World...Winter 2015 Wycombe World The Magazine of RAF High Wycombe Summer/Autumn 2020 LOCKDOWN LIFE - RECOLLECTIONS & RECIPES | VE DAY 75: WWII VETERANS WE …

Win

ter

2015 Wycombe

World

The Magazine of RAF High Wycombe Summer/Autumn 2020

LO C K D O W N L I F E - R E C O L L E C T I O N S & R E C I P E S | V E D AY 7 5 : W W I I V E T E R A N S

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OIC: Fg Off Rhiannon Morris Ext 6748Editor: Cpl Daniel Phillips Ext 4083Mailbox: HWY-EditorWycombeWorld@ mod.gov.uk

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Editorial Team

Submission Deadline...

ForewordStation Commander’s

Group Captain Arnold

All articles for the Winter 2020 Edition to be sent to the Editor no later than October 2020 to [email protected]. Please send all articles as a word document with all photos and images imbedded with in the article.

WelcomeEditor’s

F irstly, may I start by saying that as we may of been forced in to make some big

changes to our life styles and work patterns over recent months. Some of these changes may of come as a blessing for some, as it may of allowed families to be able to spend some more time together that we do not always get afforded because of work commitments. Others may have been able to finish

Cpl Daniel Phillips

I had the pleasure of taking over from Group Captain Shaun Harris on 1 September, which at

the time of writing means I am in my third week in post and what a rewarding and enjoyable start to a tour it has been. The old aphorism that the worst day in command is better than the best day in staff is ringing loudly in my ears as I enjoy the real privilege of getting to know my new team, as well as becoming more involved in the local community.

As with many of us, I am not new to RAF High Wycombe and have served here on 4 previous tours over the past 20 years - I still find it surprising that 20 years have passed since my first tour here as a callow Flt Lt. My family have been on the ‘patch’ at Medmenham for the past two years, while I undertook the role of SASO 38 Gp, a job which means I have some knowledge of the issues facing the Station – just enough for me to understand the size of the learning curve ahead of me.

I am really keen to carry on the good work of my predecessor who has done an excellent job with the Station and my priorities will certainly to reinforce his good work and hopefully build on his success

I want to ensure that the wider RAF High Wycombe community is still the overriding focus for my team, to: reinforce the successes of

Project HYDRO, where Station has benefitted for £600,000 of new money this year alone, to improve the lived-experience for our most junior people; serve as a pilot Station for the hugely beneficial Wrap Around Child Care scheme and continue to develop the strong links with the local community, reflected in the fantastic support received from High Wycombe town at our Battle of Britain service last week.

I look forward to meeting as many people as possible over the coming months – even if the current peculiar circumstances mean that this will be done via Teams or Zoom. Adapting to living with COVID may become the defining characteristic for all of us in the coming months. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of my team if you have an issues, concerns or suggestions – the kettle is always on! All the best

Non Sibi

WYCOMBE WORLD Summer/Autumn 2020WW: 4

off some major projects for work or the other half has been asking you to complete for months. But for others it may have been blessing and for those of you please know that there is always someone out there for you to talk to so please never feel your alone.

Even with all the restrictions that have been placed upon us, its been great to see so many of you still doing what ever you can to support others and the wider community. Its been so good to see that

so many of you have received so high praise and awards during the recent honours and awards. Thank you to all of the members of the Ped Flt for your quick thinks and bring us all together online for your daily circuit sessions.

Finally, I would like to thank Air Cdre Shaun Harris for his support during his time as Station Commander for the magazine and wish him all the best for the next chapter of this his career, whilst also welcoming aboard Gp Capt Philip Arnold to the team.

Cpl Daniel Phillips

06 Farewell To First MPGS Solider

06 RAF High Wycombe Civil Servant Becomes NHS Volunteer During Isolation

06 Lockdown Life - Recollections & Recipes

07 RAF High Wycombe Supports NHS In Covid-19 Front Line Operations

07 Raksha Bandhan

09 Honours & Awards

11 VE Day 75: WWII Veterans Recall Courage, Celebrations, and Loss

12 Share A Smile: Charity Seeks Public's Videos To Bring Cheer To Care Home Veterans

12 Residents Look To Lift Spirits By Sharing The Best Advice In Kindness Bingo

13 Sensational Gardens Competition: Share Your Beautiful Outside Spaces With Royal Star & Garter Residents, and Be In With A Chance Of Winning A £50 Voucher

13 Royal Star & Garter Residents Complete 874-Mile Tour Of Britain Challenge

17 PED FLT

The views expressed by the contributors to the Wycombe World 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.

