Insight Autumn 25

GORDON’S SCHOOL

Proudly Supporting Forces Families for over a Century

YEARS 7, 9 AND 12 BOARDING PLACES AVAILABLE

“Students who attend the boarding school provision exceed their predicted outcomes and consistently reach, and further, their potential” OFSTED BOARDING INSPECTION REPORT 2019 For Autumn Open Events visit www.gordons.

Your local, proudly independent, veterinary practice opened in Waddington in 2022. Register and book online via our website, follow us on Facebook, call us or pop in to see us. Sarah, Alice and their friendly team look forward to welcoming you and your pets!

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 12pm By appointment only

Call: 01522 716388

Email: info@lincolnedgevets.co.uk

Website: https://www.lincolnedgevets.co.uk/

Find us: Lincoln Edge Vets Ltd, The Quarry, Grantham Road, Waddington, Lincs, LN5 9NT

Dragonfly Dreams Wellness

Matt is a certified hypnotherapist and former member of the armed forces, dedicated to helping individuals overcome mental and emotional barriers through the power of the subconscious mind. With a deep understanding of resilience, discipline, and personal transformation forged during his time in the military, Matt brings a grounded and empathetic approach to hypnotherapy.

Specialising in areas such as anxiety, trauma, confidencebuilding, and performance enhancement, Matt works with clients from all walks of life—offering a safe, focused space for healing and growth. His practice is built on trust, integrity, and results, drawing from both structured therapeutic techniques and the practical lessons of lived experience.

Whether you’re navigating stress, recovering from trauma, or simply seeking a more empowered version of yourself, Matt’s mission is to guide you with clarity and strength - 07543 231508

Alison is a compassionate and intuitive healer, combining her expertise as a massage therapist, Reiki Master, and meditation teacher to support clients on their journey toward balance, renewal, and inner peace.

With a deep belief in the body’s innate ability to heal, Alison creates a nurturing space where physical tension, energetic imbalances, and emotional stress are gently released. Her integrative approach draws from years of hands-on experience and spiritual practice, blending therapeutic massage with energy work and mindfulness to restore harmony on every level—body, mind, and spirit.

Alison works with individuals seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, burnout, and emotional fatigue, as well as those simply looking to deepen their connection to themselves. Her sessions are personalised, intuitive, and grounded in presence—offering not just relaxation, but meaningful transformation.  - 07837 955662

INSIGHT

Autumn 2025

From the Editor…

Flt Lt D.J. Hopkinson

As the weather starts to take on that autumn chill, it’s once again time to bring you the latest edition of Insight — RAF Waddington’s very own station magazine. This season’s issue is packed with stories that celebrate the energy, commitment, and camaraderie that make life on station so unique.

The Running Club share their recent achievements and upcoming goals, reminding us all of the power of perseverance (and perhaps inspiring a few more of us to lace up our trainers!). Meanwhile, our talented archers take aim with an in-depth look at their championship successes, offering an inside view of the skill, focus, and teamwork that drive their sport forward.

We’re also proud to feature two articles from the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), highlighting the incredible work being done to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Their continued presence within our community serves as a powerful reminder of the wider RAF family and the importance of supporting one another.

As always, Insight depends entirely on the stories, photos, and experiences shared by station personnel. Your contributions are what keep this publication alive — turning it from a newsletter into a genuine reflection of life at RAF Waddington. On behalf of the editorial team, thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm, creativity, and support.

Whether you’re reading this between shifts, over a coffee, or in a rare quiet moment, we hope this edition provides a welcome snapshot of everything that makes RAF Waddington such a vibrant place to live and work.

Enjoy the autumn edition of Insight!

EDITORIAL

WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk

External Email:

Tel: +44 (0)1522 726704

Editor:

Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson

WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk

Deputy Editor: Flt Lt Chris Talbot

WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk

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Station Commander’s Foreword...

Gp Capt Dominic Holland

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on RAF Waddington’s many achievements and the continued excellence demonstrated across our Whole Force. RAF Waddington constantly delivers on Operations 24/7 around the world. Closer to home, Exercise COBRA WARRIOR was a huge success, significantly strengthening our relationship with our NATO allies. The Red Arrows had a spectacular 2025 display season, performing 56 incredible displays, flying 15 high-profile flypasts, and visiting 12 countries. They even made history as the only national aerobatic team to use a combination of sustainable fuels. As the display season now ends, the crucial winter work-up phase begins in earnest. Huge congratulations also go to our RAF Association Liaison Team at RAF Waddington, who were awarded ‘The Sir

Geoffrey Bromet Trophy’ for exceptional achievement in support of the Association.

