Insight Spring 2025

SPR ING 2025

INSIGHT

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1

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INSIGHT

In this issue…

SPRING 2025

06 06

From the Editor…

Flt Lt D.J. Hopkinson

W

elcome to the Spring Edition of Insight Magazine.

Hopefully everyone has enjoyed the recent Bank Holidays and has managed to take some time where possible out of their busy schedules over Easter.

As ever this issue of Insight Magazine has a variety of articles from around Station. 51 Squadron feature prominently with the lay up of their old Squadron Standard and the consecration of the new, as well as an article covering the Chief of the Air Staff’s flight on the Rivet Joint.

There are also articles from the RAF Waddington Running Club who continue to compete in events all over Lincolnshire and are consistently on the lookout for new members and the RAF Waddington Heritage Centre who are in the midst of developing a large art project for display which is due to be formally unveiled in August. The opportunity to get an early preview of this artwork can be arranged through the Heritage Centre who are always keen to accommodate both Section and family visits.

08 EDITORIAL TEAM: WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk External Email: Use personal email addresses listed

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Tel: +44 (0)1522 726704 Editor: Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk Deputy Editor: Flt Lt Chris Talbot WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk Designer: Amanda Robinson

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Station Commander's Foreword Chief of the Air Staff Flies with 51 Squadron 51 Squadron Receives its new Squadron Standard from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh 51 Sqn’s standard in Lincoln Cathedral Heritage Centre Q&A – Gus Murray, Chair of the Veterans in Defence (Air) Network A New Wave for Public Relations RAF Benevolent Fund launches new annual Heritage Ride Running Club

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It is your submissions which make Insight Magazine tick, please send them to WADInsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov. uk. RAF Waddington is a busy Station, both operationally and domestically, and your Station magazine is the place to celebrate your endeavours, both professional and personal. Thank you to those that continue to contribute and we look forward to reading all of your future articles.

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The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5

Station Commander’s

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF FLIES

Gp Capt Dominic Holland

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sir Richard Knighton, joined 51 Squadron on an operational mission from RAF Waddington on Friday 14th March 2025.

Foreword... support these sorties including operations staff, intelligence analysts, and engineering ground crew.

W

ith the clocks going forward, the longer days, and the gradually improving weather it really does feel like Spring has arrived at RAF Waddington.

Despite our busy schedule and relentless operational output, I hope that many of you have been able to capitalise on the Spring Bank Holidays and enjoy some leave over Easter. For those on deployment I send my thanks and hope that you can put those additional days leave to good use upon your safe return!

The variety of articles in the Spring edition of Insight magazine highlights what a busy start to the year we have had on Station. Operationally, 51 Squadron were able to fly the Chief of the Air Staff on a mission from RAF Waddington over Romania and the Black Sea. This was a great opportunity for the personnel of 51 Sqn to demonstrate their operational capabilities and showcase their contribution to Defence to Air Chief Marshal Knighton, who also took the time to speak with many of those on the ground who 6 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Domestically this magazine boasts sports and charity articles from the RAF Waddington Running Club and the RAF Benevolent Fund. As ever it is good to see the Running Club representing our Station in competition, but also demonstrating the positive attitude which our personnel have toward fitness, sport and competition. Like the Running Club themselves I would encourage everyone at RAF Waddington to take advantage of the sports opportunities available to them, both in order to represent our Station and also reap the physical and mental benefits which sport and exercise offer.

At RAF Waddington we work hard, it is important to play hard too! This is also demonstrated in the RAFBF’s article about their Heritage Ride which will run later this year – this is a great opportunity to raise some money for the RAF’s leading welfare charity whilst having some fun and enjoying cycling. The Station are also raising money for RAFA Rides which will feature in our next edition of Insight magazine.

I will part with a request that you continue to submit your articles to this publication, it is your Station Magazine and a space for you to celebrate the things that we achieve.

WITH 51 SQUADRON

A

rriving in the early hours, around dawn before most day workers at RAF Waddington start work, CAS joined the crew for its pre-mission briefing. The mission for Friday, tasked by 11 Group, was to fly in Romania and the Black Sea to collect information, intelligence, and insight for the UK and its allies.

Wg Cdr Keith Bissett welcomes CAS to 51 Squadron.

Before the flight, Sir Knighton took time to meet many of those on the ground who support the aircrew including operations staff, intelligence analysts, and engineering ground crew. Warrant Officer Engineering discussed the engineering required to ensure that the UK Rivet Joint is mission ready. A team of over 150, in several shifts, of mechanical, avionics and mission systems specialists have ensured that 51 Squadron has achieved their operational hours this year; given their outstanding effort the 51 Squadron engineers were awarded an engineering excellence award in late 2024 for their recordbreaking achievements over the last three years.

Wg Cdr Keith Bissett and the Chief of the Air Staff walk out to the UK Rivet Joint ahead of the mission.

CAS discussing engineering practices with Warrant Officer Engineering.

CAS climbing the steps to the Rivet Joint; we were not planning on sharing the other guest’s name so likely better to crop out the lowest person The crew tool off on time at 8am and routed to an Air-to-Air Refuelling Area over the North Sea to conduct a fuel upload from an USAF KC-135 tanker from the 100th Air Refuelling Wing at RAF Mildenhall. The boom tanking was quickly completed

by Flight Lieutenant Dan and the Squadron Executive Officer, including achieving some

Library picture off AAR over the North Sea.