WYCOMBE WORLD Summer/Autumn 2020 WW: 5

17

07

06

CONTENTS SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020

12


FAREWELL TO FIRST MPGS SOLDIER

Stat

ion

New

s

M embers of 1 Platoon MPGS Coy this month bid a

fond farewell to Cpl Angus McColm upon his posting to RAF Benson following 15 years of service at Air Cmd. He is in the notable position of being the first MPGS Soldier to guard the Unit and ensure personnel are safe in their work place. In this time, he has served under five Station Commanders and many Coy Cdrs. His hard work and drive has seen him rise through the ranks within this busy Unit, and he is looking forward to his next challenge.

Away from work Angus has provided an invaluable contribution towards the wider RAF High Wycombe community by undertaking

several additional roles; including 2IC of the gymnasium at Medmenham SFA, organising a staff ride to Arnhem in 2013 and representing the RAF Motocross team. He has also a regular participant in London Poppy days, and was also a member of the MPGS team which received Provost Marshal Commendation in 2015 for their efforts toward charity fundraising.

As this chapter in Angus’s career comes to a close it is clear to see that RAF High Wycombe’s loss is certainly RAF Benson’s gain, and I am sure you will all join me in wishing Angus, his wife Kate and their family all the best for the future endeavours at RAF Benson and beyond.

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE CIVIL SERVANT BECOMES NHS

VOLUNTEER DURING ISOLATION

B EING told to self-isolate at home due to being ‘High Risk’ was a blow to

Qasim Wazier. Regardless of his own health concerns Quasim wanted to stay productive and help the public in whatever way he could. Using the NHS volunteer scheme, he is now providing telephone support to people suffering with mental health problems during COVID-19.

Qasim (20), of High Wycombe, works a Civil Servant at RAF High Wycombe. Unfortunately for Qasim, when COVID-19 precautions were taken in the

UK he found himself in self-isolation due to his asthma. Within a week of signing up to the NHS volunteer scheme Qasim was active in his new NHS role:

“My role is to provide support to people over the phone and offer assistance to anybody who is suffering mentally in these times. I’ve spoken to people from age 18 up to 40 which shows it doesn’t matter how old or young, you have someone to speak to if you’re afraid and confused. I am proud to offer support to others and do my part.”

LOCKDOWN LIFE – RECOLLECTIONS & RECIPES

R AF High Wycombe has been successful in a grant application from

the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The funding will be used to provide a 'doorstep' youth worker to the community at RAF High Wycombe to provide face to face interaction with young people and their families. This will be conducted in a safe manner adhering to social distancing. The youth worker will engage with

the families to record their experiences of lockdown and find out about additional support they may require. The project aims to provide engagement for isolated families and an archive for the future.

We are also looking for photographs, stories and any random recipes you created during lockdown, these can be emailed to [email protected]

R aksha Bandhan is a Sanskrit word and made of two words “Raksha”

meaning Safety and “Bandhan” meaning Bond. The festival is to mark the brother and sister’s relationship (but not exclusively) respecting sister’s love, affection and protection (in the form of her prayers and well wishes) towards her brother and brother’s love and responsibilities towards the sister. This is symbolised or manifested by, sister tying a Rakhi (amulet) as Rakshabandhan( knot of safety) around the brother’s wrist and in return brother gives a gift. In India, this festival is not only celebrated amongst the Hindus but by all other faiths too. After the Station Commander’s welcome address Pandit Krishan Attri, Hindu Priest started the ceremony with the prayer in Sanskrity followed by translation and explanation in English. Practising the social distancing norms the Rakhi and the gifts were exchanged amongst the sisters and brothers from the service and local community.

Members of Defence Hindu Network including representatives Sqn Ldr Amir Khan of Muslim and WO Balbir Singh Flora of Sikh communities were present.

