Force has been shaped by this incident over the last 20 years. At this time, my thoughts go out to all the family members of those who were involved in this significant tragedy 20 years ago”.
Norton, where a plaque dedicated to the aircraft and those on board is displayed.
Personnel, colleagues, and friends of those lost gathered beside the memorial plaque for the service, which was
At the service, wreaths were laid from the Royal Air Force, Australian Air Force, RAF Brize Norton and No. 47 Squadron.
conducted by RAF Brize Norton’s Senior Chaplain, Reverand (Wing Commander) Colin Weir.
Fire Section Award
RAF Brize Norton’s Fire Section has won the RAF Fire Service Team of the Year Award for 2024.
Nominated for their remarkable achievements and dedication across operations, sports, charitable efforts, and adventurous training.
The team have shown excellence and dedication to maintaining high standards whilst on operations. Beyond this the team has shone in the sporting arena. Representing disciplines such as GB Rugby, RAF Rugby 7’s, and the RAF Triathlon, their versatility and drive have been a source of pride and
inspiration. Through sport, they have strengthened camaraderie and morale, reinforcing the core values of teamwork and resilience.
Additionally, their role in establishing and maintaining the Garden of Remembrance at Lydiard Park, highlights their devotion to honouring those who have served. Their efforts in 2023 and 2024 have left a legacy of remembrance and respect.
Well done to all!
Wing Commander Gareth Thomas has officially assumed the role of Officer Commanding 206 Test and Evaluation Squadron this week following a handover from Wing Commander Marc Holland. We would like to wish Wing Commander Holland all the best in his future role and warmly welcome Wing Commander Thomas into 206 Squadron.
Ranked in the top 5% of schools nationally, students make outstanding progress at GCSE - over two-thirds a grade above national average. 95% of students progressed to university - 40% of which were Oxbridge and Russell Group. Students benefit from excellent teaching, a comprehensive curriculum, and a vast breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom. The boarding school, open to 11-18-year-olds, prides itself on offering outstanding pastoral care, ensuring students feel relaxed and happy in their home away from home.
• Experienced and qualified early years educational team
• Childcare from 3 months to Pre School
• All staff are safeguarding and paediatric first aid trained
• Safe and enclosed extensive property
• Offering 15-30 hours funding for 3-4 year olds, and 15 hours for 2 year olds of eligible parents
• Wealth of experience with identifying and supporting children with SEN
• Dedicated nursery chef
• All childcare voucher schemes and tax free childcare payments accepted (usable too for our holiday club children, up to 11 year olds)
• Ofsted registered and insured
RAF chefs support Carterton Food Angels
Corporal Bowers has been working with the Carterton Food Angels (CFA) for a couple of months now, obtaining donations across Station for those that find themselves needing a bit of support. The CFA team created this event of providing 50 personnel from across the community a 'Welcome to 2025 community dinner’, these people are regular users of the CFA food bank and the Carterton Dementia Society.
We cooked a full roast dinner utilising some creative cooking skills due to the limited cooking facilities, (a 6-ring gas stove and 2 shelf ovens.) all cooked from food donations from local people and supermarkets. The team consisted of Cpl’s Bowers, Horsman, Timms and AS1 Wootton, with AS1’s Walker and Sims providing a first class front of house service. Due to the success of this event,
we have already been booked for another visit in March and are planning to create something special around Easter. We hope by supporting these events it will give the CFA more community exposure. There are many more events the Catering Flight and the CFA are planning throughout the year to continue our collaboration.
If you wish to donate anything towards the CFA please find all details of acceptable donations on their website (www.cartertonfoodangels.com) and drop them into the Junior Ranks Mess or Catering HQ.
"To be able to give back to the community for those who are in a less fortunate position than I am, has been a very humbling experience. As a team, along with the CFA staff members, we were able to create something so special for a little boy who was celebrating his birthday, memories that he will remember for a long time."