In this edition of Insight, you will find coverage of the recent visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to mark the retirement of the MQ-9A Reaper after 18 years of operational service. Reaper has been central to our operational contribution for nearly two decades, providing essential capability and operational effect. Its retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as Protector takes over.

Also featured, our Padre shares an insightful piece on the importance of community within Station life. This serves as a timely reminder that our collective strength lies not only in our professionalism but in our ability to support, encourage, and look after one another—a sentiment

perfectly complemented by the articles from the RAF Benevolent Fund in this issue.

I am also delighted to see sport so brilliantly represented! With articles from the Waddington Running Club and coverage of the RAF Archery Outdoor Championships, it highlights the vital role sport plays in Service life—building resilience, fostering teamwork, and promoting wellbeing across the Station.

This will be my final forward as I prepare to hand over command of the Station. Having been connected to RAF Waddington for the last eight years, I will miss it immensely, particularly the exceptional people from our Whole Force who work together tirelessly to deliver operations every single day of the year. Above all, I will miss the fantastic teamwork and collaboration that I have witnessed. It is inspiring to see people across this Station consistently taking the time to help each other, especially in the invaluable support offered to our families and wider community.

I want to thank every single person across this community for your help, support, and outstanding contribution. RAF Waddington is an amazing Station thanks to your hard work. I wish you all a safe and very successful conclusion to your own tours. Finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Group Captain Leanne Warner and her family and wish her all the very best for her time in Command.

PADRE’S PIECE

So declared the poet and philosopher John Donne, when famously reflecting upon the needs of all people, irrespective of their gender, culture, age or background. Like many other thinkers, Donne recognised that to really flourish as human beings, we need people around us to connect with, to learn from and to lean on. Without a sense of community, we struggle to establish bonds of trust and find it difficult to realise our place in the world.

The American psychologist Abraham Maslow went even further, observing that without a sense of belonging we are unable to access the higher emotions and values in life. Only through the building of close relationships can we hope to realise empathy, purposefulness and love.

So why am I referencing such high-brow thinkers in my first contribution to the Station Magazine?! Well, it’s because they seem to have quite a lot to say, both to our attitudes to modern life and to the particular circumstances affecting life on a military base. Increasingly, we all seem to be finding it more difficult to meaningfully engage with our local community. With today’s technology, we can find much of what we need to

“No

man is an island”

get by through our phones and laptops. Even some of our communal needs can be met remotely, through social media and online groups. And yet, so many people still attest to feeling lonely and unfulfilled.

Such feelings can often be experienced among military personnel and their families. Building up a sense of community is not easy when neighbours are constantly changing, when one’s own sense of place is often unstable due to the ever-present prospect of deployment, and where the realities of rank can sometimes make cohesion more difficult.

Given such challenges, it is important that we support, where we can, those opportunities to come together as an RAF family, irrespective of rank and status. The Carswell Club, open every Friday evening, provides a fantastic space for all ages to gather and meet new people. And our excellent HIVE & Community Support Team are constantly offering new social events and activities that are open to all (do follow

them on social media – “RAF Waddington Hive”).

Over at the Chaplaincy, we have also been trying to provide opportunities for building community and have recently started a programme of weekday “drop-in” cafés, offered between 1000–1300 in the Church Hall and open to everyone. We’d love to welcome you into the space (next to the nursery on Edinburgh Square), whether you feel in need of a chat, getting out of your building, or just enjoying coffee and cake.

How the RAF Benevolent Fund supported RAF Waddington in 2024

The RAF Benevolent Fund has released its 2024 Impact Report, marking another year of high demand and high impact as it continued to deliver vital practical, emotional, and financial support to the RAF Family.

As the needs of serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved evolved, the Fund remained focused on providing personal, practical, and lasting support – reaching 64,876 people worldwide and adapting its services to meet the holistic picture of their lives.

In 2024, over 32,500 serving personnel and their families benefitted from the Fund’s community activities and events such as its youth programme Airplay, station Families Days, and Station Grants. Over 19,000 serving personnel and their families received direct support from the Fund, with assistance ranging from financial grants and benefits advice to mental health services, with the Fund’s work guided by the needs of the people it supports.

In 2024, RAF Waddington was given over £39,000 in grants including £35,000 towards the new JR Welfare facility upgrade project which began this year, over £2,400 in grants towards

BenPlay and BenParenting, and £2,000 towards Families Day and Operation Christmas.