RAKSHA BANDHAN

TWELVE personnel from RAF High Wycombe’s Military Co-Responder

scheme have been activated to support South Central Ambulance Service under Op RESCRIPT. These personnel would normally volunteer one of their evenings a week to man the Rapid Response Vehicles in support of the Service, now they will be working full time alongside Paramedics, Patient Transport Service (PTS) and manning the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). All personnel from RAF High Wycombe have received an accelerated training package. For some this was a three-day response driving course in the Ambulances, some have started the 4-week C1 Ambulance driving course,

1-day PTS patient handling course or a 1-day training package for the EOC.

Duties will vary for all personnel depending on qualifications and experience: dual crewing the frontline ambulances, driving and supporting critical life-saving treatment, supporting the PTS by manning their transport vehicles supplying medical care to those to and from hospital, and manning the EOC dispatching ambulances to those who need them. The team have taken all the duties in their stride and as we see the COVID-19 situation develop they will be on the “front line” alongside their colleagues from the NHS.

RAF HIGH WYCOMBE SUPPORTS NHS IN COVID-19

FRONT LINE OPERATIONS


If you would like to discuss matters with me at any time, or have any questions, please contact me on [email protected] or 01296 415700 or visit my website www.wanstallconsulting.co.uk

FREE ½ hour Consultations and BriefingsAfter my first career in the Army, I have been a solicitor in Home Counties law firms for over 20 years. I have now set up my own specialist Wills and Estate Planning Consultancy, based from Wendover, where I provide personalised and specialist legal advice to both military (serving and retired) and non-military clients on:

I am also holding Free Briefings and Free Wills and Estate Planning Clinics. The Briefings will cover wills, estate and succession planning, powers of attorney and related matters. The Clinics offer a free half hour consultation to discuss wills, powers of attorney and related matters. Both will be held either in person on station, or via videocall, such as skype, zoom or similar, subject to any Covid19 restrictions.Covid19 Update I am still holding all my meetings face to face, but, due to Covid19, am currently holding these via videocalls rather than in person. The plan is to offer meetings both by videocall and in person shortly, subject to Covid restrictions. Videocall meetings offer:• The same level of advice and service as normal, but with more flexibility, whenever suits you, day or evening and any day.

• Peace of mind – you still receive specialist, personal and bespoke advice, but without any social distancing concerns.

• Wills• Estate Planning• Succession Planning

• Later Life Advice• Lasting Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration and other related areas

I am pleased to hold a registered Armed Forces Covenant and offer a 10% discount for any legal advice I provide to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or retired.“Keep busy, keep well and keep smiling!”

Following my first career in the army (The Gordon Highlanders, now 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland), I spent over 20 years as a specialist private client solicitor in law firms across the Home Counties.

Having lived in Wendover with my family since the late ‘90’s, I have recently realised a long-time goal of setting up my own Wills & Estate Planning Consultancy, based here and covering the surrounding areas.

I offer clients friendly and bespoke specialist legal advice, including Wills, estate, later life and succession planning and powers of attorney.

My aim is to make the whole legal process of planning for the future as straight forward and convenient as possible. I therefore normally see clients at their own homes or workplace, at a time that suits them. With the current Covid restrictions, I am currently seeing clients face to face, but via videocalls rather than in person, but look forward to offering both in person and video call meetings again soon.

I am also holding free Briefings and Wills and Estate Planning Clinics: the Briefings are on station and the Clinics are currently on station or via videocall, subject to any Covid19 restrictions.

WillsI strongly recommend that serving and retired military personnel consider having a professionally drawn up Will prepared and carry out planning for their, and their family`s, future. Due to my background, I understand many of the issues that you, and your family, may well be going through with the various factors and demands of military life. If you need to prepare your Will quickly, such as due to operational or exercise requirements, this will be arranged.

Lasting Powers of AttorneyI also strongly recommend Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). There are two types of LPAs which enable you to authorise chosen people (attorneys) to look after your financial and / or your health and welfare affairs should you either wish them to (such as if you are away on operations or training), or should they need to do so.

If you would like to meet (in person or via videocall) to discuss any of the above or related matters, or have any questions, please contact me for a free initial ½ hour consultation at any time.

I am pleased to hold a registered Armed Forces Covenant and offer a 10% discount for any legal advice I provide to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or retired.

My contact details are: 01296 415700

[email protected]

HONOURS & AWARDS


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AWO000335


V eterans of the Second World War, now living at Royal Star & Garter, have

been remembering Victory in Europe (VE) Day, 75 years on.

The courageous men and women recalled a carnival atmosphere and street celebrations, but also reflected on the men and women who lost their lives during the 1939-1945 conflict.