AS1 Dylan Wootton
Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit Handover (JADTEU)
Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Tait has officially assumed the role of Commanding Officer JADTEU this week following a handover from Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dutton. We would like to wish Lieutenant Colonel Dutton all the best in his future role and warmly welcome Lieutenant Colonel Tait into JADTEU.
New Zealand Exchange Programme
Strengthening international relations on a rewarding exchange programme.
An opportunity to experience how an allied air force operates and explore a country on the other side of the world was too good to ignore. For RAF People Operations Specialist, Corporal Murphy, being posted out to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea was a very rewarding opportunity.
Corporal Murphy had applied to take part in Exercise Longlook, an exchange programme between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The aim of the programme is to deploy squadron personnel from the UK to New Zealand, and for the Defence Force to send a squadron to the UK on the return flight. The exchange programme enables both teams to work outside of their comfort zones and identify different ways of working. However, personnel from each country can now apply and deploy as individual augmentees.
Arriving in New Zealand in September 2024 from RAF Brize Norton, Corporal Murphy spent four months at Ohakea; later returning home to the UK in time for Christmas.
If you put the work into the exchange application process, you are rewarded with great opportunities. I have been able to travel to the other side of the world, not knowing a single person, but still feel like I am part of the wider output/ family of air power and Defence within a different organisation.
Corporal Murphy’s application was originally based on a study comparing the Defence Force and RAF welfare pillars. However, her focus took a shift to review and analyse the New Zealand Force’s ‘Operation Respect’, which focuses on unacceptable sexual behaviours and also covers bullying, harassment and discrimination.
In the UK, Corporal Murphy works within the RAF’s Service Discipline team and she was able to share her experiences with the Operation Respect team.
I was able to look into the Defence Force policy and highlight similarities, differences and also suggest and provide the Senior
Leader Team with alternative options and recommendations, which has positively impacted the review of Operation Respect.
After meetings with the Warrant Officer of the Defence Force, Warrant Officer of the Air Force and the Operation Respect team, Corporal Murphy linked both nations’ policy points of contact together, enabling a stronger and more agile approach to each organisation’s policies around inappropriate behaviours.
During my tour, I have been able to visit all three Defence Force air bases, completed the Tūrangawaewae induction programme at Ohakea, the mentoring scheme, the School to Skies programme in Auckland and spent a week with recruits at the Command Recruit Training Squadron in Woodbourne.
The exercise provided opportunities to maintain and strengthen the international relationships between the two countries, despite their geographical location.
I
have met some amazing personnel within the Defence Force and I will be forever grateful for their warm welcome and kindness.
Upon reflection of her time out in New Zealand, Corporal Murphy said: " It has taught me no matter where you go in the military you will always feel a sense of belonging.
I believe this experience has encouraged me to face my fears. I used to suffer with extreme home sickness when dealing with change and new environments, (fellow recruits from basic training would definitely remember), leading me to always remain in my comfort zone. The most significant fear for me was completing the application form and sending the email; knowing I could be potentially going to the other side of the world, on my own, solo-travelling and not knowing a single person when I got there. Additionally, another significant fear I faced, was taking part in a tandem jump and being one to one with the edge of a C-130 Hercules’ ramp, 13,000-ft off the ground, knowing full well I had no control once I left the platform.
Being able to witness New Zealand’s culture and nature with my own eyes, are experiences that I will forever be grateful for. It has taught me that no matter how nervous or anxious you about leaving your comfort zones, the regret would also be there in the back of your mind if you don’t take the opportunities given to you. To be offered a seat at the table to support and provide comparisons to the New Zealand Defence Force, on how the Armed Forces in the UK process and approach unacceptable behaviours, has enabled me to develop my leadership skills and improved my strategic knowledge of how policies may appear different for different cultures and backgrounds. I can now utilise the skills I have learnt about myself and another military organisation to contribute and support future changes within the Royal Air Force and how I lead as a People Operations Specialist."
ACLO HANDOVER
Air Cadet Liaison Officer Handover.
