Helicon Issue 2 2023

The Magazine of RAF Odiham

Issue 2 • 2023

Helicon

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2 | Helicon

Mill Lane, Crondall, Farnham, Surrey GU10 5RP Telephone 01252 850460 www.theploughgarage.com We are on the A287 Farnham-Odiham road, next to M&S Simply Food

We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card

The fourth annual Hampshire gin festival takes place this year on Saturday 18th November. Conveniently located at the Cross Barn in Odiham Katrina and her team look forward to meeting you as you sample over 60 different gins.

The

Cross Barn The fourth annual Hampshire Gin Festival at the Cross Barn in Odiham Tickets are available at hampshireginfestival.com via Eventbrite.

Entrance price includes a Copa glass, metal straw, access to over 60 different gins with delicious meal included (vegetarian option also available). You may recognise some of the more local gin distillers such as Gorilla spirits, Devils Dyke Gin and the Touring Pourers. This is an excellent opportunity for gin lovers to sample different types of gin and maybe look to purchase a bottle or two as early Christmas gifts. Ticket are available at Eventbrite.co.uk - search “Hampshire Gin Festival”.

Father Chri on the Ca at Odiha

Tickets include tasting over 60 different Gins, a Copa Gin Glass and a delicious meal with a vegetarian option

£15 per pe children under 12 mont

children under 12 mont

Father Christmas on the Canal at Odiham Trips every

Peppones street food is a Mexican and Greek style take away, known for serving fresh mouth-watering food.

We are located at: Odiham canal, Colt Hill RG29 FR

Phone Orders 0745 0996 964 Email: pepponesstreetfood@gmail.com Peppones street food | Odiham | Facebook @pepponesstreetfood

Trips every

£15 per person Saturday children under 12 months free Saturday Sunday Sunday Wed-Sat. Wed-Sat. Trips every hour 2-6pm

Accessible Boating Association (ABA) is a charity managed by volunteers. We maintain two specially equipped boats, allowing anybody with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on the Basingstoke Canal.

16 16 17 17 20 20

Sailings start from Ga

Saturday 16th December Sailings start from Ga Trips every hour 2-6pm Colt Colt Hill, Hill, Odih Odih Sunday 17th December the Waterwitch Saturday 16 December Pub Wed-Sat 20th-23rd Decemberthe Waterwitch Pub

Tel: 07934 926683 www.accessibleboating.org.uk

Sunday

17 December • Short trip on the canal v

• Boatyard, Short Sailings start from Galleon Marine Colttrip Hill, on the canal v Wed-Sat. 20-23 December Odiham RG29 1AL (Opposite the Waterwitch Public House) Christmas o • Meet Father • Meet Father Sailings start from Galleon Marine Boatyard Christmas o • Gift children Odiham, RG29s for 1AL (Opposite • Santa’ Gift for children 11 11 and and • Short trip on Colt the Hill, canal via grotto the Waterwitch Public • House) Hot drink/squash and a m

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• Hot and a mince pie after the • The boat is wheelchair The boat is wheelchair ac a • Gift forcolouring children 11 and•under trip with activity for children • Hot drink/squash and a mince pie after •the Thetrip boat is wheelchair accessible with colouring activity for children • The boatScan is wheelchair accessible. for tickets Scan for tickets

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We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card

Helicon | 3

Regis Regis

CONTENTS Station Commander’s Foreword

05

Introducing the new Station Commander

05

OIC

Q&A - the Helicon team interviews the incoming Station Commander

06

Editor

Who’s Who? Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng

06

Email

How to... A Photographer’s Guide to Portraits

07

The Life of a Padre at RAF Odiham

08

STEM within the community

09

The Nursery

09

News from Odiham Village Council

10

RAF Benevolent Fund News

11

Ex BLUE WARRIOR

12

Ex MALEME MAMMOTH

13

Station Families Day

14

7 Sqn Survival Equipment

16

27 Sqn News

18

Operation Secret Garden

20

RAF Odiham Climbing Club

22

RAF Odiham Clay Shooting Club

24

RAF Odiham Golf Society

25

Upcoming Events

26

HELICON CONTACTS Sqn Ldr Leon Beamish, COS BSW MACr Richard White, 7 Sqn

16

ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk

Article Submissions

Please send all articles to odi.bsw.helicon@gmail.com Deadline date for the next issue: 18th October 2023 PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ENTRIES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE NO LATER THAN THE DATE STATED ABOVE.

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

The editor assumes article contributors are aware that the magazine has a wide distribution to both Service and Civilian communities and contributors are ultimately responsible for the vetting of their article submissions. The editor also assumes that the contributor has ensured that personnel included in the photographs they provide are aware and have no objection to these images being used in the magazine. Advice on content or preparation of future articles can be obtained by contacting the editor. To this end the Helicon editorial staff endeavour to ensure all articles are suitable for publication. The Helicon is the magazine of RAF Odiham and its intended audience is Station Personnel and their families.

It is not an official document and the opinions expressed within it are not those of the MOD, the RAF or the editorial team.

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @rafodiham

@RAF_Odiham @StnCdrRAFOdiham @rafodiham RAF Odiham Website www.raf.mod.uk/rafodiham

ON THE COVER

A Families day guest takes a photo of a Texan whilst being photographed PUBLISHED BY: LANCE MEDIA GROUP LTD ADVERTISING: Darren Greenhead Email: darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk Tel: 01536 680414

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Editor’s FOREWORD MACr Richard White

W

elcome to the latest edition of Helicon, my first as editor. Within my tenure I wish to move away from the traditional format and make the magazine more community focused. I aim to

fill each edition with upcoming information from the Station and wider community and draw on expertise from around the unit with “How to Articles”. The Photo Section kick off this feature with an article on how to take portrait photographs. I hope you enjoy

this edition, if you wish to be featured please get in touch at ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk MACr Rich White 7 Sqn The deadline for submissions for the Christmas Edition is 18th Oct 23.

STATION COMMANDER’S

FOREWORD

I

t is a pleasure to write my final introduction to Helicon, indeed by the time this edition is published I will have handed over command of RAF Odiham and the Chinook Force to Gp Capt Roberts.

In a slightly self-indulgent way I thought I would reflect on some of the recent achievements of RAF Odiham and its people, many of which have been covered in articles previous Helicon issues.

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine changed everything in early 2022.

Initially, and so rapidly they were in place as Russian aggression began, 18 Sqn deployed to Lithuania along with Army Air Corp Apaches.

This was followed by JHC’s series of projections to Eastern Europe, the most impactful and successful being the two Chinook Force Op PELEDA deployments to Estonia with the force doing the sort of tasks that haven’t been regularly completed by UK Support Helicopters since the days of the Bosnia deployments.

