Helicon Issue 2 2026

Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival 2026

A Special Invitation for the Armed Forces Community

The Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival returns to Shalford Park on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2026, promising a vibrant weekend of flavour, music and family-friendly fun – and members of the Armed Forces community are warmly invited to join the celebrations.

Taking place at the beautiful Shalford Park, GU4 8BL, this popular summer festival has become a firm favourite in the region, bringing together artisan food producers, live entertainment and a relaxed festival atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends, or simply looking for something different to enjoy over the weekend, the Cheese & Chilli Festival delivers something for everyone.

Visitors can explore an exciting range of stalls featuring award-

winning cheeses, chilli sauces, spice blends and street food from across the UK. From mild and creamy to seriously spicy, there’s no shortage of flavours to discover. Food lovers can sample new products, chat to passionate producers and pick up a few favourites to take home.

Beyond the food, the festival offers live music throughout the day, creating an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere. There will also be plenty of family-focused entertainment, making it an ideal event for parents and children alike. Importantly, children go free, helping to keep the festival accessible and great value for families.

To say thank you to those connected to the Armed Forces, an exclusive promotional code is available. By using the code RAFVIP, visitors can receive 10% off tickets purchased

online, making it even easier to enjoy a full weekend of festival fun.

The Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival is designed to be inclusive, friendly and relaxed, a place to unwind, enjoy good food and spend quality time together. With colourful stalls, lively crowds and a strong community feel, it’s the perfect summer event to add to the diary.

Dates: 18th & 19th July 2026

Venue: Shalford Park, Guildford, GU4 8BL

Offer: Use code RAFVIP for 10% off online tickets

Tickets: www.cheeseandchillifestival. com/tickets

We look forward to welcoming the Armed Forces community to Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival 2026 for a memorable weekend of food, fun and flavour.

HELICON CONTACTS

OIC

Sqn Ldr Angus Hamilton, COS BSW

Editor

MAcr Richard White, 7 Sqn

Email ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk

Article Submissions

Please send all articles to: ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk

Deadline date for the next issue: 12 August 2026

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ENTRIES FOR THE

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

Odiham continues to be

Over the summer there are many great activities available to

STATION COMMANDER’S

FOREWORD

Gp Capt Sarah Moorehead

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and summer is now fast approaching; there is lots to be optimistic about.

However, I know that the last couple of months have been busy and that people deployed in support of operations and exercises causes significant upheaval to the families. We have been working hard with the local community and schools to lessen the impact of deployments and ensure that we keep connected.

You may have seen, and hopefully signed up to, RAF Odiham’s new monthly community newsletter; HeliHub, with the intent of ‘delivering news to you, on time, on target, locally’. If you haven’t seen it and want to sign up then reach out to the community team for more information.

We’re excited that the Welfare and Community Centre refurbishment and extension works funded amongst others by the Nuffield Trust, RAFBF and AIR have now been completed; it offers a fantastic space. The official opening will take place in early summer, but we plan to get using it as soon as we have the furniture in place, toys ready and it all kitted out – keep an eye out and get involved!

I recently had the privilege of attending the RAFBF awards in London alongside RAF Odiham service personnel. It was humbling to hear about some of the amazing activities that the RAFBF undertake to support serving personnel, their families and our veterans. While the

unit was shortlisted for Station of the Year, I am pleased to announce that 27 Sqn were the winners of the Squadron of the Year award; due recognition for all of their hard work as part of Odiham100 celebrations and their fundraising for the Benevolent Fund.

I am pleased to announce that following the hugely successful trial last year of the Kings Camp summer activity programme which was subsidised by the RAFBF that we are again able to offer a programme this summer. Dates are now confirmed as week beginning 10 and 17 Aug and the RAFBF are again subsidising the cost which helps to address the high cost of living in this area. For further information please sign up directly with Kings Camp.

We are looking ahead to Armed Forces Day on 27 June where the nation recognises our service personnel and the contribution that they provide and sacrifices they and their loved ones often make. This year the National event is in Aldershot, so expect lots of events to be able to get involved with. Locally, Bands in the Bury delivered by InOdiham will provide another opportunity to connect with the local community and celebrate all that is good about RAF Odiham and Odiham village.