Ihave had the privilege of being the RAF Brize Norton Air Cadet Liaison Officer (ACLO) since 2022 and will hand over the duty in Feb 25. During my time as ACLO, the Air Cadet Liaison Team (ACLT) have seen over 2,200 RAF Air Cadet (RAFAC) and Combined Cadets Force (CCF) personnel visit Brize Norton, of which over 800 of them managed to get flying on Air Mobility Force (AMF) aircraft as part of an Air Experience Flight (AEF).
Having taken on the duty post COVID, where RAFAC activity at RAF Brize Norton was critically low, it is fantastic to see how far we have come! We now have a robust routine schedule of visits managed by the Deputy ACLO, Sgt Stensland, seeing roughly 60 cadets from our local RAFAC Wings each month visit the base. We facilitate and guide service personnel to host their own visits, enabling their affiliated RAFAC and CCF units to visit. And crucially we continue to engage with RAFAC for national visits, where we have transitioned from classic residential camps to Station Muster events, in essence a super-charged day visit with AEF, STEM, careers talks and a chance to explore our aircraft and engage with our personnel at a static display. Our inaugural muster event saw nearly 120 RAFAC and CCF personnel visit in a single day.
Away from RAF Brize Norton the ACLT have also supported plenty of wider
national events in support of RAFAC. From crew engagement at the Royal Internation Air Tattoo each year to Atlas A400M aircraft landing away in direct support of the RAFAC events, such as the National Aerospace Camp or other Stations’ Annual Camps, our Team have supported events across the country.
Highlights for me would be the excitement cadets get (despite being teenagers) when given the opportunity to fly on our incredible aircraft and seeing Flt Sgt Humphreys (Sgt Stensland’s predecessor as Deputy ACLO) receive an AOC 1Gp commendation for his work on the team. I would like to wish my replacement, Fg Off NorieMiller, the best of luck as he continues to drive the ACLT forward with incredible engagement activity.
Flt Lt Andy McDowall LXX Sqn
RAF Brize Norton ACLO
Remember this just a few weeks ago? ‘New year new me!’ It’s the most common phrase used at the stroke of midnight at the start of every year.
The person shouting is usually surrounded by streamers, balloons, loud music and the clinking of champagne glasses. Feeling optimistic and joyful, people start to share their vision of what will change this coming year. And to be honest why not. The beginning of a new year is an excellent time for a fresh new start. Typically, my own New Year’s resolution is to get into better physical shape. Leading up to the first of January I start looking at fitness plans and diets to prepare myself for the big start. However, New Year’s morning arrives, and I wake up to a fridge that’s full of buffet food and a cupboard full of selection boxes and chocolate. Well, I can’t throw them away, that would be wasteful. So, new plan. I’ll finish the remaining food and, once eaten, Operation Get Lean will begin. So, after another week or so goes by and the food is now gone and it’s time to shop. I walk into the local supermarket reinvigorated and ready to go, but wait, mince pies are going for ten pence a box. I mean who can afford to turn those prices down. But the reality is, somehow, we’ve already reached February and I’ve failed. The question is, what do we do when we’ve failed? Failure can be a crippling feeling. It can cause people to beat themselves up over a lack of success and give up on a dream. Eating mince
pies in January might be a light-hearted example of failure for some, but dare I say all of us have felt like we’ve failed at some point. Some of our failures maybe small, whilst others may leave us feeling that we have done too much to turn back, and that can eventually lead us to accepting failure as part of our identity. Not cool when you’re in the military!
In the Bible we encounter one of the most famous of failures. One of Jesus’ closest friends, a chap called Peter, denies knowing Jesus three times. Only hours before Peter was declaring that he would never deny Jesus, even to the point of death. These are bold claims. But when the pressure was on Peter crumbled and denied the one, he called Lord. When he realised what he’d done Peter was crushed, he was pulverised. It was so much of a blow that he went back to his old occupation of fishing, giving up on trying to be a follower of Jesus. However, later Jesus sits down with him and gives him a chance to make things right. Jesus asks Peter three times ‘Do you love me?’ - one time for each of the denials. Each time Peter said ‘Yes!’ and with that Jesus tells Peter to care for his people – to be the leader. What a turnaround. This is a stunning display of grace and forgiveness, and shows us clearly God’s love always provides second chances, transforms, and equips.
