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TITLE MARHAM MATTERS

35 years of Tornado

at RAF MarhamLatest

LightningNews

ExerciseFRISIAN FLAG

The official publication of Royal Air Force Marham

Inside this Issue: News Centenary Review Regulars Community Support

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4 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2017 ISSUE 4 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 5‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

STATION COMMANDER'S FOREWORD MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS CONTENTS

Station Commander’s

Foreword

EDITOR: Diane WilsonExt: 6739Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAGE:www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2014, unless otherwise stated.

STOCKISTS: The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, All other RAF bases.

COVER STORY

35th Anniversary of the

Tornado Aircraft at Marham

............................................................ 14

REGULARS

Station Foreword

............................................................... 5

News from

The Lightning Basing Team

............................................................... 7

17

10

Community Support

............................................................ 16

Heavens Above From

The Chaplaincy Team

............................................................ 16

NEWS

12(B) Squadron News

............................................................... 6

Anthony Nolan Trust Visit

............................................................20

SPORTS

RAF Rallying- Life in the Silly Seat

............................................................ 12

Grand East Anglian 10K Run

............................................................ 13

CO's Cup Event 2 - Superstars

............................................................24

Marham Running Club take

part in Madrid Marathon

............................................................25

23

15

12

From the Editor It is now only 90 days to go until I handover (hurray I hear you shout!). The last 2 years have flown by, and last month’s Centenary Review was a perfect reminder of the amazing things that everyone across the station got up to last year; I’d almost forgotten how busy we were. Well done again to the team involved in organizing the review; and thank you again to everyone involved in making last year a year to remember. Fortunately my hearing has now returned to normal after the hangar party! I’ve also been delighted to see that many of you have already started to get involved in the ‘Make a Difference’ campaign for 2017. I encourage you to continue to feed in ideas about what we/you can do to improve life here at Marham. Continuing the theme of making a difference, many congratulations go to Flt Lt Gary Walker who last month was recognized by the RAF Benevolent Fund for his outstanding contribution to the community here at Marham. At the Annual RAF Benevolent Fund Awards Dinner in London, Gary was presented with the ‘Above and Beyond’ award; a fitting tribute for the selfless dedication

that Gary has shown for many years here at Marham. He will undoubtedly be a huge loss when he finally retires later this year. So as I look at the calendar for the next 3 months I guess it’s business as usual for everyone on station as we continue to support Op SHADER and prepare the station for the arrival of Lightning. For those with loved ones deployed, preparing to deploy or on their way home, thank you for your unwavering support. RAF Marham is without question making a difference on operations; this success could not be achieved without the support of everyone across the Whole Force back at home, and at the heart of this remains the families. I hope you all enjoy the summer, when it finally arrives. Make sure you take time to get out of the office, get away from work and be with your loved ones. Good luck to those of you facing exams in the next few weeks and I look forward to joining you for one last time at Families Day in July. Until then thank you for your support and let us all continue to make Marham the best station in the RAF.

This month we were able to give recognition to those who assisted the Station Commander to achieve over 100 events in our Centenary year. After a lot of hard work by the Centenary Review committee a lovely afternoon was had by all. Peter Dickson, who’s face probably won’t be familiar but his voice would be, was a great compere for the afternoon. He shouted out the names of the representatives from each category like they were contestants on X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent!

Hundreds of people from across the Station came along on the evening for a chance to listen to some bands with familiar faces

from around the Station behind the instruments. I believe the Station Commander may have also dusted off his dancing shoes…. With the short notice General Election if you are not yet registered to vote there is still time. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by 22 May to register or to update your personal details. If you have previously registered at your current address you do not need to do anything. Please note that all RAF Marham email addresses have changed this month. Continue to send in your articles, but to the new email address, they are always a pleasure to read.

Deadline for Next Issue: 16th MayPlease submit all entries for the next issue by the date stated above.

Make a Difference Campaign

Centenary Review

RAF Rallying - Life in the Silly Seat

Exercise Frisian Flag

Fl Lt Walker Presented with Above and Beyond Award


MARHAM MATTERS 12(B) SQUADRON NEWS

Before I let you immerse yourself in the foxes latest adventures there are a few announcements: firstly a warm welcome from 12 Sqn to Sqn Ldr Abdallah who has returned from a spell away from the front line; secondly a belated congratulations to Gus who turned 50 while the Sqn was away; and finally our best wishes to GLC as sadly he will be leaving us to start the next chapter in his flying career with the airlines!

First on the agenda was a fly past for a media launch event at RAF Cosford. Despite the weather doing its best to put the event off, Kitty and Mo valiantly fought their way through and brought the sound of freedom expertly

overhead. Later in March there was a further fly past for the disbandment of XV(R) Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth, led by Sqn Ldr Holt and the Boss. We would like to pass our thanks to the engineers for their work to get the 4-ship and a whip airborne on time, resulting in a successful fly past; a fitting way for GLC to end his GR4 days.