The Trials and tribulations of RAF Odiham’s built environment has been a theme throughout my time as Station Commander whether it was rain-water flooding at 18 Sqn or the Families’ experience of the travails of the early days of the Pinnacle contract there was constant work to be done to drive improvements. The last year have seen almost every senior commander in the RAF being

Group Captain Matt Roberts OBE DFC RAF

G

p Capt Roberts was born near Keighley, West Yorkshire in 1975. He attended South Craven Comprehensive School and went on to study Business at The University of Northumbria, Newcastle.

Gp Capt Donal McGurk

Rolling deployment to Mali which RAF Odiham delivered for 5 years providing heavy lift support to the French Forces on Op BARKANE (French counter terrorist operation in Mali) and Medevac to British troops deployed as part of the UN peace keeping commitment. Our personnel were stood down and finally pulled out in good order in Summer 2022 and were busy with high priority tasks until the very end.

INTRODUCING THE NEW STATION COMMANDER

walked through hangars and accommodation blocks to ensure that the views of Odiham people have been clearly communicated to the very top.

We have also been affected by nationally historic events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the activation of Op BRIDGE and the Coronation of King Charles III with the Coronation Parade Day Light Rehearsal here at Odiham and our Chinooks central to what was largely a helicopter flypast.

I look forward with optimism for the Station, with Chinook as vital and in demand as ever, the arguments for infrastructure investment having landed and extra money for smaller investments this year and the Airbase/Airwing proposal helping define future plans.

I will continue to watch your endeavours and successes and I am sure Gp Capt Roberts’ time will be full of ‘events’ and ‘issues’ but I am sure it will be equally important to the nation and memorable for all involved.

Following attendance at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he commissioned into the Army Air Corps in 1999 and flew the Lynx anti-tank variant with both 3 & 4 Regt AAC based at Wattisham. He then became a Flight Commander on 657 Sqn AAC based at RAF Odiham. Following a further tour at Odiham as SO3 J3 / 5 for the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW), he was promoted to Major and subsequently attended ICSC(L) in 2006. He transferred to the Chinook Force shortly afterwards (as a Flt Lt) and following several Op HERRICK tours was promoted to Sqn Ldr and posted in 2011 to Cap ALM as the Chinook & SAR Desk Officer.

After leaving the MOD he commanded B Flt on 18(B) Sqn and on his subsequent promotion to Wg Cdr attended AST at the Ecole de Guerre in Paris in 2014. Upon leaving Paris he became the HQ AIR Liaison Officer responsible for Operational Capability based in Lyon, France. He was responsible for commanding the initial deployment and subsequently IOC/FOC of the Chinook mission to Mali in 2018.

He then commanded 18(B) Sqn from 2019-21 and was posted on promotion to JFC Brunssum in the Netherlands, where he took up the role of XO to the Dep Cdr, as well as that of UK Senior National Representative.

His operational experience includes Bosnia (Op PALATINE), Iraq (Op TELIC 1), Afghanistan (Op EMPEROR) and 5 tours of Op HERRICK (2008-2013) and Mali (Op NEWCOMBE).

Gp Capt Roberts is married to Ali, a corporate tax manager for Schroders PLC and they have two young children, Harry (11) and Thomas (9). Their home is usually in the village of Crondall, Hampshire where until recently he was Chair of the village Parish Council, a job never to be repeated. He is a fluent French speaker and enjoys skiing, hiking and the theatre.

Helicon magazine can also be found online:

www.rafmags.co.uk

Promise and Fulfil.

Helicon | 5

Q

&A

The incoming Station Commander was interviewed by Helicon, here’s what he had to say:

The capabilities of the Chinook Q1. Why do you want to be Station Commander at Odiham? Force are hugely important to other units within Defence and the wider Government, therefore Firstly, hello. My name is Matt we are always in demand. Such a Roberts and I have just taken over as the Station Commander. I live on high demand places considerable the patch here with Alison my wife strain on our community. As Force Commander it is my responsibility and my two sons Harry (11) and to balance the demand for these Thomas (9). capabilities with the welfare of the personnel who make it happen and Very simply put, RAF Odiham and their families. This is a perpetual the Chinook Force are iconic. It challenge but one that is incredibly is one of the most operationally important, it is my responsibility focussed and committed bases in the Royal Air Force. We operate one that this is conveyed accurately and convincingly to higher command; of the most capable lift platforms balance is key. The result is a highly in the world that has delivered for the last 40 years and its people are capable, highly motivated Force amazing. I love working for people that can surmount any challenge, and helping to solve the things that world wide. I would add to this challenge one that you all know they need help with from a boss, - the buildings here are tired and it’s the best part of the job. need investment, this will be a major focus of my time here, our Q2. What are you most looking people deserve it. forward to?

We look after each other, we watch out for one another. I see my position as serving that village to get what it needs – I work for you, not the other way around.

Q7. What is your vision of the future force?

A content force that is in balance and has the right people and kit at the right time to do the job Q5. Both technical and domestic that the country has asked of us. accommodation including SFA are dilapidated and suffering Q8. Reduced manning from a lack of investment; can has resulted in increased you make a change and what workload across many are your priorities? departments, can you reduce the burden on individuals?

I fully agree. RAF Odiham has historically suffered in infrastructure I think this ties in with my points terms and it shows. I am hoping above, that we need to take to increase the money available stock of exactly what we are to Stn Cdrs to spend, which will able to do and then prioritise hopefully make a short term (but accordingly. Whilst no-one likes significant) difference to some of saying ‘no’ there are times when, our SLA. Longer term will depend for the greater good, we should on where RAF Odiham sits in carefully consider the bigger budgetary terms going forward. picture to ensure we stay in We must engage positively and balance. One thing I am sure relentlessly to get what we need. of is that when we respond to Priorities will be driven by the the nation’s call our people will greatest need. be, as always, incredible and our Getting out and about and meeting Q4. What is your perception of an RAF Community and what do amazing aircraft will speak for our people. I can sit in an office all day long, but for me I can learn ten you see as your position within Q6. What do you think needs to themselves. change at Odiham? times more by having a coffee and the community?

I look forward to meeting as an open chat with people.

It’s day one as I am typing this, I will many as possible of you in the A village that shares a common let you know in the next edition! bond of service. We proudly serve coming weeks.

Q3. What are you least looking forward to and what do you see but we must take time to spend with our families and each other. as your biggest challenge?

CHIEF MARSHAL SIR RICHARD KNIGHTON Who’s Who? AIR KCB ADC FREng The Chief of the Air Staff is the 4-star commander and professional head of the Royal Air Force.

He is accountable to the Secretary of State for its fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale.