They were speaking ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May, and before the lockdown imposed across the country by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Royal Star & Garter is a charity providing loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

Also remembering VE Day was the wife of a Second World War sailor, and some of the men who went on to serve their country after 1945.

Flo MahoneyFlo was a driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during VE Day. She said: “I was still in camp and we celebrated quite madly. We probably all had too much to drink and we had a dance at night, and said ‘Thank God for that!’” VE Day was also a time for reflection and to remember those that did not survive the war. She said: “I used to drive

pilots to their planes [before they set off on missions]. You would see a young chap run to their plane, and they would fly off. And sometimes they didn’t come back. You’d be thinking to yourself ‘Where is so-and-so?’, and the next day you’d be looking for him and you’d be told, ‘No, he caught it.’ It was a good time and a very sad time.”

Joan SpriggJoan left the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in April 1945. She had been serving at RAF Uxbridge and went to London: “There were unforgettable celebrations going on. Trafalgar Square was just packed with relieved and happy service people and civilians all singing and dancing. It was just wonderful.”

Harry and Sue SouthernHarry was serving in the Navy at the time. For him VE Day slipped by. He said: “I was crossing the Indian Ocean from Mombasa to Colombo. We were on four hours on and four hours off so not a great deal of celebration. It was expected.” His wife Sue was a student at teaching college in Cheltenham, when staff broke the good news. She said: “They put out bread and sandwich filling and we had the day off, everybody did what they wanted. We went into town, there were jollifications and flags were going up and church bells were ringing and there was more or less a street party. It was a gloriously sunny day, and everybody was rejoicing.”

Alf CresserAlf, who served in the RAF after the Second World War, also recalled a street party. He said: “We had big celebrations in the road, drinking, it was fantastic. It was wonderful.”

David FrenchDavid, who carried out his National Service with the RAF, cannot recall the special day itself, but has a photo of a VE Day street party, which includes Union Jack bunting and children sitting at picnic tables, and captures the prevailing bonhomie and carnival spirit.

Amy WeinFor some women in the service, Victory in Europe was tinged with some sadness that their military careers were likely to end soon. Amy was in the WAAF on VE Day. She said: “I was stationed in Hastings, and we went on a victory parade.

It was jolly good. I didn’t stay [in the Forces] because I was married and my husband wanted me to come out. I think that had I been single I would have stayed in because I thought it was a good life to be a servicewoman, and still is. I think a lot of women in the services felt like that. They were losing that companionship.”

Royal Star & Garter was established in 1916 to help veterans in the First World War. Seventy-five years after VE Day, the charity is still caring for generations who faced wartime difficulties with courage. Today, during another global crisis, the charity is inspired by its residents’ fortitude to provide care with the same courage.

If you wish to support Royal Star & Garter this VE Day with a donation, please visit: https://starandgarter.org/donate/

VE DAY 75:

Char

ity

WWII VETERANS RECALL COURAGE, CELEBRATIONS, AND LOSS

V eterans at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe have been helping

spread a little lockdown love by sharing their wisdom in a game of Kindness Bingo.

The game saw residents and staff share the best advice they have ever been given in their long and eventful lives, resulting in lovely tips.

They revealed their pearls of wisdom as part of the Kindness Bingo game, when they were asked: “What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?”

The results are a treasure trove of tips and sage advice which the residents were keen to share with people, coming off the back of Mental Health Awareness Week and while the country remains under lockdown.

Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

Advice from former Grenadier Guard John, 93, is to “Enjoy yourself ”, while D-Day veteran Bunny’s pearl is to “Do as you’re told!”

Ena’s husband was killed in action in 1944. The 101-year-old advises: “No matter how much you worry, it never makes a difference.” Army veteran H, 91, says “Keep on

smiling” while 93-year-old former-Spitfire pilot Neville’s top tip is “Look after yourself.”

Other challenges on the Kindness Bingo card included “Compliment three people you see today”, “Do something to make someone laugh”, and “Tell someone your favourite thing about them”.

Home Manager Chelle Daly said: “We had such fun playing Kindness Bingo, and it was a great way to support Mental Health Awareness Week. Along the way we gathered some lovely tips and advice from our residents who really wanted to help spread a little joy during these challenging times.”One resident said: “We had so much fun playing Kindness Bingo and sharing our life tips. We’ve all been around the block a few times and lived through many difficult and challenging times. If our advice helps just one person, it’s worth it.”