In the lead up to Easter we have this strange time called Lent. Like the New Year it is also a time for resolutions and giving things up. You may be reflecting on your New Year resolutions, you may be contemplating giving something up. You may also be thinking it is all futile because it all leads to failure anyway. So let me ask you, are you carrying around a feeling of failure today? If so, remember every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations. Remember - Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Steve Curley, SASRA, RAF Brize Norton Chaplaincy Team
BRIZECAST
New for 2025 RAF Brize Norton is introducing an exciting new way to find out about what goes on at the RAF’s largest station.
BrizeCast is our new Podcast series, available on our YouTube channel.
The series gives you an opportunity to hear from the people that work at RAF Brize Norton, ensuring we are ready to support defence 24/7, 365 days a year. Throughout the series you’ll get the chance to hear
from our personnel as they talk to us about their roles, the work they do, and what life is like on the base.
In our first episode ‘Snow Problem’ – available to listen to now – you’ll find out how our team of airfield support personnel maintain our operational output when the
weather gets tough, by ensuring the airfield and runway are clear of snow and that the aircraft are de-iced ready for departure.
To listen to BrizeCast, search for RAF Brize Norton on YouTube and look for the podcast series. All future episodes will be available to listen to on-demand on the channel.
NO. 501 SQUADRON AWARDS
Annual Award Winners 2024
At the December duty weekend, 501 Squadron held their annual awards ceremony and whilst B Flight won the Inter-Flight trophy, the individual awards were won by Air Specialist 1 Emma Butterfield (Best Reservist) and Corporal Karen Mellows-Marais (The Officer Commanding’s Trophy).
Best Reservist Trophy – Air Specialist 1 Emma Butterfield Employed by Serco in Hampshire, Emma normally drives the refuse and recycling vehicles around the streets of Aldershot. However, in February 2024, she deployed to Romania on Operation Biloxi and was a key member of the Detachment Team, working successfully alongside her regular colleagues of all professions supporting the mission. The deployment was cut short by a couple of weeks, so she returned to the UK and completed her mobilisation commitment with 2 weeks working in the MT and ASMT sections at RAF Odiham. She featured in the Operation Biloxi video, which was viewed widely across social media forums and also gave a presentation on her experiences to a large audience including up to 2-star level at the Logistics Officers Conference.
TEAM
Quite a daunting experience in front of some very senior officers. For her outstanding commitment and performance throughout 2024, Emma was recognised with the award of 501 Squadron Best Reservist of 2024.
The Officer Commanding’s Trophy – Corporal Karen Mellows-Marais This Trophy is awarded annually by the OC to the individual, who in the OC’s opinion, has contributed most to the output and success of the Squadron over the past 12 months.
This year’s recipient, Corporal Karen Mellows-Marais, has enjoyed an exceptional year. After eight years Part Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) service, she successfully applied for an Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) Mechanical Transport (MT) instructors position on the Sqn 12 months ago and quickly got to grips with the role. She completed all her instructor courses in the early part of 2024 and was able to start delivering training well ahead of schedule.
She is always the first to volunteer for a job which will be done both professionally and on time. Aside from her Instructor duties, she has been behind the organisation and
planning of many of the training serials provided during the duty weekends. This has included providing Activity Safety Plans and Risk Assessments, plus engaging with a raft of agencies to ensure the weekend’s run without a hitch.
She organised the Squadron’s participation in Exercise Mudmaster, an off-road driving competition held in Scotland, from start to finish, showing a huge amount of attention to detail and demonstrating outstanding planning skills. She also helped deliver the annual Junior Personnel Development course and is the Squadron media lead.
As an ex PTVR, she really understands the demands of being a Volunteer Reservist and everything she does is aimed at providing our volunteers with the best experience possible when attending the Squadron.
AS1 Emma Butterfield (with 501 Sqn Best Reservist Award).