Reporting through the Chief of

6 | Helicon

the Defence Staff, he is responsible for the development, generation, integration and sustainment of the RAF in accordance with Defence policy and priorities to meet CDS strategic objectives.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Prime

Minister was clear in the Integrated Review Refresh that the world is now more volatile and contested.

Air and Space power are critical to defending the UK, its interests and our allies. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to build on the modernisation and phenomenal operational success led by my predecessor.”

HOW TO

HOW TO...

TAKE PORTRAITS As photographers, one of our main roles is to provide portraits of service personnel. a given background, lighting can also be used to make your subject stand out.

From official portraits of officers, to more informal snaps of enlisted ranks going about their daily duties, RAF photographers employ a variety of techniques in order to get the perfect picture.

Obviously, lighting comes into its own in a studio setting.

However, studio-like conditions can be achieved outdoors with minimal equipment.

HERE’S A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO APPROACH PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. A key word to remember when photographing people is separation; your goal is to separate your subject from the background.

This can be achieved through composition, lighting and depth of field.

One of the most common mistakes the inexperienced photographer makes is composing a shot badly.

Placing your subject too close to the background, whether it’s nature, a building or a vehicle, will cause them to blend in. Simply putting some distance between your subject and this background is a good start to taking a decent portrait.

Framing is also a crucial aspect. The rule of thirds is the most common method, and is applicable if you’re taking a close up or a wide shot.

The rule of thumb here is that the subject’s eyes should be a third of the way from the top of the frame.

If your subject is centred in the frame, they should occupy the middle third. If you’re placing your subject is off to one side, then allow ‘looking space’ of approx. two thirds of the frame.

While the casual photographer may not have access to a full studio set up, there are still plenty of ways to improve the lighting of any given situation and achieve that all important separation.

Natural light is generally preferable to artificial light. When indoors, shooting your subject near a window will result in pleasing Rembrandt style lighting.

When natural light isn’t available, it’s always advisable to recreate the natural light look by using off camera flash. Direct flash tends to flatten a subject’s features, so placing the flash off to one side, at a higher angle than the camera, will create a more flattering look.

Even on a night out, with just phone cameras to hand, a good trick is to shoot with one phone, and use the torch on another phone to provide lighting.

Not to downplay the use of flash altogether, it can be used creatively, even in natural light settings. In the same way separation can be achieved by moving your subject away from

By using the camera’s light meter, or by taking test shots, the photographer can determine the available lighting levels (also known as ambient light) in a location.

Any decent flashgun will allow the photographer to control the intensity and direction of the flash, so a good lighting separation technique is to underexpose the ambient light and use the flash, whether on camera or off, to fully the light subject, resulting in the subject popping out from a darkened background.

Finally, depth of field. For a headshot, your aperture will generally be wide open, gaining as shallow a depth of field of possible, remembering to focus on the subject’s eyes.

An environmental portrait will obviously need a deeper depth of field.

Thanks to advances in smartphones, the casual photographer doesn’t need a full frame DSLR to control depth of field. A lot of smartphones now have a portrait mode that will automatically blur out the background, immediately achieving separation and giving portraits a more professional look.

Helicon | 7

GENERAL INTEREST

The life of a Padre at RAF Odiham As the Food and Drink Festival at Odiham village started to be advertised I realised that I have been at RAF Odiham for a year. I was very excited about coming to RAF Odiham as my favourite aircraft is the Chinook – mainly because when I came through OASC it was the only aircraft that I could identify – and now I obviously appreciate the diverse roles and capabilities that it brings more fully. It is often good to stop and reflect on life and so I share a few things with you.

W

ithin my first week here I was given the opportunity to go for a flight. Whilst I had been on a Chinook before I had not had the privilege to sit in the jump seat nor to sit on the ramp. Meeting new people, doing a new thing was great. And so was the chance to take a different perspective of the area – getting an aerial view rather than on foot or in the car. And often people do come to see a chaplain to get a different perspective in a safe and non-judgemental space.

And then the following month I had the opportunity to be one of two chaplains on the Exercise CAMINO EAGLE with a group of serving personnel primarily from Odiham and Benson. This was a journey of at least 110 km over five days to test physical resilience but also to explore mental, emotional, spiritual resilience as well. If you are a serving personnel and you haven’t heard of the EAGLE schemes then do look them up.

They are a great opportunity.

During this year I have walked alongside many amazing people who live and work in this area. It is great to see motivated people who love what they are doing.

There is also the recognition that sometimes we are tired, struggling with physical or mental health, having things going on in the workplace or at home and sometimes need to look after self.

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Resilience is a word that has picked up momentum and I wonder how resilient you are? Resilience comes in many forms – mental, physical, emotional, social, psychological, spiritual. We ran a few Resilience Days over the last year and hope to do some more in the next year.

And there have been some key moments of sharing in people lives: exploring option for marriages,

celebrating births through baptism, sharing in services at Battle of Britain and Remembrance, utilising the chaplaincy centre for families to celebrate birthdays and other events.

In my reflections I see three main things: doing something new and getting a different perspective, investing in one thing for a test of resilience or a time of self-reflection

and thirdly, remembering to celebrate and mark occasions with friends, family, colleagues.

How has your year been? And what plans do you have in mind for the coming year? If you are up for a challenge then: Do something new. Do something for you. Spend quality time with family and friends and celebrate life.

Padre Dawn

COMMUNITY NEWS

STEM within the Community On Monday 21st Aug, the RAF Odiham STEM team ran an induction day in the WACC to kick off the new academic year. Service personnel from across the base joined to see what and how we use all of our kit – and we had some professional advice on how to best use it by our resident experts (8 year olds!).

L

ittle known, and hidden away in our STEM room (in ChMS), we have thousands of pounds worth of pretty technical STEM equipment; including robot Lego programming kits, remote control Sphero balls, electronic ‘HotWire’ wiring games, pressurised rocket launching equipment and tens of iPads. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was all fairly noddy, but in truth, some of the challenges get pretty technical pretty quickly and have absolutely left us (the STEM Ambassadors (SAs)) lost for answers too!

As the STEM team, we aim to promote the idea of pursuing STEM subjects to everyone we run activities for. With the help of the flying battle bus, our reach has been quite far – going so far as Norfolk! But our key customers are closer to home. Because of the efforts of CT Marrs and the RAF Odiham SAs we’ve run over

station’s image, enabling better communication and good will.

Even not being altruistic however…

Getting involved with organising or helping events like these can benefit you or your section directly.

It’s true that STEM is an easy piece of evidence on a report, but even more important – standing in front of 150+ students and owning the room, remaining enthusiastic and confident, and planning an event injects huge capacity into any individual. The environment that STEM presents really does provide a huge personal development opportunity.

So if you’ve ever been curious, and want to try your hand at all things STEM, give it a go!

25 events this year locally, placing RAF Odiham as the fifth largest RAF Station in providing STEM events.