Bingo Kindness was played with staff and residents observing COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

RESIDENTS LOOK TO LIFT SPIRITS BY SHARING THE BEST ADVICE IN

KINDNESS BINGO


A new campaign aimed at bringing a smile to the faces of Royal

Star & Garter residents is being launched ahead of Armed Forces Day (27 June).

Share a Smile invites members of the public to send in homemade videos aimed at bringing cheer to veterans cared for by the charity.

Submissions received so far include magic tricks, dancing dogs and musical performances.

Share a Smile follows the success of Royal Star & Garter’s Letters with Love campaign, which has brought much warmth and love to residents after the Homes paused visits from family members and entertainers in March. It is also inspired by school pupil Jemima, whose piano-playing videos entertain residents in the Surbiton Home.

The charity provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, at three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

A resident said: “Letters with Love really brightened our days, we enjoyed them a lot. Now we are looking forward to seeing the Share a Smile videos.”

Pauline Shaw, Director of Care at the charity, said: “These videos will mean so much to the residents, who have been unable to see loved ones for such a long time. Letters with Love brought them an incredible amount of joy during a very difficult time, and I know Share a Smile will do the same.”

Share a Smile videos can be uploaded to https://starandgarter.org/shareasmile. All videos can be viewed on the same page.

Share a Smile suggestionsTo help set you on your way, Royal Star & Garter listed 10 possible Share a Smile ideas

• Sing a song• Recite a poem• Perform a trick

with your pet • Tell a joke• Perform a magic

trick or card trick• Play an instrument• Perform a dance or

cheer-leading routine• Read out an

inspirational quote• Perform a comedy skit• Recall a funny memory

SHARE A SMILE: CHARITY SEEKS PUBLIC’S VIDEOS TO BRING

CHEER TO CARE HOME VETERANS

V eterans at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe have successfully

completed their virtual cycle ride fundraiser from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

The residents finished the 874-mile High Wycombe Tour of Britain challenge on static bikes in the Physiotherapy Room of the Home in Hughenden Avenue on Thursday 9 July.

Together with staff from the Home who also took part in the Tour of Britain challenge, they have already helped raise £555 for Royal Star & Garter, a charity which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia at Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

The challenge was organised by the Home’s Activities and Physiotherapy Teams and started on Monday 22 June. It saw the group of residents and staff cycle in 15-minute sessions over the period.

Their progress was tracked on a map as they made their way across the country. Residents also enjoyed local delicacies from the area they were passing through, including Cornish pasties, Devonshire cream teas, Somerset cider, Eccles cakes and Lancashire hotpots. There were also various activities and quizzes based on the regions they pedalled through, and a look at some of Britain’s iconic landmarks, such as Stonehenge. This helped the residents who were unable to feel part of the team effort.

Home Manager Chelle Daly said: “Activities and Physiotherapy play a key role in the overall care and well-being of residents at Royal Star & Garter. We work together to tailor care-plans for every resident in the Home. It was great that we were all able to

come together to successfully complete our Tour of Great Britain and raise money.”

Lead Physiotherapist Maddie Venkatesh said: “The High Wycombe Tour of Great Britain was great fun and exactly what residents and staff needed after a challenging few months. Physiotherapy is very popular in the Home, whether it’s one-to-one exercise sessions on the static bikes, parallel bars, block of stairs and the treadmill, or group activities such as music to movement, Tai Chi and aerobics.”

Among those who took part was 101-year-old Ena, whose husband was killed in action in Belgium in 1944. She said: “We had a lot of fun cycling and taking part in all the other activities. Staff always think up clever ways to keep us active in body and mind.” The High Wycombe Home has remained COVID-19 free with high standards of infection control, access to regular testing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment, all aimed at keeping residents safe and well. During the Tour of Britain, all participants wore face masks and observed social distancing guidelines.

The state-of-the-art High Wycombe Home, which has a library, gardens and a hair salon, as well as ensuite bedrooms and stunning communal spaces, opened in April 2019. The team are now welcoming new residents to the Home. For information about the Home or to take a virtual tour, go to www. starandgarter.org/HW, email [email protected], or call 01494 927 555.

