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Summer 25
From the Editor…
Flt Lt D.J. Hopkinson
Welcome to the Summer Edition of Insight Magazine and what a summer
we have been having! There are a varied selection of articles from around RAF Waddington in this issue, including one from the Station Heritage Centre about a unique visit from the then U.S. President John F. Kennedy who landed at RAF Waddington in order to take a visit to the grave of his late sister on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire.
There are also articles from the RAF Archery Association who have been ably represented by RAF Waddington’s Sgt Spinks on the Archery GB National Tour as well as the 1st Waddington (RAF) Brownies who are always on the lookout for new girls in the Station community to become involved in Girlguiding, offering a guarantee of an immediate start to anyone arriving at RAF Waddington with their family. This is a great opportunity for girls to develop their confidence and self-esteem whilst having fun collecting Girlguiding badges in any number of activities from dancing and singing to crafting and gardening.
Thank you for your continued support of Insight Magazine. This is your publication and the place to celebrate your endeavours, both professional and personal. Please send any submissions to WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@ mod.gov.uk we continue to look forward to reading all of your future articles.
EDITORIAL TEAM:
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk
External Email:
Use personal email addresses listed 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
Advertising by:
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Tel: 01536 334 219
Published by:
Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
NN16 8NL
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Printed by: Micropress
Sgt Spinks Wins Stage 5 of the Archery GB National Tour
Station Commander’s Foreword...
Gp Capt Dominic Holland
By
the time you read this edition of Insight magazine, summer will be well on its way. For those at home, I hope that you have been able to enjoy some well-earned summer leave with your family whilst your children are on their school holidays. For those who are currently deployed all over the world, thank you for your continued commitment to the RAF and Defence; we are all thinking of you, and I truly wish that you will have some well-earned time off on your return to make up for missing the UK’s summer months.
This edition of Insight magazine boasts a variety of articles from all over the Station. We welcome back Wg Cdr Thurston Taylor as the new OC 51 Sqn who is very familiar with RAF Waddington as having previously served on V(AC) and 14 Sqn. I have no doubt he will settle quickly into his new post. I’d also like to extend my thanks to Wg Cdr Keith Bissett, former Editor of this Station magazine, for his work on 51 Sq, but also his wider contribution to RAF Waddington.
The Spring edition of Insight included an article from the RAFBF on their Heritage Ride and as I alluded to, this edition includes an account of the Royal Air Force Association’s (RAFA)
Rides charity event. It was very well supported by personnel from Whole Force at RAF Waddington and is a staple event in both the Station and RAFA calendar. This year we were honoured to have some special sports personalities join us on an epic ride, you can read more about it in the article on page 12. Money raised through RAFA Rides is used to fund the RAF Association’s vital work providing muchneeded help and support to thousands in the RAF community, of which we are pleased to have been able to contribute towards. Thank you all for your support!
It is also a pleasure to see the RAF Waddington Community Support Team being recognised in this edition of Insight. In the past few months they have put on several events, particularly over Easter. Notably a visit from Little City Lincoln to the Pip Beck Centre, a company who offer children the opportunity to role play at different jobs, exploring and using their imagination in an interactive, miniature, real-world environment.
Thank you all for your unwavering hard work supporting RAF Waddington and thank you for your submissions to this publication. I thoroughly enjoy reading what our Station and its personnel are getting up to and I would encourage everyone to share these successes with one another by continuing to submit your articles to WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@ mod.gov.uk.
51 SQUADRON CHANGE OF COMMAND
Wing Commander Keith Bissett handed over command of Number 51 Squadron, the UK Rivet Joint Squadron, to Wing Commander Thurston Taylor on Thursday 1st May 2025. At a small ceremony the command pennant was lowered and transferred from Keith to Thurston outside the Squadron headquarters, RAF Waddington, in front of those Squadron members not deployed on operations.
The UK Rivet Joint is an electronic surveillance platform which is predominately employed on operational missions from RAF Waddington and overseas locations. Over the last three years approximately 85% of flying hours have been in support of operations.
Wing Commander Bissett said: it has been a privilege to command the almost 300
people of 51 Squadron as we have delivered on a record number of operational flights together. The men and women of 51 Squadron really make the most of the RC-135 Rivet Joint capability to deliver on our important missions. I wish Thurston and the team every success for the future.