You can view the full 2024 Impact Report www.rafbf.org/about-us/ our-publications/impactreport

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The Fund’s continued support for RAF stations such as RAF Waddington remains essential in providing practical, financial and emotional support for serving personnel and their families. The initiatives we’ve funded have offered opportunities for families to connect and engage with others on base, helping to strengthen community on station and contribute to overall wellbeing. We are pleased to see the ongoing value these programmes bring to the lives of the serving community.”

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It gave us the headspace to rearrange our finances and positively plan - I’d encourage anyone in the RAF who needs help to get in touch with the Fund.”

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RAF Archery Outdoor Championships 2025

The week commenced on 26th August. The skies above RAFC Cranwell resonated with the twang of bows and focused silence of Archers.

The RAF Archery Association (RAFAA) members arrived for another exciting week of competitions that saw a celebration of skill, tradition, and sportsmanship. Battling both the typical British summer weather and each other for their home Stations and personal glory. The week included an interesting day in the woods with a field shoot, 4 x World Archery 720 rounds, the first Headto-Heads knockout rounds completed by the RAFAA, the AGM and a social curry night.

On day 1 the excitement kicked off under a slightly overcast sky, opening the Championship week by completing a World Archery 720 round across all disciplines to decide the all-important seeding for the Head-to-Head shoot off on Day 2. From the start, tension built early across the 4 disciplines, with Archers facing off directly against each other with unwavering focus under pressure. The most notable result being a nail biting final from the Compound competitors, the bout came down to the wire between Mr Spinks 125 vs Sgt Hunt 123.

Day 3 saw the Association descend into the woods of Waterwheel Field Archers, trading the familiar range for a rugged outdoor course. Testing the skill and focus of the competitors by navigating through targets set up amongst trees and bushes at various and unknown distances. There were nearmisses and searching for arrows to keep things entertaining with cheering and camaraderie being the theme of the day. The field shoot definitely levelled the playing field with

some unexpected results. DSAE Cosford’s own dark horse of the day, Cpl Shuker, winning the Longbow category.

Day 4 on the Friday: the Army hosted the RAFAA and Navy team at RAFC Cranwell for the Outdoor Inter-Service competition, with serving archers attending from around the country. Repeating the format from the opening day, the skills on display from all three services kept the competition interesting. Culminating in the Headto-Head knockout rounds, leading to a steady climb to the top spot from Capt James Bull (Army) to take the Gold medal in Recurve. Overall the Army won the Inter-services, with the RAF second and the Navy in third.

The fifth and final day of the Championships saw the Archery range open to Archers from the Civil Service Archery Association and British Police Archery Association (BPAA)

who joined the Military Archers for some inter-association competition. The event brought together almost 100 competitors of all ages and skill levels, transforming RAFC Cranwell into a vibrant hub of competition. From the crack of the first bowstring to enthusiastic spectators, this festival of skill showcased the timeless appeal of archery and its growing popularity across all the services. By the end of the tense double World Archery 720, the weeks competition had started to take its toll on the Archers. Rain and fatigue tested the archers, but their resilient spirits kept the competition alive.

Throughout the day, an interstation competition was held concurrently to the main event. Unexpectedly, RAF Waddington secured victory against the competition and took the Inter-Station Gold. Consisting of CT Inglis (Recurve), Sgt Spinks (Barebow) and Cpl Rigby (Barebow).

Many athletes expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their skills on such a prestigious stage and appreciated the well-organised events. The success of the competition has set a new benchmark for future archery tournaments, hopefully inspiring the wider service community to take up the bow and arrow to achieve a sense of belonging and the pursuit of national competitions.

– Cpl Robert Rigby

Running Club

The Cross-Country season for RAF Waddington Running Club has been challenging albeit with some overall success.

The season started with the historic Halton Hills race which is an RAF race that has been organised for many years and is very hard going over 7 ½ miles around the back of RAF Halton.

The first League fixture was our own in October, ordinarily it is run in February, but the weather was much kinder and whilst the ground was very boggy in patches, overall it was far nicer conditions than what we have been used to. Stanford Hall was run in some truly awful conditions but most of the races were quite reasonable. The League changed a little this year with the addition of a race at Chicksands and the inclusion of the RAF Cross Country Champs

in the scoring. We won the Men’s category, but the overall prize eluded us. The scoring is based on a balanced team and with us only having ladies’ running in two fixtures the overall prize went to Cranwell who managed to get a full team at all bar the last event.

Understandably running around wet fields in the middle of winter is not everyone’s idea of fun but if we could have got one lady at each event then it would have made a massive difference to the points. All runners are welcome and there are always snacks and drinks available at the end of the races if you needed any small incentive.