You can still help residents from High Wycombe reach their £874 fundraising goal by visiting their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hwcycle

ROYAL STAR & GARTER RESIDENTS COMPLETE 874-MILE TOUR OF

BRITAIN CHALLENGE

R oyal Star & Garter is launching a new fundraising competition

for budding gardening enthusiasts and expert green-fingered growers.

The Sensational Gardens competition follows the increased interest in gardening following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Participants are being asked to enter photos or videos of their botanical efforts from window boxes to vegetable patches, which will be judged by residents in the charity’s three Homes. The winner of each of the Sensational Gardens competition’s three categories will receive a £50 voucher to spend at a garden centre.

The competition launched on Tuesday 21 July, and is £3 for each entry. Entrants can add an additional donation on top of this, and every penny raised will go to Royal Star & Garter.

Residents enjoy spending time in the gardens in the three Royal Star & Garter Homes. They tend to flowers, grow fruit and vegetables in raised beds, and enjoy relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. It is a vital part of the holistic care and well-being the charity provides its residents.

The Sensational Garden competition aims to acknowledge and celebrate our gardens. Its three categories are:

• The favourite part of your outdoor space

• Your happiest moment in the garden

• What you are most proud of growing

Senior Community Fundraiser Lauren Baker, responsible for overseeing the event, said: “Our residents love spending time in our gardens, and we know lots of people across the country have spent a lot of time in their outdoor spaces during lockdown. This great new competition allows us to celebrate our sensational gardening moments together. We know our residents will love seeing and judging the entries.”

Deadline for entries is 21 August, with the winners announced by 28 August. Each entry can be submitted by visiting http://starandgarter.org/gardens

Royal Star & Garter provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

SENSATIONAL GARDENS COMPETITION: SHARE YOUR

BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE SPACES WITH ROYAL STAR & GARTER RESIDENTS,

AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A £50 VOUCHER


Looking for a rewarding and challenging new career? As a Foster Carer you will help children and young people to feel safe and valued; while you continue to challenge yourself and fulfil your sense of adventure.

Fostering 0800 774 7901

Find out about

www.nextstepfostering.org [email protected]

#ChangeCareer #ChangeALife

And we’ll always be here for you.

The Royal British Legionunderstands what it means to serve.

rbl.org.ukRegistered charity number: 219279

1450 pupils aged 7-18 with over 500 boarders

01527 [email protected]

bromsgrove-school.co.ukFLAIR • DISCIPLINE • ACADEMIC RIGOUR

R E G I

Founded 1553

generous

forces’ bursaries

available

Individual Visits Welcome

Boarding for ages 7 - 18

Outstanding Education ISI Inspection 2016 - excellent in every category

Good Schools Guide 2017 says:

“The situation of the school is an asset – it is in a good central England location,

easy to reach from all corners of the country. “

Co-educational,

Day & Boarding

• Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty less than a 10 minute drive from RAF High Wycombe. • Committed staff and Governors who are committed to supporting all our children in achieving the best they possibly can.• Small class sizes where learning is personalised to ensure excellent progress for all.• Secure environment including a brand new outdoor learning area, adventure trail, vegetable patch and gardens, and extensive playing fields.• Due to expansion there are currently places available in all year groups.• Before and after school care available 7.45am – 6.00pm.• Strong parent/school partnership with excellent community links.• Nurturing and caring environment where children feel happy and safe.• Weekly Forest School and outdoor learning that enriches the curriculum.• Expert sports coaching and a range of after school clubs.

For an appointment to visit our school contact: 01494 [email protected]

The Mary Towerton School, Studley Green, High Wycombe,

HP14 3XN

Are you looking for a small and friendly maintained school in a truly picturesque setting where children flourish?

The Mary Towerton School at Studley Green

‘Inspiring all to reach their potential’

Limited Places availablefor September 2020

Call us on 01494 862407 or visitgatewayschool-bucks.co.uk to book

1 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9AA

Visit us to find out about all the opportunitiesGateway School can offer your child.

Ages2 to 11

Are you lookingfor exceptionalchildcare?

The House that Jack Built (Day Nursery) Limited has been awarded “Outstanding” at two of our nurseries and is amongst one of the few childcare providers to

have an Early Years Teachers within its dedicated team of staff. With nurseries based in Naphill, Hazlemere, Flackwell Heath and Marlow Bottom.