AS1 Emma Butterfield (civilian role with Serco).
Rose & Lily Stables at The Old Farmhouse
Have fun with family & friends at our stylish stable conversion. We have ensured ultimate comfort with a huge super king size bed and a double. Both bedrooms have en suite shower rooms. Fabulous furniture surrounds the log burner, which creates the focal point of a really peaceful space. The kitchen has everything you'll need. EV charger available to guests. Discounts can be arranged for longer stays. Contact: Neil Wiffen on 07802 360784 or neilwiffen@gmail.com to find out more.
We are a family that have been in Black Bourton since 2018. When we moved into the Old Farmhouse there were a series of leaky stables that we have lovingly restored into first class en suite comfortable accommodation. I am in hospitality myself, so the chance to undertake a project like this was very appealing. We have created 2 separate stables both offering 2 en suite double bedrooms. One bed in each stable can be converted from a super king size into a pair of twins. This means more versatile sleeping arrangements are possible.
Each stable can sleep 4 sharing. They have a well equipped and comfortable kitchen, lounge dining space with a cosy log burner. Our reviews all speak of the level of comfort.
The Stables are available for a minimum of 2 nights and a maximum of 2 months. Longer stays by negotiation. Separate utility room included.
To fly a drone in RAF Brize Norton’s Flight Restricted Zone you will need permission. Flying without permission is illegal and unsafe and may lead to prosecution. Permission can be sought by contacting the RAF Brize Norton Duty Operations Controller on
Robotics Coding Session
The Christmas event, held at Carterton Community College, brought festive cheer and educational excitement to the local community.
This programme, attended by local children, is a collaborative effort organised by dedicated local volunteers and teachers who strive to create enriching experiences for the youth.
This year, the event was supported by RAF Brize Norton STEM volunteers, who captivated the young audience with an engaging robotics coding session. Utilising Spheros robots, the volunteers conducted three separate sessions, each tailored to different age groups ranging from five to sixteen years old. Approximately 60 children participated, eagerly navigating their robots through a challenging maze designed by the STEM team.
The hands-on activity not only introduced the children to basic coding skills but also sparked their curiosity about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. The aim was to inspire these young minds to explore the fascinating world of technology and understand its significant role in everyday life. By fostering an early interest in STEM, the event hopes to encourage students to pursue these subjects in their academic journey and consider future careers in technology and engineering fields. Overall, the Christmas event at Carterton Community College was a resounding success, blending festive fun with educational enrichment, and leaving a lasting impact on the children and the community.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY at CARNIVAL STORE
Holistic support for all ages
Tailored care, whatever your need
One to one Acupuncture
Multi-bed Acupuncture
Paediatric Acupuncture
Jess trained at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, earning her license in 2008. She later specialised in paediatric acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading.
Jess is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, the Acupuncture Childbirth Team and the Hub of Paediatric Acupuncture, showcasing her dedication to high professional standards.
Jess is a compassionate and highly skilled acupuncturist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of people at every stage of life. Jess is experienced in treating patients of all ages and backgrounds, with treatments that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Benbridge Academy is an online, independent school for students aged 7 to 18, with a unique approach to 21st Century education that promotes independence, collaboration, and resilience. It offers a positive alternative to traditional schooling, allowing children to learn at their own pace in a supportive, online environment.
Home education is becoming increasingly popular and has many advantages: freedom from the anxiety and pressures of a traditional school environment; freedom to design your own educational pathway; freedom to be yourself. At Benbridge Academy the health and wellbeing of the whole school community is at the heart of everything; small classes, regular communication and excellent pastoral care, are all integral to its success.
Parents seeking to regain control of their child’s education will find a warm welcome at Benbridge Academy, where individual successes are celebrated and children are free to be themselves. Engaging children in their education doesn’t have to be a battle; traditional schooling is no longer the only option. With live, interactive online lessons delivered by subject specialists and an individualised approach to learning, Benbridge Academy has created a warm and nurturing environment where its whole community can thrive. Online learning is the future; it’s time to think outside the box and make an alternative choice for your child.