Although our key aim is to bolster STEM subjects, a huge incentive

and benefit from providing events locally is that we solidify the relationship between RAF Odiham and our local schools.

This also indirectly benefits the

Contact CT James Marrs or I, Flt Lt Ben Palmer, and we’ll find something to suit your goals.

ANYONE can get involved.

The Nursery RAFA Kidz took over the running of the Nursery at Odiham in July 2019, with the aim to bring down costs of childcare for Military families and improve standards of care being provided. Since then RAFA Kidz has grown to ten Nurseries across multiple bases.

They put supporting the service community and their families at the heart of what they do. The Nursery caters for children aged 3 months to school age across three independent rooms with an onsite Chef to provide nutritious meals for all of the children.

We are open 51 weeks of the

year 7:30- 5:30 and offer the option for morning or afternoon only sessions.

If you would like any more information about the Nursery, please do not hesitate to contact the setting on 01256 262067 or email at odiham@rafakidz. org.uk.

Helicon | 9

IN THE VILLAGE

News from Odiham Parish Council Odiham Parish Council is based in the centre of Odiham at The Bridewell in The Bury, between All Saints and Mayhill School. The Parish Office is generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

I

n Hampshire, local service delivery is split between 3 tiers of local government; Odiham Parish Council, Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council. Each authority holds different duties and provides different services to residents. Responsibilities and contact details can be found at https://odihamparishcouncil. gov.uk/council/which-council-isresponsible.

There are ten councillor positions representing three wards. Six covering the Odiham ward, three covering North Warnborough and one covering RAF Odiham.

The RAF Odiham position, representing all the residents on the RAF base, is currently vacant following the departure of Tim Griffith who is moving to a new

10 | Helicon

position in the RAF. We wish Tim every success and look forward to seeing Tim and his family at future community events.

Odiham Parish Council is responsible for the management of local amenities including outdoor recreational spaces, play areas, an allotment site, Odiham Cemetery, The Bridewell, public toilets, the war memorial and more. These sites are managed from the small Parish Office. As well as direct management of facilities, Odiham Parish Council plays a key role in representing local views. This could include planning related matters, civic events, campaigning for local change eg on highways related matters and generally supporting the community in projects which promote positive health & wellbeing for its residents.

You don’t have to be a councillor to get involved. There are many different projects and events which offer opportunities for volunteering, in fact, the success of each group depends on these hard working and dedicated volunteers! Two current examples include: The Countryside Conservation Volunteers work group which meets once a month to help keep local rights of way clear from vegetation https:// odihamparishcouncil.gov.uk/ countryside-conservation The Odiham & North Warnborough Speedwatch group where volunteers need to take an hour long course before they can sign up for one hour sessions at a time which is convenient to them https://odihamparishcouncil.gov.

uk/council/community-speedwatch Over the next few months, Odiham Parish Council will be co-ordinating Remembrance on Sunday 12th November, with support from RAF Odiham and the Royal British Legion, and holding a Christmas tree lighting event on Thursday 23rd November. Both events take place on Odiham High Street.

Cllr Angela McFarlane, chair of the council, says “we welcome Group Captain Matt Roberts as he begins his posting as Station Commander.

Odiham Parish Council enjoys a strong working relationship with RAF Odiham and the Councillor representing the Base has always made a strong and valued contribution to the work of the Council.”

Parish Clerk, August 2023

How the RAF Benevolent Fund supported RAF Odiham in 2022 The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has released its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting how it has continued to support members of the RAF Family in 2022 through practical, emotional and financial support.

The Fund helped over 40,000 members of the RAF Family in 2022, including over 24,000 serving personnel and their families, and over 16,700 veterans and their families, with a huge 96% of beneficiaries saying the Fund improved their quality of life.

over 10,000 people were helped, including RAF personnel and their families based in RAF Odiham.

In 2022, RAF Odiham was given £1,700 in grants, including a station welfare grant and funds towards Operation Christmas.

This year, the RAF Benevolent Fund One way the Fund supported the has funded a Families Day grant and will be providing funds once RAF Community was through more for Operation Christmas.

RAF Station grants, where

Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The grants the Fund provides RAF bases like RAF Odiham is crucial to ensure RAF families have the mental, financial and practical assistance they need.

Some of the initiatives and events we have funded have allowed serving personnel and their families to come together and socialise with others, improving morale and mental health, and reducing

isolation. We are thrilled that the Fund is able to make a difference.”

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

This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

Helicon | 11

EX BLUE WARRIOR

Ex BLUE WARRIOR Recently, Initial Force Protection Training held Ex Blue Warrior at Rosemead Trg Area, adjacent to the airfield at RAF Halton. A four-day field exercise that is used to test the basic force protection skills of RAF recruits.

Sgt Mooney, IFPT

D

uring the exercise, recruits are required to demonstrate a wide range of skills, including basic fire and manoeuvre drills, weapons handling tests, first aid, and personal administration. They are also tested on their ability to operate in field conditions, such as coping with fatigue, hunger, and stress, and working effectively as part of a team. Ex Blue Warrior is a challenging but essential part of the RAF training syllabus, and it helps to ensure that recruits have the skills and knowledge they need to operate safely and effectively in a variety of situations.

As part of the Ex and to add realism to the trg, a 27 Sqn Chinook gave 29 phase 1 recruits their first helicopter flight experience as part of a Military Exercise. This achieved 2 aims: the phase 1 recruits conducted stage 1 drills, learning how to board and disembark an engines-running/rotors-turning Chinook with weapons whilst wearing full Combat Fighting JHC Helicopters Order; 27 Sqn achieved several manoeuvreincluding into position currencies, underslung at RAFfield Benson loads, landings and carriage of inexperienced troops.

The amount of motivation felt by the recruits from experiences such as this shouldn’t be underestimated! After the event the recruits said the Chinook flight was the highlight of the CPT Week.

It was described as an ‘amazing’, ‘unique experience’ and many of them related the flight to their forthcoming phase 2 trg. Thoughts such as ‘This gave me an insight into how helicopters operate in and around air bases which links to my role of air traffic’, were made. One Recruit said ‘As I’m going into the trade of ASOS a possible posting choice of mine could be Odiham, and to have the privilege to be in the back of the aircraft they fly was a true honour and a memory I won’t forget for a long time during my career’, showing the impact experiences like this can have on young people entering the RAF.

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EX MALEME MAMMOTH

Ex MALEME MAMMOTH In June 23 personnel from 27 Sqn travelled to Crete for a force development trip to study the use of Axis and Allied airpower during The Battle and Fall of Crete 1941.