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training requirements for both crews, before the 51 Squadron Rivet Joint flew East Southeast towards Romania.

On task, the crew described how they collect, refine, and then share their insights with

to issue a Chief of the Air Staff commendation to 51 Squadron in the 2024 New Year Honours List for its very significant operational output and effect.

The crew returned back to RAF Waddington just before 6pm,

Following the mission CAS said "The Rivet Joint is a remarkable capability, and it was fantastic to see first-hand how 51 Squadron execute their mission in the Black Sea. Their focus, professionalism, and intelligence output are exceptional and invaluable." our allies and partners including importantly NATO. The Chief of the Air Staff discussed with the crew why he was delighted

almost 10 hours following their departure and around 14 hours since arriving into work for preflight planning.

Officer Commanding 51 Squadron, Wing Commander Keith Bissett said "51 Squadron delivers almost exclusively on operations from its home base at RAF Waddington, or overseas as required. It was fantastic to be able to show the Chief of the Air Staff the exceptionally effective team I am privileged to lead on an operational mission."

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INSIGHTMAGAZINE 7

51 Squadron Receives its new Squadron Standard from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh 51 Squadron was presented with its new Squadron Standard on Tuesday 11th March

by His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh at a ceremony at RAF Waddington, Lincoln.

T

he ceremony, with over seventy Squadron personnel from 51 Squadron on parade, and 160 guests in attendance, was commanded by Officer Commanding 51 Squadron, Wing Commander Keith Bissett.

The Royal Air Force Squadron Standard follows on wider military tradition where the unit flag was a rallying point for military troops to ensure that they were formed in the right area and could be issued with orders. Today, especially for the Royal Air Force, the Standard is a more symbolic rallying point and is paraded for ceremonial occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

Tuesday’s Standard parade marks the transition from one Standard to another with the retiring Standard representing the last 25 years or so of 51 Squadron’s service. This period recognises 51 Squadron’s incredible service, from the first few years after the Squadron arrived at Royal Air Force Waddington with the Nimrod R1 in April 1995, through an incredibly busy period covering operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as other areas. It was also the symbol of the Squadron during the stand down of the Nimrod R1, the co-crewing era with Offutt Air Force Base’s 55th Wing, and for the delivery of the first Rivet Joint aircraft to the United Kingdom in 2013.

During a very busy first 10 years of the United Kingdom Rivet Joint, 51 Squadron deployed and supported operations in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean. The last four years of service has seen a significant upsurge in tasking

8 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

for 51 Squadron in Eastern Europe requiring missions from RAF Waddington as well as from deployed locations overseas. The aircrew of the UK Rivet Joint Squadron have patrolled the eastern flank of mainland Europe, providing strategic insight to the United Kingdom’s tactical, operational, and strategic level, our allies and NATO. Over the last 18 months, 51 Squadron has been recognised for its operational contributions in the form of the Number 1 Group award for engineering excellence and a Chief of the Air Staff Commendation for operational excellence.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh inspects 51 Squadron.

The new Squadron Standard, which is one of the first to be presented with the Tudor crown, will be the symbolic rallying point for the next 25 years. It is emblazoned with 8 operational honours. The retiring Standard is set to be laid up in Lincoln Cathedral in the coming months.

Officer Commanding 51 Squadron halts the parade.

The Duke of Edinburgh and The Station Commander, Group Captain Holland, present the new Squadron Standard to 51 Squadron’s Standard Bearer – Flight Lieutenant Dan.

The retiring standard is marched off by the parade.

Group Captain Matthew D’Aubyn, Commander Air Wing said: “The Rivet Joint is at the cutting-edge of electronic surveillance technology which is operated superbly by 51 Sqn to offer exceptional insights to commanders at all levels. I’m delighted that this auspicious occasion of receiving a new standard comes during a period of such high operational tempo which adds to 51 Squadron’s long and distinguished history.”

The Duke of Edinburgh and The Station Commander, Group Captain Holland, present the new Squadron Standard to 51 Squadron’s Standard Bearer – Flight Lieutenant Dan.

Wing Commander Keith Bissett, Officer Commanding Number 51 Squadron: “To lead the people of 51 Squadron has been the pinnacle of my RAF career to date. The people of the Squadron are a well-oiled machine, from the engineers who ensure that the aircraft is ready for mission, the intelligence analysts who inform the crews, the mission and operational support personnel preparing the aircraft and aircrew for flight, to the aircrew who work tirelessly to extract all that they can from the signals we detect. To march with the troops today, in front of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, was a different challenge, but one which the team rose to, marching impeccably.”

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 9

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Hi Everyone, Jade here – I just wanted to talk about Inner Lifetime Yoga Studio, how it came to be, and what I hope it can offer you.

I believe that yoga comes to people when the time is right, and just as life is a journey, so too is the practice of yoga.

Many people hear the word “yoga” and instantly dismiss it, assuming you need to be spiritual, flexible, or look a certain way – but I’m here to say that yoga is suitable for everybody!