Wing Commander Taylor said: I have assumed command of the Squadron at a time of intense operational focus, with both aircraft and a significant number of personnel deploying to support Op HIGHMAST. During my handover period with Keith, I have been hugely impressed by the manner in which 51 Squadron has gone about the oftendifficult process of moving personnel and equipment to an operational location. I believe it is no small part to Keith’s leadership that this process has run as smoothly as it has, and for that I offer him my sincere thanks and best wishes in his future role.
RAF BENEVOLENT FUND AND ONE YMCA LAUNCH 2024 AIRPLAY ANNUAL REVIEW
The 2024 Review highlights the impact of the Fund’s national youth programme Airplay, delivered by One YMCA. Airplay is now in its fifteenth year, supporting young people through the unique challenges faced by RAF families by providing safe, consistent, and exciting play and youth work activities across 24 RAF Stations and online through Airplay Connect.
The recent report has found that across the year, over 2,100 children and young people actively engaged in Airplay activities, with over 3,800 sessions delivered and over 7,000 hours of activities. It found that 98% of members feel that Airplay provides them with somewhere to go that they feel safe and 99% of parents agree Airplay staff are friendly and welcoming.
Airplay encourages young people to share their opinion, respect the voice of others and have their say through its youth-led initiatives including the Special Projects Fund and Youth Forums.
A parent at RAF Waddington said: “Very supportive to my son, helping him with his volunteering side of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and advising on who in the YMCA he can do work experience with, and helping him with his confidence.”
The report found that 96% of members agree that Airplay
has helped them to settle in when they have moved to a new Station.
Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Operations at the Fund said: “Whilst the Royal Air Force is busier than ever in operations both at home and overseas, the Fund continues to adapt our support for serving families, recognising the evolving challenges they may face. Airplay remains a valuable and positive lifeline for parents, children and young people.
“We invested over £1.2 million in grants to enable consistent delivery of Airplay activity throughout the year. These investments are crucial in ensuring our approach to supporting young people remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful.”
Guy Foxell, Chief Executive Officer of One YMCA said:
“This year saw the Airplay Programme grow once again with more members attending sessions. A 5% increase in the number of young people attending Airplay in 2024 demonstrates that facetoface activities and clubs remain hugely popular and important for young people even in a digital age.
“Huge gratitude goes out to the RAF Benevolent Fund for the legacy they have created through their continued commitment and investment in children and young people from RAF families.”
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10am until 3pm (last entry 2:30pm)
The museum is available for private hire on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum North Rauceby, Sleaford NG34 8QR www.heartoflincs.com
Advertise in this publication please contact Emma on 01536 334219 or email jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Your local, proudly independent, veterinary practice opened in Waddington in 2022. Register and book online via our website, follow us on Facebook, call us or pop in to see us. Sarah, Alice and their friendly team look forward to welcoming you and your pets!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 12pm By appointment only
Call: 01522 716388
Email: info@lincolnedgevets.co.uk
Website: https://www.lincolnedgevets.co.uk/
Find us: Lincoln Edge Vets Ltd, The Quarry, Grantham Road, Waddington, Lincs, LN5 9NT
The place to be for fun, friend ship and fantastic memories!
Who are we?
We are 1st Waddington (RAF) Brownies, a vibrant and busy unit based at RAF Waddington of 18 Brownies and 5 volunteer leaders. We have very close ties with the RAF community having been created especially for dependent military children in September 2004. We also offer a no quibble guarantee of an immediate start at our unit for any girls arriving on station with their family – be they transferring from another Brownie unit or starting Girlguiding for the first time.
What do we do?
Brownies take part in the Girlguiding programme whilst learning new skills, making
friends and having lots of fun. We also play games, build self-confidence and esteem, do craft, laugh, dance, sing, earn badges, go on holiday and even do a spot of gardening!
We offer a safe, welcoming, all-inclusive space for non-stop fun, learning and adventure.
When and where?
We meet weekly at the RAF Waddington church rooms during term times on Monday evenings from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Why choose Girlguiding and this unit in particular? There are loads of reasons why girls should join Girlguidinghere are just a few:
We give girls a space to belong. We offer a girls-only space to belong and have fun.
Girls take the lead in guiding. As well as making lasting friendships, there are loads of ways your daughter will develop her own leadership skills with us.
They’ll have adventures they’ll never forget. For over 100 years, girls in guiding have been taking part in adventures big and small, stepping into their brave space and trying new things.
And we’re here for every girl, no matter what. Girlguiding offers all girls an equal sense of
belonging, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
Why this unit?