Despite having the demanding task of two new cubs to handle, thanks to Flt Lt Caddick's efforts, the Sqn had the privilege of attending the ceremony of the Changing of the Keys at the Tower of London. A fantastic evening was had by all who attended the ceremony and we pass our thanks to Nikki and the Beefeaters for their hospitality.

On the sport and FD/AT front Flt Lt Howard fought off tough competition to place third in the inter-services surf championship held at RAF St Mawgan. The Sqn was also able to take the opportunity to get on the slopes thanks to Flt Lt Seabrook's hard work to organize an expedition to Mayrhofen in Austria. A mix of aircrew and engineers took to the mountain with vigour and thanks to GLC's and Capt Purbrick's expert tuition; vast improvements were seen by all. On the last day Ketch demonstrated his advancements, taking to the air like a graceful bird of flight, before doing his best Tom Daley impression, diving head first into the piste. He was ok but the rest of the team needed some time to recover from the

12(B) SQUADRON

hours of laughter that ensued. Apart from one day where the visibility dropped to less than 10m the weather was mostly kind to us. Skiing was restricted to the glacier in Hintertux due to warm spring temperatures taking a lot of the snow downstream, but there was still sufficient variety on offer for everyone to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

By the time you will be reading this the Fox's will be embarking on their next adventure in Norway representing the Tornado Force at ACE 17, which I look forward to sharing with you in the next installment, but for now from a rather snow covered fox: sssssssseya.

Basil out.

LIGHTNING BASING TEAM MARHAM MATTERS

News from the Lightning Basing TeamHighlights of progress on Project ANVIL are plain to see across the Station – pictures below.

National Operating Centre (NOC)

Maintenance and Finish Facility (M&F)

Integrated Training Centre (ITC)


CENTENARY REVIEW MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS CENTENARY REVIEW

Following an extremely successful centenary celebration year, the Station Commander, Group Captain Rich Davies, wished to formally thank all those who had participated in exceeding his challenge to have 100 events in the Station’s 100th year. Those who had made significant contributions to the celebrations, from sporting and charity endeavours, to organising large engagement events were recognised in a formal review. Members of the local community, including the ATC and councillors were also invited in appreciation of their continued support to the Station.

The afternoon ceremony was broken down in to ten categories, History Events, Support from the Local Community, Engagement Events, Station Events, Support from Industrial Partners, Sporting Events, Catering, Challenges, Photographs & Publications and Charity Events. Representatives from each category were invited up on to the stage where they each received a certificate in recognition of their achievements.

The event was compered by Peter Dickson, the famous voice from the X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, which added a certain gravitas to the occasion! Many of the attendees took the opportunity to ask him to record messages on their phones!

Following a brief transformation of the venue, Peter was also pleased to introduce the first of the evening’s bands, Danny and the Averys. These were then followed on stage by Achtung Spitfire.

The Review formally closed the Station’s centenary celebrations, highlighting the immense effort by all Station personnel, be those Service, civilians and contractors, as well as the support provided by families and local enterprises.

Sqn Ldr Karim Homsey

CENTENARY REVIEW


GRAND EAST ANGLIAN 10K RUN MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS RAF RALLYING

I have been a rally Co-Driver for about 4 years now and it has been a very steep learning curve when I was thrown in at the deep end on my very first event. Having only watched YouTube to get an idea of what I would have to do, and playing Colin McRae video games as a young lad was what I had in mind, but the reality was very much different.

Firstly the amount of things to do on the pre-event checklist is much longer than I expected. The Co-Driver is the backbone of any team organising everything, such as planning the events for each season, reading the rules and regulations from the Motor Sport Association (MSA, the governing body for all motor sport in the UK), reading the regulations for an event as well as filling out the entry documentation, and that’s just the start of it. After that comes

the logistical effort, arranging transportation and booking accommodation. Then it’s organising the equipment you will need to take with you like tools, motorsport gazebo, and a trailer for towing the rally car.Once all that is done you may have to then start looking at pace notes for the event, this depends on the type of event you’re entering, single venue events tend to give you stage maps on the day at signing on, and multi-venue events will give you the pace notes or may involve having to attend stage recce’s where you can adjust your stage notes and tailor them with your driver.

On an event your time management is then put to the test, from the get go, it’s all about timings. First thing to do is unload the rally car and then take it to noise testing, then scrutiny where the car gets inspected for safety compliance,

roll cage, seats and harness belts are all in date and not showing any damage. They’ll also check that your electrical cut offs work and that your plumbed in fire extinguishers are serviceable and external pull cables are fully working. Then on to documentation and signing on where all your licences and motor club cards are checked over to ensure you have the correct level of competency for competing in that event. At this point you will sign on, where you will be given your pack-up, which usually contains all the information you need, stage maps, and time cards and any other relevant info for your service crew. You will also receive your starting time for special stage 1 (SS1). This is now your most important time of the day. You don’t want to be late booking into the time control and incur a penalty time, But more importantly you don’t want to commit the

greatest cardinal sin for a rally navigator… and that’s booking in early! There are greater penalties for booking in early than there are for booking in late.