For me, the time came when the pressures of a corporate career, the demands of being a single mum, and some pretty tough life events caught up with me. My health rapidly declined as a result, and something had to change. Having tried yoga before and honestly not enjoying it, I never expected to be where I am now. Due to years of chronic stress, and quite frankly, an unhealthy relationship with myself, my body finally shut me down through burnout. I was on long-term sick leave, and for the first time in my life, I was forced to sit with myself. I had a lot of time to think, and my nervous system was dysregulated. Burnout meant I was unable to do my usual high-intensity workouts, so one day I switched on YouTube and started doing yoga. In my darkest hour, just like that, yoga became my light. It led me back to myself, enabling profound healing – physically, emotionally, mentally, and yes, spiritually. Finally knowing who I was beneath the expectations, I quit my job and took my career in a new direction, one that was aligned with my values: yoga.

I’m not unique, though. I’ve been truly humbled by the people I’ve met and the stories I’ve heard since starting my yoga journey. The other teachers and I at Inner Lifetime are passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga and love hearing feedback from current students regarding the life-changing benefits our classes have had. While physical health is, of course, important, Inner Lifetime aims to optimize your overall well-being and guide you on the path of self-discovery through the different classes we offer. While my preconceptions of yoga were (wrongly) based on notions of contorted bodies and seemingly impossible feats of balance, Inner Lifetime offers accessible classes for all.

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THE

An international asset The strong global reputation of British education attracts overseas companies and international students to the UK. These students bring a global perspective, enrich the community and are a vital pipeline to British universities.

• There are currently 55,000 nonBritish pupils at ISC schools. Pupils come from all round the world.

• Independent schools contribute £930m annually to education exports.

• Non-British pupils at ISC schools account for £1.8bn of GDP per year, supporting 39,310 jobs and generating £550m in annual tax revenues.

THE VALUE OF

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS The Independent Schools Council (ISC) brings together seven associations and four affiliate associations to represent over 1,300 independent schools.

These schools educate more than half-a-million children.

Approximately half of UK independent schools are ISC schools, educating around 80% of all independent school children.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION FOR ALL Every child deserves an excellent education and a good start in life.

DIRECTORY

The independent sector is a small part of the school system – educating approximately 7% of children – yet these schools make a valuable contribution to our nation’s education by providing excellence, extra capacity, and innovation.

The sector is keen to work with government and political parties to develop education policies that support the widest range of children across the country, helping to raise educational standards for all. Our vision is one of partnership where independent and state schools work together to share expertise and resources to benefit all children.

Independent schools are aware of their social responsibility.

Across the UK, independent and state schools are combining their expertise to provide meaningful opportunities for increasing numbers of young people.

Our latest Census shows 84% of ISC member schools already have partnerships with their

state counterparts – equating to almost 11,500 partnership projects including supporting pupils with university applications, careers advice and providing teaching in shortage subjects such as modern foreign languages.

We invite everyone to find out more about our schools and the role we play in local communities.

The Schools Together website schoolstogether.org provides thousands of examples of the work our schools are doing.

Our sector is playing a positive role and wants to do more by working together with our state partners, making the most of our combined capacity and specialisms for as many young people as possible.

BENEFITS OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Independent schools make an important and positive contribution to the education system, their local communities and national productivity. In particular: Boosting global competitiveness Supporting provision in subjects that are crucial to harnessing new technologies and building global relationships. Last year (2018) independent schools accounted for: • 30% of Spanish A-level and 30% of French A-level entries • 30% of further maths A-level entries • 22% of physics A-level entries “If there is a lack of wider provision of foreign languages for children, UK business will suffer and will be unable to seize global opportunities effectively.”

Confederation of British Industry (CBI/Pearson Skills Survey 2018)

Julie Robinson ISC, chief executive

Innovation in education The sector’s independence allows it to innovate, developing new ways of teaching and trialling

BOARDING SCHOOLS 2024

Supporting our economy Independent schools are often integral to neighbourhood communities, supporting economic prosperity both locally and nationally. Research from Oxford Economics shows that for the UK as a whole, independent schools: • Contribute £13.7bn annually to GDP • Support 303,000 jobs • Provide £4.1bn in tax revenue • Save the state sector £3.5bn per year through parents not taking up state school places

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44

OF

new qualifications, which enable students to better prepare for further and higher education. New methods of teaching and learning can also be shared with the state sector.

Independent schools place great value on providing a broad all-round education including learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as music, sport, drama and volunteering.

Helping to develop soft skills is hugely important, and we know from independent research that pupils at our schools are confident and like a challenge. Independent schools are well known for delivering character education and supporting wellbeing.

DELIVERING VALUE TO SOCIETY Just over half of all independent schools are charities that advance education. These schools are regulated by the Charity Commission and must report on public benefit in their trustees’ annual report.

Schools will primarily deliver public benefit by way of support for the state sector through partnerships and schemes to widen access.

Partnerships Schools of all kinds are demonstrating that in partnership they can achieve more, bringing educational experiences to a greater number of children through all kinds of collaborative projects.

Educational partnerships between independent and state schools are an important aspect of school life and such collaborations mutually benefit school communities. Our Census shows ISC schools are currently involved in 11,500 partnership projects.

Independent schools offer GCSE and Alevel revision classes; subject support in maths, science and modern foreign languages; teacher training; careers and higher education advice – including interview technique and application support – as well as masterclasses in subjects like Latin and classics which are not often available outside the independent sector.

