RAF Shawbury thanks families
RAF Shawbury held its annual Families Day on Friday 15 July to thank families of Station personnel for their support over the past busy year.
The day began with Families flying in the Squirrel and Griffin helicopters of the Defence Helicopter Flying School and a Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham in the local area. Also available during the morning were visits to some of the sections around the base that people do not normally get to see. Families were shown around the Central Air Traffic Control School, Assault Glider Trust, Air Traffic Control Squadron and the fast jets of the Aircraft Maintenance Unit.
In the afternoon a full family fete began to the backdrop of a full flying display. Displays began after a Falconry display with the Blades Aerobatic team. A RN Swordfish came next followed by a King Air display. After a break for the Whitchurch Dog Display Team a USAF C130 provided a fly bye.
At the end of the parachute display the presentation for last year's Station Charity was completed. The money was raised during the last financial year by personnel from across the unit and was presented to representatives of last years designated Station Charities: The RAF Benevolent Fund (Squadron Leader Al McGuinness), the RN Benevolent Fund (Lieutenant Commander Steve Doubleday) and the Soldiers Charity (Lieutenant Colonel Hackett). The presentations were made by the Station Commander, Group Captain Bunny James and the Commandant of the Defence Helicopter Flying School, Group Captain Jock Brown. Personnel who helped raise the record breaking amount were also present for the handover of a total of £33,000.
The money was raised through events including a Military Leadership experience day at the unit, 800 mile charity bike ride visiting 70 RAF World War II units to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and a multitude of other charitable events across the Station and DHFS.
After the presentation there was an RN Lynx display followed by the mighty Chinook. The Chinook pilot was Flt Lt Steven Hewer, a previous student of the DHFS at the airbase. Steven and his crew fly with No 18 Squadron from RAF Odiham in Hampshire. After the Chinook there was another US fly past in the form of an F15 before departures by the Merlin and Blades. A Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight then displayed followed by more departures (Tucano, Tutor and King Air) and a Griffin role demonstration by 60 (R) Squadron, led by Mr Tim Nicholas. The finale was a fantastic display by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
Later the Officers Mess opened its doors for all ranks and their families with children's entertainment and a band. Event organiser Squadron Leader Ade Pickering said: "We are extremely happy with the full day's events and pleased to see many families enjoy the displays and stalls. This day proved to be a fantastic thank you to all of our families and staff."