Once that is done hopefully you will have a support team with you, and they will have already started setting up the service area whilst you were signing on. The support team is usually made up of a mechanic or 2 and maybe another couple of people to help with fetching, carrying and any other odd jobs that need to be done throughout the event, these guys are very much appreciated as they give up their spare time just to help you out (we are always on the lookout for helpers and mechanics, as they are very, very few and far between).

Now it’s about ensuring everyone knows the start time (plus the time it takes to get to the time control). Giving specific

instructions to the mechanics and the driver, making sure that they know when it’s time to head out on stage and not disappear off to the toilet 5 minutes before our start time (this can feel like you are herding cats at times). Whilst everyone seems to be having a brew, chinwag or a breakfast buttie, you may notice all the co-drivers discussing the maps with each other, trying to get better information on the routes from more venue experienced Nav’s. The time usually passes quite quickly and once you hear the other crews further up the starting list fire-up their cars, the activity level around the service area soon ramps up, and you know it’ll soon be time to get your safety kit on and get in the car.

Now you’re in the car heading to the stage time control (STC) and this is the time when you’re thinking if you’ve forgotten anything or when you’re reminding the driver about certain elements of the stage, such as changes in the pace notes you’re going to call i.e. slippy areas or danger areas. Whilst travelling to the stage start controls you try and calm the nerves or mostly the excitement of your driver, as there’s nothing worse than going all out on stage 1 and being caught out by something trivial, and end up crashing after only a couple of miles because of a tiny error in judgement. You constantly remind the driver to go steady for a few miles until they find their rhythm and give the tyres and brakes a chance to heat up to optimum temperature (the difference between hot and cold tyres and brakes is vast).You are now sat at the stage start line, you’ve had all your

time cards marked up ready to go and you’re just waiting now for the clock to start counting down. The adrenaline starts to flow as the counter hits 15 seconds, you call out “10 seconds” as the counter passes through, the amber light comes on and 5...4…3…2…1…GO… 200 2 left into 3 right over crest and…

This running article will document my journey as a rally co-driver over the next 12 months as I make the leap to become and develop as a driver. You can follow me on Facebook, where you can read about current events, successes and failures and watch YouTube for in-car footage, just search for Nathan.Yates.Motorsport.Getting involved isn’t as costly as you might think in the slightest, my first year only cost me around £250 for the whole year, including event entry fees, all the safety gear I needed and licence costs. We are in a unique position in the RAF as there is considerable help from the sports lottery, a much-appreciated benefit as it would be much costlier without their support.

If you are interested in getting involved in motorsport then please get in touch, we are always happy to help new members, whether you’re interested in becoming a marshal, co-driver or driver, or even just as support crew please get in touch. And if I can’t help I will always know someone who can.

Look out in future issues of Marham Matters for more progress and event reports.

SAC(T) Nathan Yates.

Photographs courtesy of Zoe Thorpe photography.

Life in the Silly SeatRAF RALLYING

RAF Personnel take part in

the Grand East Anglian 10K RunThis year’s King’s Lynn GEAR 10K saw a record number from the Station compete, with the largest contingent running for the RAF BF and in the process raising an outstanding £5,000 for the fund.

The run, which is a major event in Town’s calendar, saw the largest number of participants ever with over 2,100 taking part in the 10K and over 500 in the children’s Mini GEAR.

The RAF BF fund team numbered just over 50 and came from across the Station, including service, dependants, civil servants and members of our industry partners, making it a truly ‘whole force’ event.

The large showing for the Fund drew a lot of attention from both the crowd and the organisers who made sure the Station got a mention throughout the morning

although the stars of the show were undoubtly Ben Elephant, who it is rumoured contained our very own OC ELW and his two budding Umpa-Lumpa supporters, who looked remarkably like SLOPs and OC S & A!

They drew cheers from the sizeable crowd throughout the run, which they managed to complete in a very credible 1 hr 7 mins. However, assistance from the local community, in the form of Ryston Runner, Matt Pyatt, who decided to devote his efforts to the cause, also saw an RAF BF shirt cross the finish line in an amazing 33 mins 56 seconds, being 6th overall position.

It was a memorable occasion for all who took part, with some never having run the distance before but with gentle persuasion agreeing to do doing their bit for the Fund. A big well done to all who took part.


EXERCISE FRISIAN FLAG MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF TORNADO

27th April marked the 35th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Tornado aircraft at RAF Marham. The first Tornado Squadron to be stationed at RAF Marham was the iconic 617 Squadron, and the first aircraft was flown in by their Commanding Officer, Wing

Commander A J Harrison.27 of the 35 years have been spent on almost continuous service on Operations across the globe which continues through to present day with the Tornados supporting Operations over the skies of Iraq and Syria.