Travel beyond the ordinary
Corinium Travel is a private travel consultancy offering the very best in personal service. We are experts in global luxury travel including tailor-made itineraries, private villas, ski holidays and beach holidays. All our holidays have a focus on quality food and wine. We are proud to support our armed forces and understand how important holidays are to you and your families.
Whether it’s a last minute weekend away or a once in a lifetime far flung adventure, we have the knowledge and global resources to handle every detail. Our affiliation with 360 Private Travel means we are fully bonded to sell flights and packages under ATOL, so rest assured your money is 100% safe.
We take the time to research, inspire and advise you on the best holiday options for your budget. We take care of you every step of the way with one-to-one communication and highly personalised itineraries.
We have access to the best rates and travel perks with contacts across the globe. Rest assured there are no additional costs in booking your holiday through Corinium Travel.
RAF Aid International
The RAF is a global player engaging in world-wide operations and supporting humanitarian missions of various sizes around the globe.
Our people are at the centre of this global mission, and performing different roles, their skills are the undeniable wealth such an organisation boasts of.
Emergency Aid International is a UK-registered charity dedicated to strengthening emergency services in underprivileged communities around the world. Their mission is to provide essential support through training, equipment, and infrastructure development, ensuring that emergency responders have the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to operate effectively and safely in critical situations. The uniqueness of this charity is that it was formed by our very own Flying Officer Storms Menri of the RAF Brize Norton Tactical Medical Wing. With the support of his hierarchy and colleagues, he dedicates his spare time to working with local emergency services to assess their needs and develop tailored solutions that enhance their capacity to respond to emergencies. His charity’s programmes focus on delivering comprehensive training for emergency personnel, providing life-saving equipment, and building or upgrading infrastructure to improve operational efficiency.
Having commenced his career in the British Army as a Medic, he served on a few Ops. Locations include Afghanistan, Cyprus, Kenya, and Ghana before joining 4PWRR while working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Here he observed the undeniable need for expertly trained fire personnel, to be equipped with well maintained, serviceable equipment, enabling them to preserve and save lives. With this passion, his work has spanned continents such as Ghana, West Africa, with civilian colleagues.
The Charity’s initiative focuses on underprivileged regions in the world but with a significant emphasis on Africa.
Recent International Impact:
On 15th November 2024, Emergency Aid International, in collaboration with FireAid UK, Angloco Ltd, UK Rescue Organisation and Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) a brand-new Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) worth £100,000 to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
• Road Traffic Collision (RTC) extrication equipment along with the necessary training needed to operate to the GNFS.
• Facilitated GNFS’s bid to join the esteemed ranks of the United Kingdom National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) - a body that champions collaboration, innovation, and excellence in fire safety across the globe.
Preservation Impact: The RIV, used as a regional asset, has already saved six farms, four homes and a market from devastating fires within a month of its arrival. The RTC extrication equipment is being used almost daily to rescue casualties. This collaboration received the ‘International Best Practice Award’ at the ‘Excellence in Fire Emergency Awards’ hosted by the London Institution of Civil Engineers in December 2024.
Of note, joining the council will grant GNFS full access to the NFCC’s operational guidance, ensuring GNFS have the most up-to-date information on firefighting practices as received by the UK fire authorities. Additional benefits
include support in crisis management, research opportunities, networking, and exchange programs - all crucial for meeting modern firefighting challenges. This affiliation is an acknowledgment that GNFS is ready to work jointly with the global community in the pursuit of safety and excellence.
Seen here training GNFS personnel, Flying Officer Menri, takes great pride in living the values and ethos of the RAF, Respect – for life saving and preservation; Integrity – selflessly giving to enhance knowledge – Service –service to country and community and Excellence – by working to enhance his skills so he can collaborate with others to enhance theirs in perpetuation.
Earlier Impact: The charity’s earlier projects have seen over £500k worth of equipment provided to bolster the emergency services across the African continent. With Ghana’s population of ~35 million being serviced by 307 ambulances, the firefighters, as the first responders to most incidents, are equipped and trained to perform when called upon.