As I sign off, I expect this will be my final Helicon intro as I am posted

this summer. I want to thank you all for your support to the station and our personnel; whatever your role if you are reading this then you undoubtedly play a crucial part – it really is a team effort. I’m going to be very sorry to leave RAF Odiham, the Chinook Force and the wider community, but proud of collectively what we have all delivered for Defence over the last couple of years. I will fondly remember Odiham100

and the community events and acknowledge the challenges that we have got through together.

A big thank you from me for all that you do. I’d also like to take the opportunity to introduce my successor Gp Capt Jim Doyle, who is a great leader and I know will take good care of the Station during his tenure.

Promise and Fulfil

HeliHub is RAF Odiham’s new, monthly, online community newsletter - designed to keep you up-to-date on community activities, social events, important announcements and general information you might find useful.

UK Armed Forces Cricket Skills competition

On 23rd April, RAF Odiham cricket team travelled to Lords, the home of cricket, to take part in the UK Armed Forces Cricket Skills competition and to support the RAF team in the inter-services final.

On a glorious spring day, the team took part in 4 rounds of competition in the Lords

Performance Centre, the state-ofthe-art training facility just outside the main ground, which comprised two batting stands against bowling machines, a fielding stand, and a bowling stand. The batting was a subjective assessment by the organising staff (all Army) and the best efforts of Flt Lt Fell and Herrick did little to convince them to allow particularly high

scores. Fortunately, more objective success was delivered by AS1 Dhurba Pun on the bowling stand and by Sgt Matt Hunter and AS1 Joe Webb in the fielding, all of whom posted excellent scores.

With the competition complete, the participants had time to enjoy the Inter-Services cricket match between the RAF and Army

which resulted in a satisfying victory for the RAF with Odiham’s Cpl Jon Hawk bowling well in perfect weather.

Overall, it is an excellent start to the season and anyone keen to join the team should contact Flt Lt Herrick or Fell - nets are held on Monday evenings from 1700.

Ex WOKKA HEATHROW

Personnel from 27 Sqn Ops took part in Ex Wokka Heathrow which enabled personnel to gain an valuable insight into a busy aviation operations environment covering visits to Heathrow ATC, which proved invaluable for gaining a further understanding of the air traffic. What better way to do this by visiting one of the busiest airports in the world.

Covering a visit to British Airways HQ, we gained an insight onto the history of the company as well as being provided with an in depth visit to the flight dispatch

room & the crisis management part of the building. Both locations provided us with awareness to BCP strategies & highlighted how the MOD works with civilian companies to support each other. Being able to go through the operations part of British Airways highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication & teamwork, as well the crisis management showing us how important it is to get subject matter expects to help form a solution to a problem rather than just allowing management to make all the decisions.

AS1 Bailey Papouis

‘Students

Ex GREAT GAN 26

Beyond the Surface: Leadership Refined in the Maldives

THE MISSION: A Golden Anniversary in the Indian Ocean Ex GREAT GAN 26 was a high-intensity Adventurous Training expedition with a profound historical purpose. While its primary goal was to test the mettle of Royal Air Force SCUBA divers, the exercise was specifically timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the handover of RAF Gan to the Maldivian Government.

Returning to the Addu Atoll exactly five decades after the base was officially returned on 1st April 1976, the expedition served as a poignant tribute to the RAF’s legacy in the region. The exercise was marked with diplomatic engagement, including a formal meeting with the Maldivian Southern Area Command, representatives from the Ministry of Defence, and the Sri Lankan and Maldivian UK Defence Attaché. The engagement underscored the enduring bond and mutual respect between the nations as we marked this half-century milestone. Highlighting the spirit of camaraderie, the Commander of the Maldivian Southern Area Command was presented with an RAF SCUBA polo shirt as a token of appreciation, symbolising the shared heritage and the continued friendship between forces.

FORGING RESILIENCE BENEATH THE WAVES

FS Christopher Worrall –Instructor (DE SNCO Inst ACS, RAF Halton)

“Ex GREAT GAN provided an incredible example of what can be achieved on any RAF SCUBA diving expedition. The Maldives provided an exceptional blend of adventure and professional development, set against the backdrop of nutrientrich waters and vibrant coral. The expedition was carefully structured to maximise training value, offering significant instructor development opportunities. Beyond the standard syllabus, every participant undertook further rescue skills training to enhance their ability to manage realistic emergency scenarios. Throughout

the exercise, we remained mindful of our surroundings, conducting dives near the very waters that once supported the RAF’s vital transport network.”