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he trip considered the use of allied ground defences, the first use of German paratroopers and the actions of the Greek Resistance during the Nazi occupation. The group covered various sites including the Souda bay war cemetery, Hill 107, the Tavronitis bridge as well as others to deliver stands on their

topics. The trip enabled discussion around the evolution of air power and how it could now be utilised in a similar scenario.

The RAF memorial at Maleme was also visited to pay respects to the men of No.30 and No.33 Sqn who lost their lives during the battle for Maleme May 1941.

Souda bay war cemetery

Tavronitis bridge

RAF memorial Maleme

Souda bay war cemetery

Black tree memorial park

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Odiham

Families Day 2023

An unforgettably enjoyable day that stormy skies and uncertainty couldn’t dampen.

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he skies might have started cloudy, but the spirits were anything but at this year’s Families Day event, held on 18 August. With over 4000 visitors, the day was a resounding success that celebrated the commitment of the Chinook Force personnel and recognised the RAF Odiham community for its continued sacrifice and resolute support.

Despite facing initial uncertainties and challenges, Families Day 2023 turned out to be a memorable occasion that showcased the power of teamwork, resilience and dedication from all of those involved in the arrangements.

The event was a vibrant tapestry of activities, boasting a total of 46 vendors ranging from fairground rides to delectable food and drinks. 126 static cars including historic military vehicles, Morgans, Mustangs and VW Campers attracted plenty of attention from avid petrolheads and novices alike, while the thrilling go-karting track added a dash of competitive excitement to the mix.

One of the standout highlights of the day is always families flying.

Although there were concerns that families flying could be cancelled due to a review of passenger regulations, the team’s hard work and dedication prevailed. With official confirmation received just

14 | Helicon

the day prior, the team executed an exceptional feat by making the families flying experience possible at incredibly short notice.

The weather proved to be another formidable challenge. Torrential rain and inclement weather in the morning cast a shadow over the event, even putting the families flying segment in jeopardy. Yet, against all odds, five crews, led

by Flt Lt Alex Wright (7 Sqn), persevered and battled through the adverse conditions to ensure that every eligible family member got their chance to take to the skies. As the afternoon sun broke through the clouds, a breath-taking flying display unfolded before the awe-struck crowd.

The event boasted an impressive line-up of aerial performances. The Typhoon, with its commanding presence, opened the show, setting the tone for the day. With moisture still heavy in the air, the vapour formations over the iconic delta wings and the sun glinting off the cockpit canopy added to the theatre. History came alive with displays from a Yak 3 and the BBMF’s Spitfire, its unmistakable silhouette and familiar roar of the Merlin engine offering a nostalgic journey through time. While the full Red Arrows display was curtailed, the crowd were still treated to a flypast and a perfectly executed

formation run-in and break. The disappointment from missing Reds 6 and 7’s dare-devil aerial stunts was short-lived as the synchronized pair performance from the two displaying Strikemasters left the audience mesmerised.

Even though adverse weather prevented the Wings Parachute Display Team from taking flight, the Station Commander drew the raffle ticket for the tandem skydive opportunity, adding an extra twist of excitement to the day’s festivities. However, the true showstopper was the captivating display by the Chinook Display Team from 18 Squadron. Their impressive manoeuvres, conducted with absolute precision, left the crowd spellbound, underscoring the remarkable skills of the team, the true capability of the Chinook and the extraordinary efforts of Chinook Force personnel.

As the flying drew to a close, the noise of aircraft was replaced by live music and singing revellers as the afterparty at Sporties got into full swing. As the live band opened with Shut Up And Dance, the makeshift grass dancefloor bounced until late into the evening.

The event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of numerous individuals. The whole Families Day Committee devoted months of their time to the meticulous organisation of the event to ensure its safety and success. Of note, FS Tony Barnes (ChMS), Ground Display Director, spearheaded months of ground preparations, setting the foundation for a seamless event. FS Ben Greet (18 Sqn), Flying Display Director,

skilfully and flexibly navigated the ever-changing weather conditions to ensure the airshow went on without a hitch, whilst Flt Lt Al Sparks (18 Sqn) and Cpl Jack Burrows (Stn Ops) enthusiastically managed the static aircraft. Sgt Stewart Gibson (AST), OIC Families Flying, orchestrated the rapid setup required for the unforgettable families flying experience. Sqn Ldr Chris Greensides (27 Sqn) managed all flying activities with finesse. Flt Lt Sam Horrocks (SHFHQ) sacrificed many evenings developing an advanced automatic ticketing system, while FS Adam Towse (RAFP) cut through multiple bureaucratic hurdles to make essential traffic light installations and security measures possible.

A special commendation goes to MACr Ollie Smith (CDF), the event Chief of Staff, for cohering the committee and ensuring a seamless execution. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast support of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Cadets, ably led by Sqn Ldrs Graeme Hughes and Brian Swan. Around 150 air cadets were on duty, providing excellent marshalling services and showcasing immense potential and dedication.

In essence, Families Day 2023 stood as a testament to the power of positivity, collaboration, and determination. Characterised by the torrential weather blooming into full sunshine, it highlighted the unwavering commitment of the station personnel and the participants to create an unforgettable experience despite the odds.

Easty Sqn Ldr Tom Eastwood (7 Sqn) Families Day 23 ProjO

Preparations for Families Day 2024 will soon start. If you are interested in taking on a role within the Families Day Committee, please contact the Families Day Project Officer.

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7 SQUADRON

7 Squadron Survival Equipment The Survival Equipment Technician is an off-Aircraft engineering Trade that plays a vital role supporting the flying capability at RAF Odiham. As SE Techs, we work in various bays station wide, these include sections within the three squadrons at Odiham, along with a main bay. All sections have various commitments and ensure that they work closely with each other to achieve the best possible output station wide.

by AS1 George Hazlewood (7 Sqn SE Tech)

7

Sqn Survival Equipment Section carryout the maintenance of AEA (Aircrew Equipment Assemblies), which consist of flying helmet, Body Armour Load Carriage System (BALCS), Immersion Protection Garment (IPG) for use when flying over water, as well as harnesses used by rear crew that provide them the ability to move around the aircraft. We also conduct first line maintenance on ANVIS 9 Night Vision Devices and maintain the Life Preservers Stoles over water equipment.

All Aircrew have an AN PRC112G (Covert Radio) fitted to their BALCS whilst flying. As SE Techs, we are responsible for servicing and testing the PRCs we have on

Squadron. Furthermore, we also programme these Covert Radios with SPINS (Special Instructions), these allow the PRCs to be set to the correct frequency if required for SERE use. These SPINS can be edited at any point and is required to change when away on Operations, whilst operating out of 7 Sqn the SPINS are set to UK parameters.