Conclusion:
With deep gratitude to DCD, Fire Aid UK, Agloco Ltd and the appreciation of the support received from the Tactical Med Wing Chain of Command, this initiative will continue to engage with various communities to not only win hearts and minds but to ensure the impact of the RAF is felt globally where we operate.
Fee free independent, whole of market, mortgage & military protection advice exclusively for serving HM Forces, veterans & Forces families.
If you need advice on any of the following, please send an enquiry via info@affs.co.uk or visit www.affs.co.uk.
Forces Help to Buy
First time buyer mortgages
Home mover mortgages
Remortgages
BFPO address history
Consent to let
Life insurance
Serious illness cover
Family protection cover
AFFS are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) & we are delighted to provide our services under “find a broker” service agreed by BIBA via the Armed Forces Covenant Agreement.
We are also Directly Authorised Independent Financial Advisers & all ex-military.
AFFS is a trading name of TIMC Independent Financial Advisers Limited which is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (439451) YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
info@affs.co.uk or visit www.affs.co.uk
Brize Norton Squash Club
Join the RAF Brize Norton Squash Community.
The RAF Brize Norton Squash Club, consisting of roughly 30 active members, is open to a range of abilities, from seasoned players to beginners.
The club holds training nights every Monday and Wednesday at 1700 until 1900 at the RAF Brize Norton Squash Courts (located on camp between the Officers Mess and the bowling alley) and encourages all players to practice and play in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. If you haven’t got any kit – rackets, balls, etc.., we have you covered, with a selection of club kit ready to be utilised whenever you decide to come and join in. The club has several England Squash qualified coaches, at differing standards, to help individuals get to the level of play they are aiming for and provide advice on all other aspects of the game. Training nights will vary, between dedicated drills to improve gameplay, and mini tournaments and games to get the juices flowing. The club continues to have a strong social presence too, with several social events away from squash planned throughout the year.
The club also has a competitive edge and has an internal league system, which involves promotion and relegation between leagues to provide the added motivation to improve and win. We have also recently entered a team into the Oxfordshire Squash Leagues and are looking for players to join the team and, once again, all levels are welcome. With more plans afoot to get additional local tournaments and other activities underway, the timing could not be any better to join the Squash Club!
Courts can be booked outside of these times for games, practice and coachingjust look out for the squash posters dotted around camp and scan the QR code, or use the “book an appointment link” on our Sharepoint page under teams-Clubs and Sports.
Please get in touch if you want to know more, or just come down to the next club training night for a knock about!
OIC: Samuel.Hastings100@mod.gov.uk
2IC: Joseph.appleyard101@mod.gov.uk
• Open 6 Days a week
• Over 50 Cars in Stock
• Part Exchanges welcome/Cars bought for cash
• Donation to the RAF Benevolent fund on purchase
The Forces Recruiting website is a hub of useful information for service leavers and veterans.
Established in 2012 to assist service leavers and veterans find employment and training opportunities, it has since grown to also feature the following:
Recruitment
Resettlement Training
Elcas approved training providers
Directory of Boarding Schools for service parents
Armed Forces Charity Directory
Career Transition Partnership
CTP information
Franchising
Insurance
Considering a UK Boarding School for your child but feeling overwhelmed?
Parents come to us all the time almost in burnout, in need of support to guide them through the process.
Can you spot any thoughts and emotions in our word cloud that relate to your own family’s boarding school journey?
Anderson Education have been helping British Forces families for over 25 years and have a dedicated Forces Consultant, Jen, who has seen her own two boys through boarding school.
Bring clarity to this whirlwind of emotions, get in contact today, let us share the load and make your search a lot less daunting.
Anderson Education have visited over 350 UK boarding schools, can answer your questions and help you through the process.
We offer FREE impartial advice and guidance and organise The UK Boarding School Exhibition – British Forces, which bring top schools to military locations across the country.