Larger independent schools have forged partnerships through the sponsorship and cosponsorship of schools as part of the Government’s academies and free schools programme. Schools such as the London Academies of Excellence in Tottenham and Stratford rely on independent school sponsorship and achieve high rates of Oxbridge entry.

The sector is keen to do more and has signed a Joint Understanding with the Department

for Education to grow stateindependent school partnerships to “support the raising of educational standards in state schools”. The ISC publishes an annual report on partnership working.

“We have developed professional and productive relationships across a diversity of independent and state schools. We recognise that collaboration between the sectors is of great value – learning from our diversity makes each of us better at what we do.”Andrew Celano, state headteacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford Widening access Independent schools are working to widen access to their schools through bursary provision and recognise the benefits this brings both to bursary pupils and the wider school community. Our latest data shows: • ISC schools currently provide £422m in means-tested bursaries and scholarships – a 6% increase on last year.

• One in 13 pupils at ISC schools is on a means-tested bursary or scholarship. There is an appetite to do more but most schools do not have large endowments and must meet bursary costs throughfundraising.

• A scheme to place increasing numbers of looked-after children (LAC) in independent schools is under development. Following a successful pilot in Norfolk, local authorities and receiving independent schools are committed to jointly fund places for LACs and children on the edge of care. In addition, Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation provides bursaries for disadvantaged and vulnerable children to attend boarding schools.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE ISC schools are proud to be part of a diverse education system, where different schools collaborate together to support all children to meet their potential.

Independent schools are part of the solution to the educational issues facing the country and should be an asset that is harnessed. The offer each independent school can make to state schools in their local communities will vary according to capability and experience, but through strengthened local brokerage independent schools

“Academic achievement is an absolute priority, but equally important is our curriculum for life and preparing them for when they go out into the world.”

He added: “Our school ethos of ambition, respect and participation is also a very good fit for military families. We recognise that every child is different, and we want to give them the opportunity to develop their strengths, find out about themselves and strive for excellence.”

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GIGGLESWICK

THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT DIRECTORY SENT TO SERVICE PARENTS TO ASSIST THEM IN FINDING THE IDEAL SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN

WELCOMES YOU Giggleswick has always had an intangible spirit that we have never quite been able to articulate, until now.

W

e are a characterful school, full of energy and dynamism, with more than a hint of ‘Yorkshireness’ about us. We are a school focused on hard work, rolling your sleeves up, being pragmatic, not taking yourself too seriously, and shunning any kind of pretension.

The new headteacher of Giggleswick School has vowed to make the leading northern independent one of the “best places” for forces families to send their children.

Sam Hart took on the headship just after Christmas, joining from Winchester College in Hampshire with his wife and two daughters.

He has worked in education for 14 years following a successful career in the Army Air Corp, where he flew Lynx helicopters.

As a child, Mr Hart also attended boarding school while his father served in the Royal Air Force. He said: “I have seen some amazing places

54

over the years, but the Yorkshire Dales is just incredible. Every morning when I see the beauty of the area - the hills, the greenery - I know how lucky I am to be here, and how lucky our pupils are as well. It really is an absolutely perfect place for children to grow up.

“I know first-hand how important it is to have stability and continuity of education for a child when their parents are serving around the world. Not only is Giggleswick located in one of the most beautiful places in the country – away from the worries and stresses of the city – but we’re small enough that everybody knows everybody which creates a really strong sense of community.”

He added: “I was fortunate that my parents were able to send me to boarding school - otherwise I would have had to attend six different schools over a ten-year period. It would have been very disruptive; boarding provided a constancy which allowed me to make and keep friends, and really feel part of something – it was a home from home.”

Mr Hart added: “Life is busy at Giggleswick. There’s always something going on and everyone is pulling together, staff and pupils, to ensure there’s a strong sense of place and community.

“We also focus a lot on the individual and know it doesn’t necessarily

The UK has a global reputation for education, characterised by excellence and quality. Our global education offer encompasses the full range of the education spectrum, including early years, independent schools...[and] higher education.

can come together to make a positive difference to local state partners, with all participants gaining from the experience.

In addition, the sector is open to discussions on how access to independent schools could be widened, possibly through some form of co-funding model.

It is essential that any proposed reforms do not negatively impact upon the state system. Proposals to add VAT to fees and to remove charitable tax reliefs would be damaging to all schools both independent and state.

European law currently exempts all forms of education from VAT because of the value of learning to society, and independent schools are not treated as a special case in this respect. Imposing VAT on school fees would penalise parents and would be a tax on learning.

Ultimately, it would be smaller independent schools without large catchment areas that would be hit hardest by VAT, potentially leading to closures that harm parents, pupils, and staff. It is inevitable that a sudden fee increase will mean children moving to the state sector, swelling class sizes and resulting in higher costs. Research shows that VAT would cost the Government at least £416m in its fifth year once pupil displacement and VAT recovery is taken into account.

Parents value choice over their children’s education. Recent polling has shown 68% of people believe that parents should have the choice of paying for their children’s education, while only 18% disagreed.

Independent schools are part of the broader educational offering, delivering excellence to the pupils in their care, and a force for good that can be utilised for the benefit of pupils across the country.

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It was like a family, and I learned a lot about the importance of the all-round care of a child.