WE STRIVE TO OFFER:• A loving and homely environment where

young babies feel safe and secure• High quality childcare providing an environment

of rich learning experiences• Care, committed and enthusiastic staff

• A strong partnership with parents• Registered to care for children aged from 0 to 5 years

• Open 51 weeks of the year Monday to Friday• Breakfast, lunch and tea all provided and

freshly prepared by our dedicated chefs

RED KITESNaphill - RAF High Wycombe

Tel: 01494 564439

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

Marlow Bottom – Marlow

Tel: 01628 481601

OVER THE MOONFlackwell Heath - High Wycombe

Tel: 01628 532169

THE HOUSETHAT JACK BUILT

Hazlemere- High Wycombe

Tel: 01494 71342


PED FLTW here do we start?

… During the many days of lockdown

your PEd Flt has been hard at work, providing tough home workouts, fun challenges, promoting important events and charities, and helping with Covid-19 duties.

The team at Hwy PEd Flt has delivered over 50 home workouts during lockdown, with a mix of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT ), body-weight circuits, core and mobility, and a faster 5km running programme.

They distributed gym equipment to benefit just short of a 100 Stn personnel, to make sure they could stay fit and well over lockdown.

Some of the favourite home exercises included Cpl Alex Joyce’s April Fool’s workout with his trademark “slug” exercise and Cpl Scott Worthing’s rendition of the “Greatest Showman”, where he dazzled the PEd Facebook group with his sparkly coat and Mr Motivator spandex- not leaving much to the imagination.

We set many challenges over this period, with £10 Amazon gift vouchers up for grabs for the winners. There was the “Dowel Mobility Challenge”, “Home Olympics”, “Most burpees in 1 minute” and many more. It was great to see so many people get involve and have fun.

Throughout lockdown HWY PEd team helped to promote events such as World Health Day and VE Day 75th Burpee Challenge, where Sgt Cat Beaver completed an eye watering 6 lots of 75 burpees in an hour.

They helped to promote Mental Health Week which affected many during lockdown. Individuals had time to reflect as a family and work unit, and as an individual, especially those in stuck SLA.

Once lockdown eased, PEd Flt did not stop there, and continued to provide Health and Well-being and admin to get the gyms back open.

We started off by providing a collection service to those that had loaned out gym equipment and were unable to bring it back to the gym. The PTI’s were very generously rewarded for their efforts with their favourite treats… biscuits.

The PEd team then jumped into action doing what it does best, conducting challenging and exciting outdoor sessions at Medmenham and on the 3 Site Sports pitches which were

well attended, and we saw lots of new faces get involved.

Currently most of the gyms have opened with mitigations in place. We thank the users for adhering to the new

rules to ensure everyone stays safe and we remain open.

Thank you for your support in these challenging times. Stay safe and well.

Viribus Audax.BS

W

GORDON’S SCHOOL

Ranked in the top 1% of all schools in England and Wales over the past 3 years at A Level.

Years 7, 9 and 12 boarding places available.

BOARDING IN SURREY

2020 OPEN DAYSPlease see website www.gordons.school to book a place.

01494 449528

Built by public subscription at the insistence of Queen Victoria, Gordon’s School is the national monument to General Charles Gordon and is listed as one of Britain’s outstanding schools by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector.

A co-educational residential and day boarding school, Gordon’s in the top one per cent of schools nationally for progress at A Levels.

While embracing modern ideas, General Gordon’s legacy of traditional values remains. The School’s ethos is that high performance without good character is not true success.

To this end, it’s not just the classrooms where students excel. Successes are achieved in drama; the arts; debating; public speaking; dance and sport as well as Duke of Edinburgh awards.

While the individual is celebrated, the whole School unites for parades. Since its inception, students have marched and there has always been Pipes and Drums. Dressed in their Blues the students parade around eight

times a year and the school is the only one in the country permitted to march along Whitehall – an annual tradition in remembrance of General Gordon.

Set in over 50 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, close to London and its airports, Gordon’s is home to some 800 students offering Day Boarding (from £1,998 per term) and Residential (weekly and termly) Boarding from only £5,566 per term. All students benefit from an extended school day, allowing day boarders to stay for prep and supper with their residential boarding peers.

Around half of the school’s residential boarders are from service families, attracted by the location and the school’s understanding of military life.