Simply put, we are not only run by an award-winning volunteer but we guarantee an immediate start for any girls arriving at RAF Waddington. Jude aka Daffodil has over 20 years Girlguiding experience and received the Girlguiding Good Service Brooch in 2021 for her work with her unit. Whilst serving, she also received a commendation in the New Year’s Honours list in 2002 for her volunteer work with Girlguiding.
Contact the leader in charge, Jude aka Daffodil, via email daffodil@1stwaddingtonbrownies.uk or jude.mcalister386@mod.gov.uk
Located in the village of Heighington & run by mother & daughter team, Clarke’s Farm offers two kingsize bed & breakfast rooms in the 400 year old grade II listed farmhouse. Proud to support local businesses in provision of our products and comestibles - we endeavour to provide every detail you could want for a relaxed & comfortable stay.
We also provide Vintage style Afternoon Teas in the converted Granary Barn & walled cottage garden. (booking always essential)
Mobile: 07786852374
Web: www.clarkesfarm.com
Email: clarkesfarm65@gmail.com
Padre RAFA Rides
Team Waddo show their Tigers claws for RAFA Rides.
As I type – on Monday 15th June – I am recovering from an amazing week of fundraising for RAFA, involving people from across station.
The RAF Association give support to serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families, and the RFA Rides are a stable friend and fundraising event in their calendar. This year a team of us here on station organised a suite of events in order to promote the cause.
Kicking it off, Flt Lt Craig Bampton took on the challenge of riding all four 100 mile routes during June. Donning the lycra, braving the saddle soreness and contending with whatever the weather had to offer, he cemented his already legendary status within his flying cohort, rolling back the years as he rolled across different parts of the UK’s landscape for Team Waddo. His Justgiving savvy was invaluable as our unofficial IT guru.
Secondly, Comm Spt, FDS and the PEd Flt leaned in, pulled together by Sgt Graham Taylor, to run a successful static ride outside the Pip Beck Centre at the brilliantly organised Health & Wellbeing Day. Shamelessly touting QR codes alongside the collection bucket, people braved the heat and demonstrated their full awareness of HAT modules on DLE as we maintained hydration as well maintaining motion, applying sun lotion and keeping up leg-locomotion. I cannot tell you how disappointing it was to find that, however hard I pedalled, the pizza van across the car park from us wasn’t getting any closer to me.
Definitely an LI for the Stn Trg Off to sort that next year please.
Thirdly, we had our gate collection, expertly organised by Flt Lt Mark Daly, with safety advice from Lorraine Smalley and Phil “flash the” Cash. WO Lou Calvert and a selection of volunteers helped part people from their money, proving that RAFA Wings really fly when you include supply. A tactically place Stn Cdr proved especially effective at helping JOs discover the spirit of generosity – thanks for that, Sir.
Fourthly, AS1 Ben Noble and Sqn Ldr Dobson, supported by a host of folk from RAFAT, the ISTAR world and the OM/ WOSM worked to host rugby legends Martin Johnson, Rory Underwood and Matt Poole at the station, and for an absolutely top notch all ranks, whole force BBQ which included a Q&A session in the dining room. The following day, they cycled with our Stn Cdr to join the RAFA ride route.
Finally, there was ride itself – as mentioned above – which was undertaken in fine weather at Kendrew Barracks, and was, as ever, superbly well organised. RAFA rides are a fantastic experience, with great refreshment stops and distances for every ability level. If you have not been on one before, make sure you sign up for 2026!
There simply isn’t space to mention every single individual who has helped and encourage us as a team, but thank you so much to you as a station for leaning in. We smashed it out the park in 2025 – so hopefully we can do even better next year.
– Padre Chris
Community Easter fun at the Pip Beck Centre
The Pip Beck Centre was bustling with excitement this Easter as families joined us forsome engaging activities.
Kicking off the activities was a visit from Little City Lincoln-a firm favourite amongst our youngest visitors. The interactive role play gave the children the chance to explore miniature versions of real-world jobs. From hairdressers to mechanics the little ones dived into imaginative play with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Our Easter celebrations continued with a lively Easter Egg hunt. Children eagerly followed a trail of clues, working together to crack the code spending time at the growing garden. The great team welcomed everyone with Easter themed activitiespainting colourful pebbles and planting seeds to take home and grow. We were lucky enough to have a visit from the Easter Bunny who gave out some sweet treats on our return to the Pip Beck centre.
To round off the half term, we got creative with a fun-filled Easter Craft session. Families came together to create chocolate filled roses, get messy with paints, and enjoy some music and dancing. It was lovely to see our families having fun together to finish half-term.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us- The Community Support Team put on events throughout the year so keep an eye out for our bulletin and FB pages for more upcoming events.