EXERCISE FRISIAN FLAG1,100 personnel and 48 aircraft from 7 NATO nations, including our very own 31 Squadron, descended on Leeuwarden Air Force Base in the Netherlands at the end of March for Exercise FRISIAN FLAG.

The local Dutch population were treated to the spectacle of Tornados, Typhoons, Mirage and F16 aircraft taking off on the exercise, which was organised by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

31 Squadron deployed six Tornado GR4s for the exercise in which at times simulated the “Red" Force Element, effectively playing the part of the enemy attempting to breach the defences of opposing forces from the USA, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands, they also at times played “Blue” friendly forces.

Exercise FRISIAN FLAG provided aircrew with experience of the planning, execution and debriefing of large scale composite air operations (COMAO) in realistic scenarios by allowing partner NATO nations to work alongside

one another, test each other’s capabilities and develop a close working relationship.

Wing Commander Matt Bressani, OC 31 Squadron and the Detachment Commander of the RAF contingent at FRISIAN FLAG, said: “Working with NATO countries helps us to better understand our own strengths and weaknesses by testing each other’s defences. With the Tornado GR4 going out of service in a few years’ time, this is an ideal opportunity to train our

crews for their future beyond this air frame. The time working alongside our allies means that we will expose both air and ground crews to working closely with Typhoon deployments from our partner nations, allowing our boys and girls to get up close to an aircraft they could be working on themselves in the near future. The aircrew will get to see German, Dutch and Portuguese Typhoons in action and see how they work alongside the American and French aircraft too.”

The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Lieutenant General Luyt said: “In the current security situation, air superiority can no longer be taken for granted. Our colleagues from the army and navy count on us to achieve air superiority wherever required. Large-scale deployment as part of a NATO air campaign can no longer be ruled out. What’s more, we could be called on as early as tomorrow. As the Royal Netherlands Air Force, we must once again be prepared to meet the challenge.”

“Working with NATO countries helps us to better understand our own strengths and weaknesses by testing each other’s defences."

35

OF THE FIRST TORNADO AIRCRAFT

AT MARHAM

ANNIVERSARY

TH

ISSUE 4 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 17‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’ www.marhammattersonline.co.uk16 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2017

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

HeavensAbove

Visit: www.carillionamey.co.ukTel: 0800 707 6000 or

01517 281630Facebook: www.carillionamey/

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Repairs Maintenance RequestsOption 1 (24/7, 365 days a year)

Allocations, Move Appointments, Furniture, Retention and Other Help with SFAOption 3 - Option 3 (Central region - Marham), Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 3pm

RAF Marham CA Local Customer Service CentreMel Reed, 3 Woodview Road, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NP (Monday 9am till 3pm & Tuesday to Friday 9am till 12 noon)

WELFARE ADMIN SUPPORT &APPOINTMENTSTeresa SmythTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578

WELFARE WORKERSCarol BullasTel: 01760 337261 Ext 6900Adele BerrymanTel: 01760 446348Tracyanne WheelerTel: 01760 446051

SSAFA VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR Tel: 07984 908622

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM, WATLINGTON Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101

WO PMS WO Ian Ashman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231

RAFP COMMUNITY OFFICER Cpl Seb Daubney Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7227

PCSO Claire LawsDownham MarketTel: 101

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SUPPORT - OCFlt Lt Gary WalkerTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7491

or 95951 7491Mob: 07740 799593Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVISORMaydie SmithTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7425Email: maydie.smith594 mod.gov.uk

HIVE INFORMATION OFFICERSarah ReidTel: 01760 337261 Ext 6136Or 95951 6136Email: [email protected]

MARHAM LODGES / CONTACT HOUSESZara MurfittTel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7136or 95951 6136 Email: [email protected]

STATION YOUTH WORKERIan SavageThe HIVE Office, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NPMobile: 07850 973228Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICERJocelyne Newman Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6082Email: [email protected]

HOUSING SCSO Flt Sgt Terry Norman Tel: 01760 446052, on

base 95951 6052 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: scsomarham

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Swales Pavilion, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2EA

The Wisdom of Popular Culture “Choose Life. Choose a job.

Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a big television; choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away in the end of it all in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish brats you spawned to replace yourself, choose your future.

Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?” (Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting)You may think it strange for a Chaplain to find insight and inspiration in secular, popular culture but insights and wisdom can be found all around us and not just in scripture. The theologian Karl Barth said that if we wish to understand the signs of our times we should walk with a newspaper in one hand and a bible in the other.There is a lot to be said for the wisdom of popular culture, now and again those things we read or see that make us stop and think, brilliant insights into our modern society that challenge the way we think.