Student are assigned to one of ten Boarding Houses – four residential and six day - with House Parents providing a ‘home from home’ and lending special atmosphere to each House. Inter-House com-petitions in sport and the arts are fiercely contested.

Residential Boarders coming into the school aged 11 benefit from their own, bespoke House.

There are three main admission points – at 11 and 13 years old and Sixth Form.

The real judgement of Gordon’s is the students. Visitors are struck by the friendliness, discipline and vibrancy throughout the school and the family atmosphere,

Gordon’s – The Most Unique School in England

exemplified by the rapport between staff and students. This is borne from a community striving to live with integrity, courtesy, enthusiasm and diligence, even in adversity.Gordon’s School is unique.

Please book a visit and find out why.

Woolwich House – our newest residential boarding House offers a term-time ‘home from home’ to the youngest boarders at Gordon’s, coming into the school aged 11.

Located in WendoverFor children aged 2-5 yearsBased on the Forest School ethos of child-ledlearning80% of the time spent outdoorsFollows the EYFS frameworkEncourages fantastic social, academic andemotional development through craft, cultivationand skills based activities**Immediate Availability**

For more information, please contact: [email protected] Tel: 01296 706565Registered address: 38 Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6PX

Where children are unfolded, not moulded

The Shepherd's Hut OutdoorDay Nursery





Where children are unfolded, not moulded • Located in Wendover

• For children aged 2-5 years

• Based on the Forest School ethos of child-led learning

• 80% of the time spent outdoors

• Follows the EYFS framework

• Encourages fantastic social, academic and emotional development through craft, cultivation and skills based activities

**Immediate Availability**

For more information, please contact: [email protected] Tel: 01296 706565

38 Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6PX









VETERINARY CENTRE CROSSROADS

Celebrating 60 years as your caring, friendly, professional small animal Veterinary Practice

HIGH WYCOMBE (01494)459095 HAZLEMERE (01494)718700 WATLINGTON (01491) 612799

Consultations six days a week 24/7 Emergency on-site

Operating facilities at our three surgeries Private parking at all branches

Pet healthcare plans Online shop

ONLY practice in the High Wycombe area offering genuine 24/7, 365 days a year ON-SITE EMERGENCY care (service provided on-site by Vets Now)

www.vetswycombe.co.uk

MOBILE TYRE FITTINGWE COME TO YOU!

MOBILE TYRE FITTINGWE COME TO YOU!

Stockists Of All Leading Makes of Tyres

mobile

• Car, Van & High Performance Tyres

• Specialist Wheel Alignment Service

• Truck & Plant Tyre Specialist• Trade / Accounts Welcome• Wheel Balancing• 4 x 4 Tyres

Tel: 01494 565648

Shoe Repairs,Key Cutting,

Sports Trophies& Engraving

Also dry cleaning& watch batteries

27 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE

Tel: 01844 274651Email: [email protected]

Everyone has a story to tell.Whatever your tale, fiction or reality, short or long, we can help you get it out there. Send in your manuscript and we can professionally set up and publish your story.

Working with a skilled team of graphic designers, we work hard to make your book a reality. For more details, contact us:

01536 334 [email protected]

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...

www.algarve-retreats.com/ property-to-rent/apartment-meia.htm

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected]©

shut

ters

tock

/ Sim

on D

annh

auer

PRICES ON REQUEST STARTING AT £295 PER WEEK

Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but

within walking distance (5 mintures to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom, the lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four, a TV and DVD are also available. Both the lounge and Bedroom have Patio doors

which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos. There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

FOR ADVERTISING

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THIS PUBLICATION PLEASE

CONTACT KEN

TEL: (01536) 334 225EMAIL: [email protected]

Call Today:

(01733)

390 564

www.lanceprint.co.uk

Think PrintLance Print is an established printers based in Peterborough. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service. We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

You drive, we’ll cover.Tailored car insurance to meet the needs of the Military family.

Call 0151 363 5290 Visit forcesmutual.org/car

PMGI2910 Advert 0520

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6QS. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Car Insurance

Drive away with a

10% discount*

Lines are open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.

*For terms and conditions of the 10% discount, please see www.forcesmutual.org/car or call 0151 363 5290.

Documents

World...Winter 2015 Wycombe World The Magazine of RAF High Wycombe Summer/Autumn 2020 LOCKDOWN LIFE - RECOLLECTIONS & RECIPES | VE DAY 75: WWII VETERANS WE …