We had some success at the RAF Champs Cross Country and

had a reasonable number of runners taking part, we won the Mens V50+ category and Sgt Harry Muir qualified for the RAF Team at the Inter Services and was part of the winning RAF Team where they made it virtually a clean sweep against the Army and Navy.

For the summer season road races, every single runner who takes part scores for the Station prize irrespective of finishing position. This year the League decided to make a few of the races 5K to try and encourage runners who are sometimes put off by the thought of a 10K. Our race was one of the 5k and it was brilliant to see over 140 runners on the day. We also had races at Wyton and Digby for which we usually had a

good number of runners from across the Station attending.

The league finished in Sep with the RAF Road Race Champs 10k being incorporated into our league race at Wittering and we had a strong turnout for Waddington with some good times achieved over an accurately measured and chip timed course. In the end we took the overall Station prize for the summer season with some good results for individual runners too.

We are immediately back into the Cross Country season so please just get in contact with the Running Club even if you only fancy trying one race, as always you will score towards the Station prize irrespective of where you finish.

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WHAT FINANCIAL CHALLENGES MIGHT SERVING PERSONNEL FACE?

We speak to Michelle Taylor, Beneficiary Relationship Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund about the financial support available for serving personnel and their families, how to access the support, and what the application process involves.

What is your role at the RAF Benevolent Fund?

I’m the Beneficiary Relationship Manager at the Fund, overseeing the Welfare Navigators who are our first point of contact for those seeking support, and the Applications Team, who guide people through the process of accessing help.

We work closely with our external case working partners, RAF stations, and partners like Lightning Reach to assess

needs and deliver timely support. Across all teams, we value making a meaningful difference during times of hardship, by listening with empathy, offering a safe space and ensuring people receive the practical help they need.

Our shared goal is to ensure everyone who reaches out to us feels heard, supported, and empowered.

What financial support is available for serving members of the RAF Family?

The Fund can provide financial support in many ways, assessed on a case-by-case basis if the eligibility criteria is met. This includes help with essential household items such as white and brown goods, temporary financial assistance, care topup fees, and much more.

Some of the challenges faced by the serving community that may make you eligible for support include:

• Financial pressures –unexpected costs, low income, or difficulties managing essential household expenses.

• Housing issues – challenges with accommodation, relocation, or the need for support with household essentials.

• Health and wellbeing –physical or mental health difficulties, including the need for counselling, family therapy, or support for children and young people.

• Caring responsibilities –additional pressures when caring for dependents, elderly relatives, or family members with complex needs.

• Transition and change – adjusting to new circumstances, deployments, or other life events that impact stability and resilience.

How can RAF families apply for support and stay informed of the full range of services available to them?

A great place for RAF families to start is the RAF Benevolent Fund website, which provides clear information on the full range of services and support available. Families can learn about financial assistance, welfare guidance, counselling services, and practical help for daily life.

Support is available by phone on 0300 102 0919. You can apply for financial support online at rafbf.org/getsupport/financial-assistance.

Is the application process confidential? Yes, the process is completely confidential. Any information shared with the Fund, whether through the Welfare Navigators, counselling services, or the applications team, is handled with the

strictest privacy. Details are only used to assess and provide appropriate support, and are never shared without the individual’s consent, except where there is a legal or safeguarding requirement.

What support is available for serving personnel transitioning into civilian life?

Serving personnel transitioning into civilian life can access a range of support to help make the process smoother. This includes financial assistance for things like rental deposits, essential white and brown goods, and other practical needs.

For those who may be finding the transition challenging, our Listening and Counselling Service is available, offering individual counselling, family therapy, and support for children and young people.

Equinox

The Running Club try and undertake one large race a year in addition to the normal RAF and Lincs league races that we take part in.

This year’s major race for the club was one without too much travelling as we entered a team in Equinox 24 which is held at Belvoir Castle, about a 40 minute drive from Waddington. Planning started earlier in the year with a large number of interested people but as the date got closer we dropped down to 5 runners which meant we were able to enter the Small Team category with a team of almost all novices, only one of our runners had done any endurance running before.