Irvine Welsh’s shocking book Trainspotting cut through the veneer of modern living, a scathing critique of the kind of material driven pointless life he derides and the descent into drug addiction of those who reject it.Made famous by the film starring Ewan McGregor, Trainspotting was seen as shocking, offensive and there were some calls for it to be banned.

Today 20 years after the release of the film a follow up T2 has been released and like the original it follows the lives of a group of society's

drop outs. However now it seems quite tame, it’s just entertainment, but some are still shocked or offended.

This might sound strange but it’s actually okay to be offended by something we see, read or hear. It’s good to be challenged by other people’s thoughts or opinions. Instead of banning them or shouting them down, we should argue, discuss and debate the subject, thus learning more about another’s point of view, while having the chance to exercise our own thoughts and motivations.It’s only by being challenged and questioning ourselves and others opinions that we fully form an informed set of ideas and beliefs, and that’s true for both politics and religion.

After all if we are never challenged, never stretched, we stagnate, we never develop, never reach our true potential. We end up sitting fat, dumb and comatose on the sofa as Welsh observed.

I know I am not the stereotype Chaplain and as I now leave Marham I hope that during my time here I have challenged and make some of you think differently. I hope that my view of life and its issues has given you pause for thought and even to smile. And so as unorthodox as I am I will leave you with the words of the late great Bob Marley in his “Redemption Song”“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds”Goodbye and God bless you all.

Padre Neil Galloway

Rim

aB/S

hutt

erst

ock

RAF Marham’s Flt Lt Gary Walker, OC Community Support presented with the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Above and Beyond AwardRAF Marham’s very own Flt Lt Gary Walker, OC Community Support, was presented with the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Above and Beyond Award at their recent Awards Night presentation.The Award, which recognised his contribution towards promoting the Fund at RAF Marham his considerable fund raising efforts, was presented by Simon Fovague, Vice President and General Manager, UKPS Defence who sponsored the award, at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons where the presentations were held.The Awards night included representation from across the RAF, with each category featuring three shortlisted nominees.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Every year the RAF Benevolent Fund holds its annual Awards ceremony to honour our terrific supporters. This is really our chance to say thank you to all that help and fundraise for us, they are instrumental to the charity and enable us to continue the work we do of supporting the RAF family when in need. It was difficult to select just ten recipients as we are truly indebted to all of our amazing supporters."

The official citation read, “Flight Lieutenant Gary Walker was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the charity and received the Above and Beyond Award. During his tenure as Officer Commanding Community Support Flt at RAF Marham, Gary has enhanced the profile of the Fund and inspired both personnel and civilians to fundraise on our behalf. His amiable leadership and boundless energy has resulted in more than £40,000 of fundraising for the charity.”


COMMUNITY SUPPORT MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

A few issues have recently occurred around the families patch involving dogs not being kept properly under control and causing a nuisance to neighbours and passers-by.All occupying SFA should be aware that authority must be obtained to have pets in quarters and with that authority comes responsibility on the householder to ensure the pets are kept under control at all times and are well behaved.Failure to do so could result in permission to have a pet in quarters being revoked, the consequence being that either the pet is rehomed or the family has to seek alternate accommodation.Whilst this has always been seen as a last resort,

there have been occasions in the past where such action has been taken to against occupants of SFA where pets have caused a nuisance and all occupying SFA with a pet should be aware that action will be taken if they fail to ensure their pets are kept properly under control and are not a nuisance to their neighbours. It is important that anybody who suffers from an incident involving a neighbours pet should, in the first instance, raise a complaint through the CarillionAmey complaints procedure which will trigger a visit from the Area Housing Officer after which any appropriate action can be taken. In addition, the SCSO should also be informed thereby allowing the Service to track the case.

Having a Pet in Married Quarters

Your Service Family Accommodation

If you wish to keep a domestic pet* in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) you must seek permission. You can do this by using the e-1132 form when applying for your SFA. If you are already living in your SFA you will need to contact the CarillionAmey Occupancy Services team and request permission. The team will also need to approve applications for any further pets you bring into your home. Once you have received approval to keep pets, please remember that this can be revoked by the MOD if the rules set out in JSP 464 Chapter 7 are not adhered to.

Pet owners in SFA also have other responsibilities

When moving out of your SFA you will need to make sure that your home meets the Move Out standard and provide proof that you have taken action to remove any evidence that pets have been kept in the property. Carpets, floor coverings, fixtures and fittings should be free of pet infestation and any areas of the garden that have been damaged by pets is repaired. You will need to provide evidence at Move Out that all floor coverings and/or soft furnishings (in the case of cats and dogs) have had an appropriate pesticide and/or deodorising treatment applied. If you choose to use the Cleaning Scheme you must make it clear that pets have been kept in the property. Please be aware that if an infestation re-occurs shortly after you have left the property, you may be liable for further charges to address the problem.