Giggleswick School is one of the leading independent coeducational boarding and day schools in the north of England for children aged 2 to 18.

Set in 215 acres of stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, here you will find a rich and broad education, 500 years of heritage, exceptional modern facilities and a happy welcoming community that has a long tradition of supporting forces families.

Giggleswick School is renowned for its happy and supportive environment. Family friendly boarding from Year 4, an extended day during the week and full day of school on Saturday, mean that boarders enjoy a structured timetable of activities and are never left on their own.

"

International Education Strategy, HM Government

"

ABOUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Parents who choose independent schools want the best for their children. The money spent on fees comes from taxed income with many families stretching resources to support their children in this way.

As the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states, “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children”.

Assumptions about independent schools are often based on outdated stereotypes that mask the true diversity of a sector encompassing co-educational schools, single-sex, boarding and provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Specialist music, dance and SEND schools receive state funding, providing capacity for children who could not be accommodated in the state system.

ISC schools vary significantly in size from fewer than 50 pupils to over 2,000, although half of all schools have fewer than 300 pupils. In reality,many independent schools are small and not as wealthy as people may imagine.

Only 83 schools (or 6% of ISC members) have more than a thousand pupils.

Data from our annual school Census also shows that: • Half of our schools are not selective.

• Over 15% of pupils at our schools have SEND. • A third of pupils at ISC schools are from ethnic minority backgrounds – the same proportion as the state sector.

• Over a quarter of new pupils to ISC schools joined from the statefunded sector.

45

forces families, by covering up to 90% of school fees.

Giggleswick School has an extensive Creative, Active, Service & Enrichment programme providing over 70 different activities. Ranging from academic enrichment (CASE), sport, music, drama, art and design to outdoor pursuits, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Pupils benefit from exceptional facilities including well-equipped, modern classrooms, art & design studios, extensive sports pitches, and the professional standard Richard Whiteley Theatre.

For more information, visit the school’s website or get in touch. www.giggleswick.org.uk email: admissions@giggleswick.org.uk tel: 01729 893000

follow that a forces child will be interested in the forces themselves.

We do have an excellent Combined Cadet Force, but what really matters is that everyone has the opportunity to develop their own strengths, find things that interest them and strive towards excellence in those fields.”

Deputy headmaster and Designated Safeguarding Lead of the school, Christian San Jose, also served in the forces for six years as an infantry officer in The Royal Green Jackets/The Rifles.

He said: “I think it is really helpful that both Sam and I have military experience as together we understand those extra challenges military families have.

“As a school, we are extremely wellplaced to support the additional needs forces families have - even the small things that make life easier for families such as picking a child up from the airport, or the out of term care we provide.

Communication between parents, children and the school is key, and we’re lucky that technology now allows pupils to talk to their parents whenever they want.”

Mr Hart agreed that pastoral care is vital. He said: “As a housemaster, I was responsible for the care of 63 boys, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Keeping them safe, happy and feeling they belonged and were part of something was very important.

Service Parents Directory of Boarding Schools

KAYAKING CHAMPION BECOMES NEW HEAD OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION We are delighted to announce that Housemaster, Pete Keron, now leads our Outdoor Education provision.

Mr Keron has been teaching Maths here at Giggleswick for ten years as well as instructing climbing, kayaking, mountaineering and mountain biking.

Mr Keron’s passion for the outdoors began with Kayaking and he has represented Great Britain five times at the World Championships as well as winning three National Championships in the sport. Originally from Cumbria, he has rock climbed extensively throughout the UK and Europe and has cycled solo across America as well as from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He is also a keen fell runner and mountain bike racer and won the Adidas Terex ‘Coast to Coast’ Adventure race in 2015.

Said Mr Keron “Our Outdoor Education provision provides a superb opportunity that reflects the amazing geography and geology of our location. There can be no other school in the UK, if not the world, with such immediate access to caves, rivers, crags, trails, an indoor pool, climbing wall and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition directly from the school grounds. I can’t wait to build on the fantastic opportunities pupils already have. These experiences give children and young people skills that have a positive impact in all aspects of their life; building confidence, encouraging problem solving and increasing resilience.”

Service Parents Directory of Boarding Schools

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55

51 Sqn’s standard in Lincoln Cathedral On 3rd April, we laid up 51 Sqn’s standard in Lincoln Cathedral.

C

olours and standards once served as rallying points on the battlefield, to help troops locate their commanders and maintain morale in the chaos of battle. Today, they are symbols of regimental or squadron history, and the courage, loyalty and sacrifice of those who have served. When they retire, we lay them up, a tradition which goes back centuries before air power was even imagined.

The standards slowly disintegrate over time in a resting place, quietly and gracefully. Visitors can see and honour their unique histories and those that served under them. They remind us of our own mortality, the cost of serving, and the fact that serving means we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Retaining the sense of being connected to a bigger story is so important in our world as it is at the moment. Conflict is happening both physically and politically in all sorts of ways and all sorts of places.

Old alliances and our postwar political backdrop suddenly look less certain in the face of Trumpism; the climate and the global economy are under threat; and frankly as a military we know how challenging the task/resource balance is.

I used to live in Cork, and

asking an older Irish man how to get to a particular coffee shop where I was hoping to meet someone. He looked at me and said, “You want to get to Bewleys? Sure, well, if I were you, I wouldn’t start from here.”