FROM CHINOOK MAINTENANCE TO CORAL REEFS

Fg Off Kizzie Struselis –Sports Diver Trainee (CAMO, RAF Odiham)

“In my daily role within the CAMO at RAF Odiham, I focus on the continuing airworthiness of our Chinook fleet. Hearing about the 50th anniversary significance of Ex GREAT GAN shortly after arriving at Odiham, I knew I had to join ODISAC to be part of it!

The transition from PADI to the BSAC system was seamless. I moved from Ocean Diver to BSAC Sports Diver by the end of the week, practicing rescue techniques in the same area where RAF aircraft once landed. The marine life was spectacular; we were surrounded by turtles and manta rays and even had a close encounter with tiger sharks. This has been one of the most rewarding weeks of AT I have ever taken part in, building my resilience while connecting with the history of the Service.”

MASTERING THE LEAD

AS1(T) Sam Manley – Dive Leader Trainee (Blade Bay, RAF Odiham)

“I work in RAF Odiham’s Blade Bay, repairing Chinook Main Rotor Blades. On the second day of Ex GREAT GAN, I achieved a major career milestone, achieving my Dive Leader status. Although I’ve been on five previous diving expeditions, this was by far the most rewarding because of the historical context.

The diversity of life under the surface, from turtles to tiger sharks was unforgettable, but the real growth happened in the planning and leadership. As a new Dive Leader, supporting newly qualified personnel significantly boosted my confidence. It was an honour to develop these skills on an island that holds such a deep place in RAF history, 50 years after the final handover.”

THE DEBRIEF

Ex GREAT GAN 26 successfully delivered on its promise of

qualification progression and leadership growth. By leveraging the versatile environment of the Maldives and engaging with senior defence officials, the expedition reinforced that while the base has changed, the RAF’s spirit of international partnership remains. The technical success of the exercise was clear, with the team qualifying one Advanced Ocean Diver, four Sports Divers, and one Dive Leader, while significantly building on Advanced Diver experience for the instructional staff.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced diver looking to cross over to BSAC, RAF SCUBA offers the training and community to get you into the water.

• Location: Find out a club to join near you on the RAF SCUBA SharePoint.

• Who: All ranks and experience levels welcome.

• Contact: Contact your local POC via the SharePoint for more details on upcoming local dives and international expeditions. WANT TO MAKE A SPLASH? JOIN A DIVE CLUB NEAR YOU!

FAMILY LAW SUPPORT

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Email: enquiries@lambbrooks.com

Tel: 01256 844888 www.lambbrooks.com

At Odiham Dental Care, we believe that everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of. Offering teeth whitening and Invisalign treatments, our practice is dedicated to helping you achieve a brighter, straighter smile in a caring and comfortable environment.

What sets us apart is not just our commitment to excellent dentistry, but our genuine care for our patients. We understand the unique needs of our community, including the RAF families who form the heart of Odiham. Whether you’re part of the RAF community or simply someone who values quality care, our friendly team is here to make your dental experience as smooth as possible.

We pride ourselves on providing a personal touch, ensuring each patient feels at ease from the moment they step through our doors. Our team of skilled professionals is ready to guide you through your treatment options and create a plan tailored to your needs.

Ready to transform your smile? Call us today to book your free Invisalign or teeth whitening consultation. Let Odiham Dental Care help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve.

RMS Students Train with RAF Odiham Leadership in Action:

This year, students from RMS had the fantastic opportunity to participate in a comprehensive House leadership training course run by RAF Odiham, designed to equip them with the essential skills to lead, collaborate, and make a positive impact in their community.

The journey began with a foundational session exploring the core principles of leadership. Students delved into what leadership meant to them personally, reflecting on the qualities they admired in leaders and the values they wanted to embody. This initial exploration laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of leadership beyond just titles or authority.

Building upon this personal reflection, the course introduced students to established leadership theories and styles. They explored different approaches to leadership, from transformational to situational, and learned to identify the strengths and potential pitfalls of each style. This theoretical framework provided them with a shared language and a conceptual understanding of effective leadership. Importantly, they discussed the crucial role leadership plays in fostering positive change, creating inclusive environments, and motivating others towards common goals.