One of our main priorities is to ensure that all AEA and SE is serviceable and in good condition after a sortie, this is vital due to 7 Sqn busy flying programme. We conduct an After Last Flight Daily Servicing (ALFD) with all returning kit from a sortie, this enables us to check the serviceability and ensure that the Aircrews kit is ready to go again for their next sortie. On these After Flights, we also check that no Loose articles are present, we work closely with the engineers, assisting them in any way to help discover any loose articles.

7 Squadron hold three readiness commitments, as SE Techs we ensure that all AEA & SE for these

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commitments are maintained and in good order, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. The Aircrew have bespoke Survival Equipment to meet the challenging demands that these commitments offer.

The SE Techs must undergo specific training on these various assets before they can work on Squadron. These include Aircrew Protective Equipment & Detection (APED) consisting of helmet and respirator system to provide protection against CBR threats and the Helicopter Pilots & Aircrew Supplementary Oxygen System (HPASOS) which is a lightweight & portable personal oxygen supply system that provides protection from the effects of hypoxia when operating at altitudes of up to 15,000ft.

All the above AEA is scaled for the Aircrew to train as they fight, so they are ready for when they deploy on operations.

SE Techs at RAF Odiham work closely with other Trades on station to fulfil their role. This is especially

seen on 7 Sqn where we carry out a Temp Code on the MS10 liferafts for the engineers during the aircrafts 7 Day checks. To ensure the continued serviceability of this equipment, we carryout detailed inspections of the equipment for damage on the aircraft. It is a vital role due the multitude of over water flying 7 Sqn conduct.

The work and support we provide improves aircrew safety and confidence in their equipment, allowing the Squadron to fulfil their flying commitments.

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27 SQUADRON

27 Squadron support to Basingstoke Voluntary Action Basingstoke Voluntary Action is a local charity that facilitates a vibrant, sustainable, and far-reaching voluntary sector to champion the needs of Basingstoke & Deane residents.

By MAcr J Fowler

2

7 Squadron have assisted BVA through several voluntary activities over the last 12 months; ranging from assisting with the production and delivery of Christmas food hampers via the Basingstoke Foodbank for families in need to facilitating the general housekeeping of the charity headquarters to improve the environment for both staff and clients.

The latest initiative was a charity car wash, conducted at the charity HQ in Basingstoke, to raise funds for the installation of a community defibrillator. Bright and early one morning in May, a small team of WSop’s from A Flt, 27 Sqn plus 2 27 Sqn A Flt WSop’s currently working in SHQ, met at BVA HQ to commence washing a seemingly endless line of vehicles; some of which looked like they hadn’t been washed for a decade!

With the promise of a warm, sunny spring morning having not materialised, the group quickly established an efficient system of cleaning moss, grime and pterodactyl droppings from

vehicles whose owners had made a charitable donation towards funding the defibrillator.

Fuelled by endless rounds of hot drinks and biscuits, supplied

by BVA staff and The Orchard Community Café, the group worked through rain, wind and the occasional ray of sunshine, completing all pre-booked vehicles with enough time spare to fit in a few extra additions; most notably the ex-Mayor of Basingstoke’s car; an RAF veteran himself.

Having raised sufficient funds for the community defibrillator to be installed, BVA invited 27 Sqn to the official unveiling at BVA HQ in late July. The defib was unveiled by the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke, with attendance from BVA staff and management. MAcr Fowler, Sgt

Gibson and Sgt Hodgson attended the event, taking the opportunity to engage with attendees from the local community; it was noted by all that the Mayor was very keen to chat with the RAF Odiham personnel, doing so for an extended period and leaving others waiting around for their chance to grab a moment of the Mayors time!

Having been involved in such a successful charity endeavour, 27 Sqn look forward to yet more volunteering opportunities with BVA in the future; assisting an important local charity deliver its vital work supporting the local community.

BVA are based at The Orchard, Basingstoke Town Centre. For more information, please contact MAcr Jim Fowler, 27 Sqn or BVA directly at contact@bvaction.org.uk 18 | Helicon

27 SQUADRON

27 Squadron Chinooks on Exercise TOMOS EN POLVO, Spain Two 27 Sqn Chinooks and 57 RAF Odiham personnel have recently been deployed to Spain in support of Ex TOMAS EN POLVO.

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he objective of the exercise was to carry out multi-national interoperability and operations, and to conduct training in a desert-based environment.

Based out of San Gregorio Training Area in the Zaragoza Province, 2 x Spanish, 3 x Dutch and 1x Italian Chinooks took part, as well as 2 x Spanish Tigers and NH90s, totalling 12 rotary assets. The exercise has been an opportunity for the RAF Chinooks to train with a wide range of allies and partners and demonstrate the battle winning capabilities of the aircraft to international colleagues. Aircrew were able to practise dust-landing techniques as singletons, and in formation with other nationalities and aircraft types, sharing best practices, culminating in 4-ship dust landing operations. The unique topography of the training area also afforded crews the opportunity to fly by day and night in challenging high and hot conditions in a mountainous and dusty environment.

The exercise formally ended on 7 Jul 23, with the UK Chinooks and personnel returning to their home base.

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OP SECRET GARDEN

OPERATION N E D R A G T SECRE Restoring an inspirational area at Mayhill Junior School In a world where technology dominates our lives and the hustle and bustle of daily routines can be overwhelming, finding moments of tranquillity and connection with nature has become increasingly important.

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or Mayhill Junior School, nestled in the heart of Odiham’s community, a neglected and overgrown “secret garden” stood as a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.

This is the story of Operation SECRET GARDEN, a remarkable endeavour undertaken by 27 Squadron B Flt, led by FS Jones, to lay the foundations for the restoration of the sensory learning area and provide a much-needed sanctuary for the students.

The Forgotten Gem Mayhill Junior School’s secret garden, once a thriving and vibrant space for sensory learning, had gradually fallen into disrepair.

Weeds and brambles had claimed the once carefully tended flowerbeds, time had dulled the vibrant colours and scents that once inspired the young minds of the school. Recognising the potential of this forgotten gem, FS Jones and the team of 27 Sqn B Flt embarked on an ambitious two-phase plan to revive the secret garden and bring back its former glory.

Phase 1: Clearing the Path The initial phase of Operation SECRET GARDEN involved the ground work and clearing of the deeply entrenched weeds and unruly brambles. The team, armed with determination and a sense of purpose and lots of plasters, painstakingly reclaimed the garden inch by inch.

Through their tireless efforts, the once hidden pathways and small pond emerged, ready to lead students through a world of sensory exploration. This first phase was a physical representation of the team’s 20 | Helicon

dedication to restoring the garden as a space for learning, growth, and rejuvenation.

Phase 2: Rejuvenation and Final Touches

With the garden now free from its suffocating overgrowth, the focus shifted to revitalizing the flowerbeds and giving the garden its final flourish. The team rolled up their sleeves once again, clearing out the remaining weeds and preparing the ground for a fresh beginning. As the last cutbacks were made, the garden was ready to be transformed into a haven of peace and tranquillity, ready to welcome the children of Mayhill Junior School.