*Domestic pets include dogs, cats, rabbits, other small caged animals or birds. Consideration will be given to written requests to keep a large number of pets, or animals that are not classed as domestic pets, such as chickens – subject to the suitability of the property and impact on neighbours. Any potentially dangerous or exotic animals, larger animals such as horses, or farm animals such as goats, pigs or sheep will not be approved.

Garden/OutsideGardens should be kept clean and tidy and free from animal mess. If you have a large pet (such as a dog) you must make sure that gates and fences are kept in good repair and that damage is not caused by excessive digging. When walking your dog you should keep it under control at all times. Do not allow it to access sports pitches or play parks and always clean up any animal mess.

Noise and nuisanceNoise and nuisance should be kept to a minimum – even if your pet is left alone during the day. Neighbours should not be able to hear noise from your pet

during the evening, night or early morning.

Maintenance visitsPets should be kept out of the way during maintenance/repair work. This not only ensures a safe working environment for engineers, but also protects pets from potential injury.

Looking after your petCheck regularly for pests and parasites and keep up to date with flea treatments.

HygieneCarpets, floor coverings, fixtures and fittings should be kept clean. Stains should be dealt with straight away to prevent long term damage. Carpets should be free of pet infestations throughout your occupancy.

The CarillionAmey Occupancy Services team are available to help Mon to Fri 0830 – 1500hrs Call us on 0800 707 6000 - Option 3, email [email protected] or

visit www.carillionamey.co.uk

Your Service Family AccommodationPets in your home

Rev 2

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20 MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 4 2017 ‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for Current and Future Operations’

MARHAM MATTERS ANTHONY NOLAN TRUST VISIT

A young man has a 1 in a 170 chance of been asked to donate.Due to the costs involved they need at least 50 people to join the register on the 5th July so we really need everyone who can to join, it is an amazing opportunity to save someone’s life (and at a pinch it is something for the SJAR). Don’t forget there will be free cake!!!

SAC(T) Jamie Fowler

GET FREE CAKESAVE A LIFE AND

For further information visit www.anthonynolan.org or contact SAC(T) Jamie Fowler on extension 5362.

Sounds too good to be true? The Anthony Nolan Trust are visiting RAF Marham on Wednesday the 5th July to sign 16 to 30 year olds to their DNA database which is used to find matches to help people suffering from blood cancers such as Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and blood disorders.

The Anthony Nolan Trust was set up in 1974 by Shirley Nolan as her son Anthony desperately needed a bone marrow transplant, unfortunately a match could not be found and sadly Anthony Nolan died aged just 8 years old. Shirley Nolan set up the world’s first register to identify and keep records of those willing to donate in order to help match donors with those who need them. The Trust has continued to grow, in 2012 over 1000 transplants were made in a year for the first time! As well as the register the Anthony Nolan Trust funds and carries out research into stem cell matching.

How can you help? All you need to do is come along to the Sandringham Centre on Wednesday 5th July between 1000 and 1500 and provide a (very small) sample of saliva. There will be free cake, tea, and coffee for those who sign up. If you are outside the age bracket you can still come along and make a donation or speak to the Anthony Nolan Trust team about ways you can support them.Once the Anthony Nolan Trust receives your sample it is analysed and added to the database. If you are a genetic match to a person in need they will contact you and ask you to donate stem cells or bone marrow.

For stem cell donation you will be required to receive daily injections for 4 or 5 days which can be done at a location that is convenient to you. You will then donate in a specialist hospital where the stem cells

are harvested from your blood over a period of 4 or 5 hours. This method is used in 90% of cases.Or you could be asked to donate bone marrow this is done at a hospital under general anaesthetic and will require you to be in hospital for two days. Bone marrow is extracted from the pelvic bone by a needle and syringe, there are no stitches required. This takes around 30 minutes and most people leave hospital 24 hours after donating.The Anthony Nolan Trust will cover your travel expenses and any hotel costs and those of a companion if you wish to take someone along with you.

The Trust needs more donors to join them as every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Young men make up 15% of the register but provide 54% of all matches.

ISSUE 4 2017 MARHAM MATTERS 23www.marhammattersonline.co.uk

MAKE A DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN MARHAM MATTERS

Make a Difference continues to attract new suggestions and progress is continuing on the early ideas. The ‘Adopt a Tree’ project is progressing well and work is on-going to prepare a nature trail in Ladywood. A ‘bug hotel’ has also recently been completed and will allow visitors to observe wildlife being cultivated naturally.

Road safety around the married quarters has been raised and discussions with the area highways engineer have revealed that the original work to lower curbs only included those at major junctions. However, other kerbs will be lowered on an opportunity basis following some planned road resurfacing and improvement of road markings that will occur in the near future. Once this is completed, a new bid for lowering kerbs will be submitted for the next financial year which will make it easier for pedestrians with small children in pushchairs or scooters to negotiate junctions.