With a solid theoretical foundation in place, the course shifted gears to the practical application of leadership skills. Students were tasked with a real-world challenge: to organise and run an event back at school to raise money for

charity. This provided an invaluable opportunity for them to step into leadership roles, delegate tasks, communicate effectively, problemsolve, and manage a project from start to finish. The experience was both rewarding and challenging, pushing students outside their comfort zones and forcing them to apply the theory they had learned in a tangible way. The success of these student-led events not only raised significant funds for worthy causes but also demonstrated the practical impact of the leadership skills they were developing.

The training culminated in a dynamic and engaging practical session. Students participated in a low ropes course, where they navigated physical challenges requiring teamwork, communication, trust, and critical thinking. They required students to communicate clearly, support their teammates, solve problems collaboratively, and make quick decisions under pressure. Through these interactive exercises, students were able to experience firsthand

the dynamics of effective team leadership and the importance of adapting their approach to the specific needs of the situation. They also participated in other hands-on activities focused on specific leadership competencies, such as active listening and motivational techniques.

Reflecting on the entire course, it is evident that our students have grown significantly as leaders. They have gained a clearer understanding of what leadership truly means, explored diverse leadership styles, and learned to appreciate the importance of ethical and impactful leadership. They have also developed essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management. Most importantly, they have had numerous opportunities to apply these skills in real-world situations, both within the school environment and through challenging practical activities.

This House leadership training course has been a resounding success, providing our students with a powerful and comprehensive learning experience. It has empowered them to recognise their leadership potential and provided them with the tools and confidence to become effective and inspiring leaders, both within their Houses and in the wider community. 86% said they felt more confident leading after the course and were stronger in communication, decision making and planning

as a result of the training. We are incredibly proud of their progress and look forward to seeing how they will continue to apply these skills to make a positive difference in the years to come.

I also look forward to working with the base next year as we develop the course for other student leadership roles in school. I cannot thank the staff at RAF Odiham enough for their support, in particular ‘JD’, Jonesy’ and ‘Les’ for leading such amazing sessions for our students.

Europe, with the best views of the river

The Pavilion Bisley Hotel and Conference Centre

Tranquil

Stylish Comfortable

Bisley Camp, Brookwood, GU24 0PB

For all medal tailoring services. Just off Odiham High Street.

Scan the QR to visit our Instagram

Email: strikemedalmounting@gmail.com

Facebook: Strike Medal Mounting

Being close to RAF Odiham, allows personnel that require their medals to be refurbished/mounted, to hand them to me directly, no postage. I can discuss what is required in detail and tailor the new mounts.

I started my business 18 months ago with the support of my son who is a Warrant Officer in the Army and have enjoyed meeting current personnel, veterans and families looking to keep their medals in the best condition.

My work extends to reconditioning and conserving medals and ribbons from WW1 and WW2, to be worn, framed or just kept in a box. It is fascinating to hear of the endeavours and military history of these men and women.

I have a range of original WW1 and WW2 era ribbons in stock that I have used in reconditioning work – keeping the character of the medals as genuine as possible.

The Pavilion Bisley

Over the past few years, the Pavilion Bisley has been steadily evolving while remaining true to its unique heritage at the heart of Bisley Camp. Situated within the grounds of the National Shooting Centre, our historic building continues to welcome competitors, visitors and guests from across the shooting community and beyond.

Our refurbishment programme remains a key focus, with significant improvements already completed throughout the hotel. Guests can now enjoy 13 fully refurbished bedrooms, combining modern comfort with the character and charm expected from a building with such a rich history. Further room refurbishments are planned as we continue our long-term investment in the property.

We are also delighted to announce the completion of a major refurbishment project within our event spaces. The Vickers room and Conservatory have been extensively renovated and are now available as versatile venue hire spaces. Whether hosting meetings, private functions, training events, celebrations or corporate gatherings, these refreshed areas provide a welcoming setting while retaining the character of the building.

Alongside investment in our facilities, we continue to focus on enhancing the guest experience. With an on-site reception team available during the evenings and a growing reputation for friendly service, we are committed to providing a comfortable and convenient stay for everyone visiting Bisley Camp.

Whether you are attending a competition, visiting for business, hosting an event or simply exploring the area, the Pavilion Bisley offers a unique blend of history, hospitality and modern comfort. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and first-time guests throughout the year ahead.

Secure your stay at www.thepavilionbisley.com

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