WAD-BSW-PMS-HIVE@mod. gov.uk
CSTeam@mod.gov.uk
Idon’t know about you but as I get closer to a holiday the expectation increases and often the stress levels too, probably because I’m hoping for that perfect holiday which, alas, always has imperfect me on it. What could possibly go wrong when Mr Happy is supposed to be present 24 hours a day for the duration! I jest!
A few years ago I drove the 200 miles from my Station back home ready for our first ever family trip to America the following day. Tired after a long drive, I unpacked, ready to repack for the trip, only to realise that my – yes, you’ve guessed it – my passport, why is it always the passport, was 200 miles away.
A few choice phrases from my good lady weren’t tempered by my protestations that “at least I noticed before the baggage checkin”; I simply can’t think why that didn’t help.
So, 400 miles later, with a belly full of caffeine not only was I truly wired, but, I had my passport and was ready
for my bed - never mind a holiday. That was, thankfully, the first and last crisis of our time away.
But, of course holidays are only a relatively recent luxury, and are still, sadly, not something that everyone is able to have or enjoy for a whole range of reasons. The idea of holidays though isn’t recent at all as it is rooted in 2 separate words common across the world and to all people – holy days.
These were days when for hundreds of years the church encouraged people to stop work and celebrate the lives of the saints or some other holy event in the midst of their everyday lives. It wasn’t about going away but about being more present and more thankful where they were. And that is still the case today – so we can literally say “thank God” for our holidays at Christmas and Easter!
And, maybe instead of focussing all my expectations on our annual holiday I could, and should, practice that sense of being more present and more thankful where I am, wherever I am.
I guess that way, every day, if not a holiday, has more chance to be a holy day.
HERITAGE CENTRE
The RAF Waddington Heritage Centre hosted a visit from the BBC and this is a condensed version of the article the BBC reporter generated from the archives we hold.
US president John F Kennedy was one of the most influential figures in the 20th Century and his assassination in 1963 was a watershed moment in American and world history. Just months before that tragedy, he embarked on his final overseas trip, packed with diplomatic talks with world leaders and groundbreaking oratory. What is less well-known is an undisclosed detour to a Lincolnshire air station for a deeply personal visit to a quiet English village.
The month of June1963 was a punishing one for John F Kennedy.
Beginning in Berlin – where he delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner speech" – he went on to Ireland, then the UK, before heading to Italy and a trip to see Pope Paul VI at the Vatican.
The national media followed his every move except for a small detour he made in Britain on 29 June. One sunny day, Air Force One landed on the
runway at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln. The president stepped out for what was to be a very personal pilgrimage,
Waiting for him on the runway was a welcome party including the then Station Commander Gp Capt Finch and some local dignitaries, but the president was not there for diplomacy.
A US Sikorsky military helicopter then took Kennedy to Derbyshire. There he would visit the grave of his younger sister, Kathleen, who was buried in Edensor church on the Chatsworth estate.
She had been married to William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington and heir to the dukedom of Devonshire, but had been tragically killed in a plane crash in 1948
After a few hours the president and his entourage made the return journey to Waddington, where they reembarked on Air Force One and flew on to Sussex to meet Harold Macmillan, the prime minister.
Running ClubCyprus Challenge
The Running Club generally try and enter one large running event per year and last competed successfully in the Cyprus Challenge in 2018 and 2019 with some good team results.
Our entry this year was more low key and whilst the Army had several teams entering there was a dearth of entries from the RAF despite this being the 20th year of the Challenge taking place.
The Cyprus Challenge is an adventurous and challenging running event with 4 different races taking place. The event
combines a 6k time trial, an 11k mountain trail run, a multiterrain half marathon and a 10k City Run. It is open to runners of all levels and takes place in the area of Paphos and for the most part in the Akamas Nature Reserve Park, in some of Cyprus’s most scenic routes.
The Time Trial starts on Thursday afternoon in front of the pretty Coral Bay harbour
and then runs around to the front of the hotel before heading off along roads fringed with banana plantations until you reach the shipwreck. It is a flat route, but as each runner starts 10 seconds apart in a random order the skill is pace judgment.
The Mountain Run starts by the sea at the beginning of the Akamas National Park and runs immediately uphill and continues as a steady climb for 6km. The first 4km are very rocky, from then the path becomes smoother. At 6km there is a fairly steep descent for 1km before climbing again, with a short steep uphill around 9km. Approaching Pano Arodes it levels off until the steep sting in the tail 500m climb up through the village to finish in the pretty church square.