SAC(T) Yates noticed that the War Graves in Marham Village had weathered and hadn’t been cleaned in some time. Although the War Graves Commission inspect these annually and undertake maintenance every 5 years, it was suggested that Station personnel could add value by cleaning the graves and surrounding area to ensure these aren’t neglected. A team from C4I Sqn have since cleaned the War Graves and wider cemetery, resulting in more appropriate memorials.

The WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess were keen to continue their Families Fridays but were hampered by staff moves and postings. A new Families’ Member has been appointed on the Mess committee, who will coordinate and organise such events. This will encourage attendance as well as ensure that spouses and partners of deployed Mess members are also invited.

Aware that security and community matters don’t always

get given the appropriate attention, the RAF Police have created a community engagement forum. This will allow personnel, their families and the local community to approach the RAF Police, SSAFA, HIVE and local constabulary to voice concerns, seek security/welfare advice and meet members of the aforementioned teams. The first engagement event occurred in March and included support from 2 x PCSOs from Norfolk Constabulary.

These events will be held in the Chaplaincy Centre from 1600 to 1700 on the last Wednesday of every month.

Other suggestions are being investigated and progressed by the committee and respective project officers. Please continue to submit ideas, through MOSS or by emailing the HIVE on [email protected]

Sqn Ldr Karim Homsey

MAKE A DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES...

SWAFFHAMUnder New Ownership formerly Trevor Greef Motor Services LTD

Tel 01760 724282We are opposite Tesco Castle Acre Road Swaffham PE37 7HS

Services we offer:• Servicing and Repair for all makes• Air Conditioning repair and regas• Tyres and Batteries• Paintwork and Accident Repair• Engine Remaps

• Diagnostics• Used Car Sales• We also have 3 courtesy cars • Car collection and

delivery available

As an introduction, LG Motor’s would like to offer personnel at RAF Marham

MOT’s at £30 with copy of this publication.

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RUNNING CLUB IN MADRID MARHAM MATTERSMARHAM MATTERS CO'S CUP EVENT 2

On Thursday 20th April personnel from ATC Squadron set up a collection point in the Blue Bull Café as part of the Make a Difference campaign. The aim of the day was to collect toys, books, toiletries and clothing to donate to both the Children’s Department at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital King’s

Lynn and Leeway Women’s Refuge. A huge amount of donations were received, many more than expected.

Special thanks go to the personnel at the Medical Centre who set up an extra collection point within the Medical Centre.

SAC Fleetham

Make a Difference Charity Collection

CO’S CUP EVENT 2 SUPERSTARS

Event 2 of the CO’s Cup, the ‘Superstars’, took place on Thursday 30th March. Nine teams from across the Station arrived in anticipation for what lay ahead.

The hall was split in two with half the teams competing in the ‘sports skills’ event and the other half competing in the fitness challenge. The teams then swapped over in order to compete in all ten events.The Sports Skills included ‘tennis ball shot’, ‘Beat Boothy’ penalty shoot, Basketball shoot, Bucket badminton.The competition was close throughout the afternoon with the final events dictating the overall positions. These last two events were the ‘Monkey bar’ distance challenge. A competitor from each team

had to attempt to traverse the full length of the monkey bars. The distance achieved converted to points for their team. We witnessed several competitors searching in some very dark places in order to perform to their best.

The final event was a ‘Power bag’ drag race team event. All members of the team took turns to drag a battle rope attached to a 20kg power bag over a 20 metre distance. This was the final test of speed and strength producing some very quick times.The final results of the top 3 places for the Superstars were:

1st - AESF – 141 points2nd – TCS – 139 points3rd – GSF – 137 points

H H

TAKE PART IN MADRID MARATHONA team from Marham Running Club led by Cpl Ben Warnes from TMS recently flew the flag for RAF Marham in the Madrid Marathon.Ten Club members made the trip to Madrid, which saw a mix of runners take part in both the Marathon and Half Marathon.

The route for the run went through the centre of Madrid and including the separate 10K saw all 32,000 runners taking part. The joint start for both the Marathon and Half Marathon, saw the 22,000 participants all set off together, with the

Marathon runners splitting away at the 10-mile point.

As with all major international events of this kind, the large numbers taking part act as a break on the pace at the beginning, this picking up as the crowd thins towards the 5-mile point enabling a faster pace although in this case the run was very congested up until the 10-mile point keeping the pace quite slow.

In addition, the morning temperature of 22C and the

added lack of water stations on the route also played a part in affecting performance.

Nevertheless, the team still acquitted itself very well in both distances, top marks going to SAC Matt Dawson for his Marathon performance finishing in a very credible 3 hrs 41 mins and to SAC Ben Churchman for his Half Marathon time in 1 hr 29 mins.

MARHAM RUNNING CLUB

A FRESH TASTE OF THE SEA

DONALDSONS

AUSTIN FIELDS, KING’S LYNNTEL: 01553 772241

S. & D. WilliamsonProprietors

Licensed Game Dealer

For all your fresh, smoked & shellfish, visit your local friendly fishmonger!