Working in the RAF can feel like that at times - we probably wouldn’t start from here! But standards remind us that looking back, there are reasons to be hopeful. 51 Sqn have a long history, stretching back to a role intercepting zeppelins in East Anglia in WW1 to the Rivet Joint in the current day. It is an extraordinary capability, doing extraordinary work, crewed and served by extraordinary women and men from the home plate, which brings its own challenges.

why the current political backdrop is tricky for morale, and why good, local leadership needs to keep articulating and making sense of the reasons why we do what we do. Carey Neiuwhof wrote recently that self-obsession is the curse of our age – which is one of the reasons why public platforms

get hijacked so regularly for people’s personal agendas.

Real depth is found when we look outside of ourselves and build our lives on lasting values that include service to others and old-fashioned notions such as decency and nurturing the common good.

Padre Chris

At times it can feel that much is against us, but it was ever thus – which is why, if you listen to his speeches, Churchill cast the task in front of Britain – even in dark hours, like Dunkirk - against the backdrop of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, and reminded the nation of their place and responsibility in history.

It is to that big story – the why and who that we do things for - that standards encourage us to look to. This is why the moral component of warfare, alongside the physical and conceptual components, is so important. And, of course,

Next time you are in Lincoln Cathedral, why not make time to go to the RAF Chapel to have a look at 51’s standard, and reflect for a moment on what it means for you today?

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13

Our break gave us the quality time we needed as a family.”

- Al Dyer

Our holiday home in Bridlington is available all year round for serving and former RAF personnel. It’s the ideal destination to visit for a holiday with kids or for some peace and quiet.

Find out more: rafbf.org/thefolly Call 0300 102 1919 The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109).

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SCAN ME WITH YOUR CAMERA

Heritage Centre Following a lot of success with several projects last year the Heritage Centre has continued in the same vein over the winter period.

W

ith the heating issues fully resolved we were able to carry out external visits all year. Whilst we were quieter in December we had plenty of visitors in January and February before we got to our naturally busier parts of the year and we even had a few overseas visitors very much out of season.

Our Community Engagement has continued throughout the last six months and with assistance from the Photo section we were able to create a display for the Waddington village church. This year we have also supplied items and information for both the IBCC and Lincoln Cathedral as part of their Women in War and VE80 commemorations respectively as well as giving assistance to

a University of Lincoln student.

We have also been lucky enough to be involved in the 102nd birthday celebrations of the original pilot of the Lancaster which we hold the substantial remains of in the Heritage Centre.

We have commissioned a very large artwork for display in the Heritage Centre which will be formally unveiled in August, but if you would like a sneak peek then it is very easy to arrange a family or Section visit to the Heritage Centre, just contact us via wad-heritagecentre@mod.gov. uk. Equally TDF are arranging visits throughout the year so you can join in one of their dates via their FD page on the main Waddington SharePoint site. We also have the Canberra cockpit section fully set up

so any aspiring aircrew now have the opportunity to sit in a 1950s cockpit. Canberra’s have a good connection with RAF Waddington with two Sqn’s based here in the 1950s just prior to the Vulcans arriving, additionally several of our current Sqns have Canberra’s in their history. This is all documented in the display

in order to bring the links up to date. The Heritage Centre covers the full history of RAF Waddington so should have something of interest for the majority of visitors.

If you would like to get involved with the Heritage Centre, then please get in touch by email or via any of the Committee.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15

Q&A – Gus Murray, Chair of the Veterans in Defence (Air) Network Gus Murray is the Chair of The Veterans in Defence (Air) Network.

He answered some questions about the Network, its successes, the challenges it has faced and what the future looks like.

Tell us a bit about the Veterans in Defence (Air) Network.

The Veterans in Defence (Air) Network launched in September 2023, with the support of the Chief of the Air Staff and RAF Senior Leadership, and our Network Champion – AVM Mark Flewin.

Since then, our Network membership has grown from around 50 members to nearly 220 members. Our membership is primarily formed of RAF Veterans who have returned to Defence in the guise of a Civil Servant, Contractors, or Reservists.

Founded by veterans, the network is designed to provide an opportunity where people can connect with others who have shared lived-experiences,

16 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

access resources if they are transitioning from the Service, network with like-minded personnel, and find support in their roles – should they seek it. The network has an active events programme, including Station visits and engagement with the serving leadership of the RAF. We have also begun advocating on issues directly related to Veterans.

From the initial set up of the network to now, what have been the main challenges faced?

The most significant challenge has been getting the word out to Veterans working on RAF Stations. We are really relying on word of mouth, our bulletins, and getting to speak to RAF Publications to raise our profile.

We are also keen to build on work done thus far in building relationships with companies who share our vision and support for our Veterans, in assisting us in getting our name out there. So the Committee will be reaching out to companies at RIAT this year to increase our visibility.

And how do you communicate with your members?

We produce quarterly bulletins informing members what work the Committee is doing, including upcoming social events. We have now branched out to social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, RAF Galaxy) to increase the awareness and accessibility of our Network to all RAF Veterans.

What has been the highlight so far?

For the Network on the whole, it has to be our first ever station engagement event at RAF Coningsby. All of those who attended were looked after so well by those at Coningsby.