The Half Marathon was a different route this year, the start was in the town square of Neo Chorio on a very hot day and looped out of the town for
about a kilometre on tarmac before it entered the Akamas National Park. This was a very hilly course on similar rocky paths to the previous day. Gradually it built to the summit at about the 12km point where there was a steep decent for a few kilometres back on quiet tarmac roads. This returned to rocky paths where it undulated quite sharply prior to a final steep downhill and uphill section in the valley next to Neo Chorio with a short 150m sprint to the finish.
The final day starts early in front of the medieval castle in the picturesque harbour. A fairly flat 10km road race is very welcome although by now your legs have put in some serious mileage and there was strong headwind on the return leg. The route took us through Kato Paphos and the beach front hotel district before returning to finish with a sprint past the pleasure boats back at the castle.
There was a wide range of runners from different countries taking part in the Challenge and there were some seriously quick times from the lead runners. They made it all look very easy whilst the rest of us puffed our way around the event, although there are multiple age categories so you can start judging your closest competitors pretty much after the hill race. The Challenge is quite tough but enjoyable and following the Malta Marathon earlier in the year the Running Club now have a lot of recent information and experience in the planning and organising of these overseas events so if you would like to assist in 2025 just get in touch with any of the Running Club.
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Sgt Spinks Wins Stage 5 of the Archery GB National Tour
Sgt Spinks, representing the RAF Archery Association, emerged victorious in Stage 5 of the Archery GB National Tour, held on Saturday, 19th July, in Barnsley. The National Tour, a prestigious six-stage summer event culminating in a final in September, is the pinnacle of UK archery, drawing the nation’s top archers. Despite the overcast skies and persistent rain, Sgt Spinks delivered a performance to remember, claiming her firstever National Tour stage win in a nail-biting finale.
The day began with a qualification round where Sgt Spinks scored an impressive 568, just three points shy of her personal best. This placed her 8th in the day’s rankings, setting the stage for a challenging afternoon of headto-head knockout matches.
Her journey through the knockout stages was nothing short of remarkable. In the opening match, she faced the 9th seed in a closely contested battle. Advancing to the next round, she was pitted against the tournament’s top seed. Rising to the occasion, Sgt Spinks delivered a flawless performance, winning in three straight sets and securing her place in the quarter-finals. Another tough opponent awaited her, but she maintained her composure and claimed a 6-3 victory, demonstrating her growing dominance.
The highlight of the day, however, was the gold medal match, where Sgt Spinks faced Anastasia Wilson, the reigning queen of UK barebow archery. Wilson, who tops both the UK National Rankings and the National Tour standings, was the clear favourite.
But Sgt Spinks, drawing on her mental resilience and determination, was ready to challenge the odds.
In her own words, Sgt Spinks recounted the intense final:
"It was only after this match finished that it dawned on me that I was into my first-ever National Tour final match! Drawing on all my mental mastery, I tried to calm my nerves, my heart rate, and concentrate on the job in hand. All I had to do was keep doing the same thing I had in the previous two matches, and I might, just might, have a chance against Anastasia Wilson."
The match began with a tense first end, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Wilson then took control, winning the next two ends to lead 5-1. With just one more point needed for Wilson to secure victory, Sgt Spinks refused to back down. In a stunning display of skill, she shot an incredible 29 out of 30 in the fourth end, narrowing the gap to 3-5. The fifth end saw her maintain her momentum, scoring 27 to force a 5-5 tie and send the match into a one-arrow shoot-off.
The shoot-off was a moment of high drama. Both archers stepped up to the line, knowing that the closest arrow to the centre would decide the winner. Sgt Spinks described the heart-stopping moment:
"We step up to the line together. We draw up together, I take aim and release – it’s in the gold. I hold my pose and hold my breath as my eyes go to her target. She releases in what seems an age after me, but in reality, it’s only a split second – it’s gone in the red! In slow motion, I rotate to look at
her and the crowd wide-eyed. I hear a ripple of gasps and then applause. I’d done it!!!"
The judge confirmed the result, and Sgt Spinks was crowned the winner of Stage 5, marking a monumental achievement in her archery career.
This victory not only highlights Sgt Spinks’ exceptional talent but also her ability to perform under pressure. Her triumph over the nation’s top-ranked archer in such dramatic fashion is sure to inspire others in the sport. As the National Tour progresses to its final stages, all eyes will be on Sgt Spinks to see if she can build on this incredible success.