Sensory Learning and SEND The restoration of the secret garden holds profound significance for the students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Sensory

learning plays a vital role in the development of children with SEND, as it enhances their sensory perception, communication skills, and overall well-being. The soon to be revitalised garden will offer an inviting space for students to explore their senses, engage with nature, and find solace in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

The sights, sounds, textures, and scents within the secret garden will stimulate the senses of the students, providing a rich and dynamic environment for learning and relaxation. Vibrant flowers will awaken their visual senses, while gentle sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds will create a soothing auditory experience.

The textures of different plant leaves and petals will offer tactile stimulation, and the fragrance of blooming flowers will ignite their olfactory senses. Through these sensory encounters, students can develop their cognitive abilities, foster emotional regulation, and improve their social skills.

A Place to Chill Out Beyond its educational benefits, the soon to be restored secret garden offers a sanctuary for all students

at Mayhill Junior School. In a world where stress and pressure can overwhelm young minds, having a peaceful space to retreat to is invaluable. The garden provides a tranquil setting where students can find solace, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world. It becomes a refuge where they can escape The Impact on Mayhill Junior School: The transformation of the sensory learning area through Operation SECRET GARDEN has had a profound impact on Mayhill Junior School and its students.

The renewed space has become a valuable resource for teachers and support staff to enhance the educational experience of children with SEND. The garden should now serve as an extension of the classroom, offering unique opportunities for hands-on learning and sensory exploration.

Teachers can integrate outdoor activities and lessons, capitalizing on the garden’s diverse plant life, insects, and birds to engage the children in meaningful educational experiences. The sensory elements of the garden will provide a

OP SECRET GARDEN

stimulating backdrop for learning, allowing the students to connect with their surroundings and absorb information in a holistic manner.

Beyond the immediate benefits to the school and its students,

the success of Operation SECRET GARDEN has garnered recognition and support from the local community. The efforts team have attracted the attention of the local Rotary Club, who have

generously provided additional funding to further enhance the sensory learning area. This support not only validates the importance of the project but also reinforces the school’s commitment to

fostering an inclusive and enriching educational environment.

A big thank you to all the team that helped.

FS S Jones 27 Sqn B Flt

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SPORTS NEWS

RAF Odiham Climbing Club Do you like being in the outdoors, pushing your mental and physical limits, all while making a great group of friends? Well with the RAF Odiham Climbing Club we’ve been doing it for the past year already!

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ver the last 12 months we have competed at tri-service competitions, RAF championships and organised trips across the UK and Europe. Here are a few accounts from members of one of RAF Odiham’s most active clubs to let you know what you could get involved with.

RAFMA Festival of Climbing and RAF Odiham Climbing Socials – AS1 Ryan Croxford Since its inception the RAF Odiham Climbing Club has continuously developed individuals from across Stn, improving their climbing strength and skillset, which have been used both competitively and socially – this has been demonstrated by its recent successes at the RAFMA Festival of Climbing. Not only is the team asserting its dominance in competitions; the climbing club has grown considerably as a social community as well, attending weekends both in the UK and abroad. Climbing at RAF Odiham has recently become one of the

largest, most active, and most exciting sports to be a part of on Station.

Toward the end of April, the club took part in the illustrious RAFMA Festival of Climbing. The premiere event of the RAF climbing calendar took place over a long weekend, split into two phases – the championship itself, and outdoor climbing/mountaineering activities held throughout the Peak District. Competitors for the RAF championship came from Stns across the UK and overseas, and were split into five categories: Novice (anyone who is not a confident lead climber), Female Open, Men’s U25, Men’s Open, Men’s Masters.

RAF Odiham dominated in each category with every member of the club in the top 10. A particular mention should go out to AS1(T) Rhys Hall (1st Men’s U25) and Cpl Dean ‘Dino’ Stock (2nd Men’s Open). Such a showing meant that RAF Odiham also took home the Stn trophy for the best overall performance!

The weekend then aimed to provide outdoor climbing lessons and skill development. The RAF mountaineering association was able to provide a great number of instructors, most coming from

representatives from different Stns including RAF Odiham’s own – Flt Lt Richardson and Cpl Sam Fillingham-Doyle. These weekends provide an exclusive opportunity to develop climbing skills, meet other climbers, and encourage further development. Not to mention – it’s also free! Prime examples of the social opportunities these events can encourage can be shown in our recent social trips across Europe.

One such trip took us to Fontainebleau, a region of France just south of Paris that is frequently described as ‘the Mecca for bouldering in Europe’. The quantity and quality of boulder problems in this beautiful forest-region is immense, with a plethora of routes that are great for both beginners and experts.

As well as heading to France, in February a small team of RAF Odiham climbers braved the tall, harsh crags of Costa Blanca. They went to Spain with the intent to improve their technical climbing ability, as well as their mental capacity to deal with situations when pushed into ‘stretch’. Their weeklong trip culminated in multi-pitch climbing routes of up to 100m in height and they pushed the limits of their climbing ability and comfort zone.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE: Dame Jouanne rock in Fontainebleau forest 22 | Helicon

SPORTS NEWS

Armed Forces Bouldering League and RAF Odiham vs Benson – AS1 Oli Underwood Over the winter, the club competed in the Armed Forces Bouldering League (AFBL). Where personnel from across the three services got together to compete in a series of rounds that tested their bouldering technique, mental strength, and physical resilience.

Each individual round is located at a different climbing gym across the country, from Sheffield to all the way down to Exeter. We attended several of these events, which cater for climbers of all levels, and is a worthwhile day out from your primary role. In fact, we liked them so much, we decided to set up our

own bouldering competition! We got in contact with the climbing club at RAF Benson and a local bouldering hall in Southampton, who gave us access to their climbing gym for a day. Organised by club members Fg Off Stephens and AS1(T) Richards, it worked much like the AFBL, only smaller.

The event comprised of two categories, elite and novice, with fierce but friendly competition between RAF Odiham and RAF Benson personnel, podium places being won by both. Prizes included: climbing chalk, T-shirts, and I’m sure it will become an or donated from friendly climbing and mugs, all provided by the club companies. It was an incredible day, annual competition for the club.

The Club Itself – AS1(T) Will Waller

The Future of The Club – Cpl Charles Pearce

What has rock climbing given me? Achievements, strength, knowledge, a profound sense of community? All those things and more, without the club I would have been flailing around not even knowing how to tie into a rope properly, wondering what to do with my weekends.

So, what does the club has planned in the coming months?