The event included an opportunity for our Veterans to have a sneak-peek at the flying displays for the Typhoon Display Team and the BBMF before the displays went public. The event was capped off by our first formal dinner, where our Guest of Honour – Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC BEM AE – took us on a journey when describing his exploits as a pilot in World War 2.

We also enjoyed participating in London Poppy Day 2024;

We would love to see our membership hit 1000 members, seeing our Network being recognised for what we stand for, and champion.

Equally as important, if not more so, is contributing proactively to the resettlement process; and being seen as being a force for good in supporting our Service Veterans.

where some of our Network members came together to help raise £27k at King’s Cross, and contributed to helping the Royal British Legion raising nearly £1.3m on the day.

My personal highlight is when I take time to stand back and see how far the Network has come in 18 months. We are growing both our membership and committee which will ensure we can be an influential and useful Network.

What are your plans for the future of the network?

As a Network, we have laid the foundations from which the Network can grow, but our focus is on building upon the success thus far and continuing to develop and strengthen our offer to our members. We want to help improve transition

support to Service Leavers; signposting/welfare support; networking opportunities and being an influential voice for Veterans policy matters. We have already provided input on matters such as Civil Service Recruitment policy, and Barriers found in transition leaving the Service.

How do people find out more and get involved?

If anyone has any questions and/or wish to join our Network, they can contact the Committee at Air-VeteransAirNetwork@mod.gov.uk. They can also find us at Facebook, LinkedIn, and RAF Galaxy

To highlight the Committees plans for the near future: - The Committee are recognising the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain/Blitz by holding 3x Battlefield Force Development tours of London over the summer of 2025; - Their Annual Station Engagement event will be held at Brize Norton on 12 June 25, with a formal dinner in the evening; - The Network have been invited to attend the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights Veterans Tea Party at RAF Coningsby on 9 July 25; - And have been accepted to march as a recognised group at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.

We have also begun liaising with foreign Allied Air Forces to see if reciprocal networks can be established so we can foster and build on the shared bonds of friendship and esprit de corps, and coming together in shared times of Remembrance.

Five years from now, what do you hope the network looks like?

An easy question to answer, but a lot of steps to get there.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 17

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A NEW WAVE FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS

RAF Waddington Station Commander Group Captain Holland has enabled the installation of a new sign which visually marks the entrance to The Wave.

“This is a fantastic facility and location that offers visitors and our aircraft enthusiast community the best opportunity to view the aircraft operating out of RAF Waddington, including those that are visiting us as part of the RAF’s exercise programme."

T

he RAF Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure (The WAVE) serves as a safety-first, aircraft viewing site open to the public in Lincolnshire. RAF Waddington Station Commander and RAF Visual Communicator, AS2 Webb, stood next to the new WAVE sign.

(The Red Arrows) making for a great site to visit.

RAF Waddington host various multinational exercises and is the new home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team

The Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure was reopened to the public early in 2023.

The Waddington Development Team (WDT) and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) worked successfully in collaboration to reopen The Wave with suitable facilities for the aircraft loving public to use.

Group Captain Dutch Holland, Station Commander RAF Waddington “Clearly safety remains paramount when people are enjoying this facility, so I ask that visitors stay extremely vigilant of the safety risks that exist in the vicinity such as the jet efflux, FOD, and the high levels of fastmoving road traffic vehicles on the A15."

The Wave provides the public with a safe and accessible off-road parking and viewing enclosure, as well as being a critical touchpoint for security, operations, and media coverage.

"If at any point you have any safety concerns, please contact Waddington Air Traffic Control on 01522 727451.”

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19

We’re here to support you Whether you’ve served for a day or decades, as a Regular or Reserve, we’re here for you and your family.

Wellbeing support including counselling

Mobility and home adaptations

Financial assistance

Welfare breaks

Relationship, family and youth support

Friendship and connections

Scan me with your camera Registered charity in England (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109).

Visit rafbf.org/get-support Call our helpline 0300 102 1919

RAF Benevolent Fund launches new annual Heritage Ride On Saturday 27 September, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, will hold its new Heritage Ride in Lincolnshire.

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families.

To get involved, you can share your stories with the RAF Benevolent Fund on social media tagging them @rafbf and using the hashtag #YourHeritageYourRide.

T

he Heritage Ride is a 40 or 100-mile cycle challenge taking place both virtually and physically across heritage sites in Lincolnshire.

The physical Heritage Ride will take place on Saturday 27 September starting and finishing at RAF Digby. The virtual challenge will take place the weekend of 27 and 28 September, allowing riders to participate in the event by completing the 40 or 100mile distance anywhere in the world.

The heritage sites will include Wickenby Aerodrome, Scampton Church and the International Bomber Command Centre, as well as passing Woodhall Spa, RAF Fillingham Heritage Centre and RAF Waddington to name a few.

The theme for this year’s ride is ‘Your Heritage, Your Ride’, encouraging participants to

share their personal links to the RAF and inspiration behind their decision to support the RAF Family.

Since its formation in 1918, the Royal Air Force has played a pivotal role in our national heritage. From safeguarding our skies and protecting against threats to preventing conflict and delivering humanitarian aid, RAF personnel have stood on the shoulders of those who served before them.

Their bravery, integrity, and unwavering commitment continue to be a source of national pride.