Equinox 24 is a 24 hour running event around a mixed terrain 10k loop against the clock, the route takes you around the picturesque Belvoir Castle Estate in Leicestershire. There are a few additional races but the full 24hr event starts midday Saturday to midday Sunday and this year it stared in lovely conditions which slowly degraded. The course has varied terrain so you’ll find yourself running past lakes, through wooded areas, up and down hills and round open fields. Whether you’re running

stunning. There is live timing available throughout the race and despite our original aim of just completing the course and not embarrassing ourselves we could see that we were never too far behind in second place in the small team category. In the end all 5 runners from Waddington were able to complete 6 laps each for a total of 300km and we did comfortably take second place out of 95 small teams and were only 20 mins away from first place, a result which we could all be justifiably proud of.

through the night with a head torch or whilst the sun rises, there’s always a change of scenery for you to admire. The course has a mix of on and off road sections, with areas of challenging uneven ground with some up and downhill sections, but as any runner knows there is always more uphill than downhill whichever way you run, especially on the Equinox course. The final section takes you around the camping field where you get the support of fellow runners, spectators and for the first few hours the stag party cheering you on as you run by.

As night fell we were on to using head torches to see our way around. By 2300 it started raining which along with a strong wind made the conditions even more challenging and led to a few of the high traffic areas getting very muddy. A few teams hadn’t tied down their gazebos so had to collect them from different areas throughout the night, but the rain eased so that by Sunday morning as the sun came up the scenery was back to being

Equinox 24 has been running for several years and is incredibly well organised with lots of food options available at the runner’s village, plenty of stalls to peruse and the option for a sauna or massage. There are lots of amenities and they can even supply large

bell tents at a price. There was a really friendly atmosphere and it was a great experience, albeit physically and mentally challenging, I don’t imagine anyone was pleased to be getting out of a tent in the dark in the wind and rain

And next year, though we have a few small points that we would improve, it would be great to get a competitive small team as well as a relaxed large team for people to just try the event. Even if you don’t fancy an endurance event the club is active throughout the year with runners of all abilities from across the Station with every runner who takes part scoring for the overall prize in the Lincs League, so feel free to just try at least one summer or winter race.

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ROYAL VISIT COMMEMORATES MQ-9A REAPER’S

OFFICIAL OUT OF SERVICE DATE AT RAF WADDINGTON

of XIII

Out

Service parade inside of

5

at RAF

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the Honorary Air Commodore, at an official engagement, coinciding with the retirement of XIII Squadron’s MQ-9A Reaper operations. The visit underscores the Royal Family’s enduring connection to the Royal Air Force and marks a ceremonial milestone in the evolution of UK airpower. XIII Squadron concluded its final Reaper mission on 30 September 2025, drawing to a close 18 years of operational service across Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

The transition to the MQ-9B Protector RG1 reflects the RAF’s commitment to future-ready, certified RPAS capabilities. RAF

RAF Waddington proudly hosted His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Honorary Air Commodore, on a momentous occasion marking the retirement of the MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). The event celebrated 18 years of outstanding operational service by XIII Squadron personnel, highlighting a significant chapter in the Station’s history.

A ceremonial parade, with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh serving as Reviewing Officer, formally marked the MQ-9A Reaper’s official Out of Service Date. The parade was accompanied by a stirring performance from the Band of the Royal Air Force College, under the direction of Flying Officer Hynd and Drum Major Flight Sergeant Taylor.

Upon his arrival, HRH was warmly welcomed by Group Captain Dutch Holland, Station

Commander RAF Waddington, alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, his Equerry, and other distinguished guests. The Duke met guests in the Officers’ Mess, where he viewed a specially commissioned XIII Squadron commemorative painting and signed the Visitors’ Book.

Following the parade, HRH returned to the Officers’ Mess for a VIP luncheon, where he engaged with personnel and guests, reflecting on the Reaper’s legacy and the dedication of those who operated it. Ceremonial duties throughout the day were carried out with precision and pride by The Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Station Commander’s Cadet, who played key roles in welcoming and assisting the Royal guest.

The visit not only celebrated the conclusion of the MQ9A Reaper’s distinguished service but also honoured the professionalism and commitment of RAF personnel who have operated the platform over nearly two decades. It further underscored

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,

the enduring bond between the Royal Family and the Royal Air Force, while marking a symbolic moment in the evolution of UK airpower.

Wg Cdr Sam Haley, OC XIII Sqn who acted as Parade Commander said “the day was about more than just recent history, but a shared century of RAF history and the end of its most recent chapter. Hopefully we can all look back proudly at the way it was delivered and remember both the memory of 18 years Operational support, and the memory of those that went before us. On behalf of XIII Sqn, my sincerest thanks to all who facilitated and supported the Reaper OSD events; the Sqn could not have achieved any of it without the Station and Air Wings commitment and dedication in providing something exceptional.”

As the RAF bids farewell to the MQ-9A Reaper, the event at RAF Waddington served as a poignant reminder of the platform’s vital contributions to national and global security, and the unwavering dedication of those who serve.

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