Ex Odiham Rocks – A recuring one day event over the summer to introduce novices to outdoor climbing. Currently we have been to Swanage conducting trad and sport climbing as well as the Wye Valley on a developmental day. These days have been a massive success so far and the summer ahead is proving to be an incredibly exciting one.

I have been training with the club in and out of work hours, with people I can genuinely call friends and it has done incredible things for me. I am now in the RAF climbing team, I can climb routes I would never have imagined possible this time last year, and all credit goes to the club. Yes, I’ve had to put in hard work, but it’s very rarely been on my own.

Recently we managed to get a day away from work down to Swanage to do some trad and sport climbing. I’ve found that even just through my participation in training and competitions over the past year, I have picked up so much knowledge and information.

I managed to help push some of the newer members to try harder routes because they felt safe with

my belaying or in the advice I was giving them. This may be a small thing for those newer members to say but it made a massive impact on me, making me feel like a mentor of sorts, another thing I never thought would happen a year ago.

Climbing conditioning, strength training, and lessons have been bizarrely impactful on me at work. I can tie a knot to secure important payloads without a second thought and I can pick things up that no one else can because of my finger strength.

Finally, I need to say that this isn’t just my opinion, I can happily state that most of the club would say similar things. The sense of community that the club has offered to us all has not been taken for granted by anyone. For some, the club is the best part of their week, for others it’s a nice way to spend an evening with friends. Whatever people’s reason for joining the club and learning to climb, the club, and the people in it, will always make time and space for them.

The other exercise on the horizon is Ex Rock Falcon a weeklong trip in North Wales to teach six personnel their RSF qualification and develop three others to prepare them for the RCS (Supervisor) course. Being based out of Capel Curig near the base of Mt. Snowdon the exercise will take participants to some the best climbing spots the UK has to offer. It is likely to be an amazing week and we can’t wait to see what our members achieve.

As for the team itself, we have six of our members representing the RAF at a Tri-Service level.

The sheer strength and ability of the club is growing and will continue if we gain more people who are willing to try something new and get back out into the great outdoors. The future for RAF Odiham’s Climbing Club is incredibly exciting!

I asked a question at the start of this article ‘Do you like being in the outdoors, pushing your mental and physical limits all while making a great group of friends?’ Now I am asking you, the reader, directly. If everything you have read about this club has inspired you, made you want to get out of your seat, put a harness on and try something that excites you, then don’t hesitate! There is so much that you may not know you are capable of, and rock climbing could be the next thing that changes your life like it has for our members already!

To get involved, please contact OIC Flt Lt Josh Richardson to learn more.

Joshua.richardson115@mod. gov.uk Helicon | 23

SPORTS NEWS

RAF Odiham Clay Shooting Club RAF Odiham clay shooting club was formed in 1979 and is situated on the southern side of the airfield close to the Regiment Section.

W

e offer multiple disciplines including Olympic Skeet, English Skeet, DTL and ABT and we are not restricted on opening times for serving military shooting sessions. We welcome FD events along with experienced shooters at the club at a very competitive price compared to shooting at a civilian club. We are always seeking new members and can offer advice on obtaining a shotgun certificate for newcomers to the sport.

The Olympic Skeet layout is the newest addition to the club and brings with it a fast and dynamic challenge, clays are fired at 57mph from the house and the shooter has less than 1.5 seconds to mount the gun into their shoulder and break the clay, you then get to do that a second time but with two at once from your left and right simultaneously. If you are seeking something a little more sedate the English skeet layout is a more gentlemanly affair at 45 mph.

The club has had tremendous success over recent years both from its serving shooters and Cadet members, who use the facility on a regular basis. The most recent successes were both individual and team podium finishes for the Cadets at the 2023 Cadet National championships, a best newcomer award at the RAF Championships and recent Olympic Skeet County selection for a RAF Odiham shooter.

As the club moves forward there are aspirations to host the Army for inter service competitions along with members of the British

shooting team who wish to use the facility to train which will bring exciting coaching opportunities for RAF Shooters.

We have a healthy civilian membership who shoot at the club on alternate Sundays which not only assists with the day to day running of the club but also opens the club for weekend shooting.

They also have coaching available for both new and developing shooters and are a great source of advice with some very experienced shooters.

If you fancy a challenge, I encourage you to get in touch with either FS Jon Bradley or Cpl Shaun Quartly and come and give it a go, whether that is part of an FD day with your section or as an individual. You never know you could be the next British team member in the making and even if you are not I promise you will hit a few and have a great time.

CONTACT DETAILS OIC FS Jon Bradley jon.bradley975@mod. gov.uk 2IC Cpl Shaun Quartly shaun.quartly100@mod. gov.uk 24 | Helicon

GOLF SOCIETY

Sgt Aden Turner - OIC Aden.Turner319@mod.gov.uk Cpl Kyran Slade - Team Manager Kyran.Slade100@mod.gov.uk Cpl Stefan Lowther - Fixtures Manager Stefan.Lowther101@mod.gov.uk Sgt Tom McNeice - Media Manager Thomas.McNeice508@mod.gov.uk

Helicon | 25

WHAT’S ON?

Thu 26th Oct Halloween Happy Hour Wed 29 Nov Livers in Xmas Party Fri 8 Dec Christmas Draw Thu 14 Dec Exchange Drinks Thu 11 Jan Happy Hour Fri 26 Jan Burns Night Thu 8 Feb Happy Hour Thu 22 Feb Chinook Force Dining in Night

26 | Helicon

WO and Sgts’ Mess Events 01 Dec 23 Xmas Draw

12 Jul 24 Summer Ball

26 Jan 24 Burns Night (joint at OM)

19 Sep 24 Battle of Britain DiN

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Crondall Village Hall is the perfect location for Weddings, that special event or party. If you want to put on a show then the 300 seat capacity Hall and Stage will fit the bill.

The Committee Room is ideal for business meetings or small events. There is a large kitchen and plenty of parking, plus an adjacent play area and meadow.

For all reservation enquiries: Tel: 07810 837 337

Email: crondallvillagehall@gmail.com

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www.crondallvillagehall.org We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card

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Home of great food, wonderful guest ale & the best way to spend your free time Drinks Hours Monday to Saturday 12-11pm Sunday’s 12-9pm Food Hours Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm 5pm-9pm Sunday 12-5pm Butts Road, Alton, GU34 1LH 01420 513486 thegeorgepub.alton@gmail.com

Matt and his team would like to welcome you into The George, Alton.

Offering lunch, small plates and Sunday roasts! A large selection of wines, gins and beers!

Reservations For parties of six or more, we recommend making reservations at least two weeks in advance.

For walk-ins, we only seat parties on a first come, first served basis.

Events For information on upcoming events please check our website or facebook for more details.

01420 513486 thegeorgepub.alton@gmail.com thegeorgealton.uk