Throughout the decades, the RAF has been defined by stories of fortitude, camaraderie, heroism, and determination.

Faced with immense challenges, demanding conditions, and difficult choices, serving and former serving personnel, and their families, have time and again met the challenge.

For 106 years, the Fund has stood beside the RAF Family, providing crucial support to those who serve, have served, and their loved ones.

As we reflect on this legacy, we remain committed to honouring their sacrifices and ensuring that no member of the RAF Family faces hardship alone.

The Heritage Ride 2025 is sponsored by Exolum International UK, a longstanding corporate partner of the Fund.

When: Physical ride: Saturday 27 September | Virtual ride: 27 and 28 September Where: RAF Digby Routes: 40 miles (short) | 100 miles (long) You can sign up to take part in the Heritage Ride to raise money for the RAF

Benevolent Fund here.

This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

Jenny Pearce, Head of Community Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Following on from our muchloved Dambusters Ride, we are excited to launch our new Heritage Ride which, this year, is celebrating the heritage of the RAF. “Thanks to our incredible supporters who take part in our fundraising events, we can continue our longstanding support for the RAF Family when they need us most. I’d like to encourage members of the RAF Family and the public to get involved and share your stories of what has inspired you to take on this cycling challenge. Whatever your motivation, we’d love to hear about it – so please share!”

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21

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Club

T

he season started with the historic Halton Hills race which is an RAF race that has been organised for many years and is very hard going over 7 ½ miles around the back of RAF Halton.

The first League fixture was our own in October. Ordinarily it is run in February but the weather was much kinder and whilst the ground was very boggy in patches, overall it provided far nicer conditions than what we are used to.

Stanford Hall was run in some truly awful conditions but most of the races were quite reasonable. The League changed a little this year with the addition of a race at Chicksands and the RAF Cross Country Champs being included in the scoring. We won the Men’s category, but the overall prize eluded us. The scoring is based on a balanced 24 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

The Cross-Country season for the RAF Waddington Running Club has been both challenging and successful.

team and with us only having ladies’ running in two fixtures the overall prize went to Cranwell who managed to get a full team at all bar the last event. Understandably running around wet fields in the middle of winter is not everyone’s idea of fun, but our inability to compete in each event made a difference to the points.

All runners are welcome and there are always snacks and drinks available at the end of the races if you needed any small incentive.

We had some success at the RAF Champs Cross Country and had a reasonable number of runners taking part. We won the Mens V50+ category and Sgt Harry Muir qualified for the RAF Team at the Inter Services and was part of the winning RAF Team which achieved a virtually clean sweep against the Army and Navy.

Looking forward to the summer season, again we need as many runners as possible and in summer every single runner who takes part scores for the Station prize, irrespective of finishing position. This year the League have decided to make a few of the races 5K to try and encourage runners who are sometimes put off by the thought of a 10K. Our race is one of the 5k so it would be nice to get a large turnout on

04 June 25. As always just contact any of the Committee via the Clubs/ Committees link on the main Waddington home page or the Gym if you want any further info or would like to get on transport to any of the races.

Lincs Services Road Running League 2025

This season sees a trial of various distances to encourage participation – all abilities are welcome and strongly encouraged!

We hope to add ~2 additional events in due course.

Wyton 8K – Wed 7 May Waddington 5K – Wed 4 Jun Marham 10K – Wed 30 Jul Digby 5K – Wed 27 Aug Wittering 10K – Wed 24 Sep For more details contact: Waddington OIC Running – Flt Lt Harry Barnes Chairman – Flt Lt Michael Kallenberg Dep Chair – Cpl Steve Robinson League Sec – Flt Lt Steve Shields

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 25

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Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

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Twells of Billinghay Twells Twells Twells of of ofBillinghay Billinghay Billinghay High Street, High High High Street, Street, Street, Billinghay Billinghay Billinghay Billinghay 01526 860221 01526 01526 01526 860221 860221 860221 sales@twells.co.uk sales@twells.co.uk sales@twells.co.uk sales@twells.co.uk

4th Generation family business trading for 104 years 4th 4th 4thGeneration Generation Generationfamily family familybusiness business businesstrading trading tradingfor for for 104 104 104years years years • Vauxhall Cars and Vans Main Dealer since 1980 • •• Vauxhall Vauxhall VauxhallCars Cars Carsand and andVans Vans VansMain Main MainDealer Dealer Dealersince since since1980 1980 1980 • Over 85 VX Spoticar ALL makes Quality Used and Best • •• Over Over Over 85 85 85 VX VX VXSpoticar Spoticar Spoticar ALL ALL ALL makes makes makesQuality Quality QualityUsed Used Usedand and andBest Best Best Prepared cars in stock to View and Test Drive!

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• •• Quality Quality Quality All All All Makes Makes Makes Servicing Servicing Servicing &&& MOT MOT MOT from from from only only only£249! £249! £249!

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2024 TWELLS OF BILLINGHAY GOLD WINNERS VAUXHALL CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 - 2024

Test Drive Electric Corsa EEEE & Astra Mokka EEE& & new Test Test Test Drive Drive Drive Electric Electric Electric Corsa Corsa Corsa & & & Astra Astra AstraEEE& & &Mokka Mokka MokkaE & &new new new GRANDLAND EEE& ALL NEW FRONTERA coming soon!

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