OPEN: Tues, Wed, Thurs 7-4 Fri 7-5 Sat 7-3Visit our deli counter for a selection of

British cheeses, Italian olives,ham on the bone and patés.

Orders now being taken for ChristmasAlterations and repairs to clothing undertaken

Garments made to order from any of our fabrics

Tel 01366 3871471 Lynn Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9NJ (by the traffic lights)

Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pmSaturday 9.00am – 5.00pm Closed Wednesday & Sunday

For all your sewing needs• Large selection of

clothing fabrics available

• Extensive range of haberdashery

• Craft and project books

• Burda, Simplicity and New Look patterns in stock

• Sewing kits and baskets

• Sewing Machines

Sewing Classes and Workshops now availableNEW SUMMER FABRICS NOW IN STOCK

Motorcycle servicing, repairs, spares, tuning, modifying,

restoration.For more info please see our websitewww.icenimotorcycles.co.uk

Narborough Garage, Main Road, Narborough PE32 1TE

Tel: 01760 444359

Insurance Approved • Accident RepairsRestoration • Air-Con Charge • Body Kits

Specialists in fibreglass repairsChris Brown (Downham Market) Ltd

Sovereign Way, Trafalgar Industrial Estate, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9SW

Tel: 01366 386608 Fax: 01366 386005www.chrisbrownuk.com

Tel: 01553 691081 Page Stair Lane, King’s Lynn

Open 10am - Midnight - 7 days a week

• 4 English Pool Tables• 15 Snooker Tables• 5 American Pool Tables• ½ price tables Sunday

& Wednesday• Big Screen TV All

Sky Sports• 20% discount to Service

personnel on all tables

• Families Welcome• Licensed Bar• Food available all day

METCALFE COPEMAN & PETTEFAR LLP

Legal Solutions for Business and Life

Our specialist lawyers provide a personal and dedicated service to help ensure that your matter proceeds as quickly and smoothly as possible

Family, Wills and Probate, Property, Commercial Property, Crime, Personal Injury, Employment, Dispute Resolution and Company and Commercial Law

CONVENIENT TOWN CENTRE LOCATIONS

Kings Lynn: (01553) 778100Thetford: (01842) 756100

Wisbech: (01945) 464331Peterborough: (01733) 865880

www.mcp-law.co.uk

BISHOPS TRAVEL

Barnfield Farm, 263 The Drove, Barroway Drove, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0AN01366 324307 07767304684 www.bishopstravel.co.uk

Taxis, Minibuses, Coach Hire, Private Hire, Airport Transfers

We are a family owned and run business and have been successfully trading for the past 30 years.

Bishops Travel have a wide range of vehicles available for hire to suit every occasion

Do you have a special occasion coming up and you need reliable transport? no journey

is consideredtoo big or too

small!

THE OLD GRANARY ANTIQUES

CENTREKing’s Staithe Lane

KING’S LYNN Tel: 01553 775509

Selling antiques and collectables

Open Mon - Sat 10am to 4.30pm

J. W. SARGEANTFamily Butcher

The Best Traditional Butcher in the Area

FAMILY RUNEstablished for over 75 yearsWe produce all our own cattle and only use farm

produceFREEZER AND COOKED

MEATSto suit your requirements

Stow BridgeNr Downham Market Tel: (01366) 382232

To advertise in the next issue of this publication,

please contactJayne

Tel: 01536 526677

Email:[email protected]

2 LUXURY STATIC HOLIDAY CARAVANS FOR HIRE

GOLDENSANDS HOLIDAY PARK MABLETHORPE

Booking MUST be made through eastuk-holidays.com Look for - Bermuda 8 Berth or Richmond 8 Berth

3 Nights Fri - Mon4 Nights Mon - Fri7 Nights Fri - Fri

The Caravans are comfortable, clean and

spacious. Central and electric heating throughout, with a

fully equipped kitchen area.

Both have extra wide showers, with separate

toilets. The large lounges have comfortable seating a

TV, DVD and CD player, with a second TV in the

double bedroom.

Both are situated together with a large grass area at the front with outdoor

tables and chairs.

The caravans are available for hire from 10th March

to 20th November

Bermuda 8 Berth

The London Road Veterinary Centre and The Hollies Veterinary Clinic

Proud to work alongside RAF Marham Police Dog Section for over 30 years

10% OFF EVERYTHING FOR RAF MARHAM PERSONNEL

www.makeyourpetsmile.co.ukLondon Road Veterinary CentreHospital WalkKings LynnPE30 5QA01553 773168

Hollies Veterinary ClinicParadise Road

Downham MarketPE38 9JE

01366 386655

Documents

35 years of Tornado at RAF Marham - Marham Matters Onlinemarhammattersonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/... · fantastic range of Cybex Car Seats, Recaro Car Seats for babies and