Issue 8 - Marham Matters Online

Stn Cdr’s Foreword
& Civic Reception
station commander’s
foreword
We have seen RAF Marham in all its splendour with the Station looking tidier after the
Summer Spree and a lot of work on the grounds. I hope that you managed to find some
sun wherever you spent August; the weather at Marham itself was glorious at times! The
local coastal towns were packed – there is still time to head 45 minutes or so north if you
need to give the dogs a good walk, need some fish and chips, or want to try crab-fishing.
Although August traditionally sees a
lot of people taking leave we were
still busy both here and abroad.
II(AC) Squadron have settled into
life being away and I hear good
reports of what they are achieving out east.
We must not forget them as they carry on the
excellent work at TORDET. 31 Squadron managed
to cram in a couple of weeks leave in advance
of a short-notice exercise. By the time that you
read this they will be ready to step out of the
door. IX(B) Squadron are now in full flow for
pre-deployment training as they prepare to take
over from II(AC) Squadron later in the Autumn.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Wing
Commander Steve Dharamraj, the out-going
OC BSW. He did a fantastic job in his time here
which included superb support to the Station
during Operation ELLAMY last year. I wish
him well in his next post at RAF Wittering.
I’d also like to give a warm welcome to Wing
Commander Neil Tomlin, the incoming OC
BSW, and wish him all the best for the next two
years. It is also really good to see our Senior
Padre Andrew Jones back from a four month
detachment in the Middle East – welcome back.
We are continuing our focus on improving
Community facilities and support. The
Sandringham Centre should be open soon and
we have a new Youth Worker in place. Angela
has already braved Thorpe Park with a coachload
of teenagers – an excellent day out! For
the Community, we are actively looking for
good ideas, especially with regard to how we
might better communicate our services to
you. Any suggestions would be very welcome.
I have also written my next instalment of
the series on RISE – our core values. This
month I look at Service on Page 9. Talking
of Community Support, I was delighted
with the DIY efforts aimed at Marham Infant
School with the painting project. A huge
thank-you to all who gave their time to help.
You will read an article on speeding later
in the magazine. This is a subject that I take
very seriously indeed. Whether you are
driving on or off-base, in your own car or in
MT, driving at sensible speeds is an absolute
must. Driving within the limits and taking
into account the conditions around you is a
firm foundation for safety. We have noticed
an increase on base of those driving without
seatbelts – once again I urge you to stick to
the law, for your own good. As we approach
autumn and winter we will continue to look
at the safety of drivers, passengers, cyclists,
runners and pedestrians. Please play your
part. I hope that you have a good September.
Civic
Reception
for Wg Cdr Dharamraj
Wg Cdr Steven Dharamraj (Officer
Commanding Base Support Wing)
and his family were formally invited
by the Mayor of the Borough Council
of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk,
Cllr Geoffrey Warham, to attend
a civic reception at the King’s
Lynn Town Hall in recognition
of his outstanding commitment
in forging local relationships
throughout his tour of duty.
Wg Cdr Dharamraj was
accompanied by his
wife Sue and their two
children on a sunny
afternoon of July 25th
2012 to the Mayor’s Parlour. There they
were met by the current Mayor and two
former Mayors, Cllr Colin Sampson and
Cllr Zipha Christopher, all of whom had
worked with Steve at various junctures
and events over the last two years. Also
in attendance was the Chief Executive
of the Council Mr Ray Harding and other
departmental heads he had worked closely
with on various projects. The Council Chief
Executive Ray Harding spoke of Steve’s
commitment in forging mutually beneficial
links between RAF Marham and the
Borough and the positive impact he had
made on both communities. The afternoon
was rounded off with the Wg Cdr being
presented with a small commemorative
memento on behalf of the people of
the Borough of King’s Lynn and West
Norfolk and his wife was presented with a
bouquet as a present to signify their 20th
wedding anniversary which was being
celebrated on the day. Wg Cdr Dharamraj
replied with a similarly resounding speech
thanking the people of West Norfolk for
their kindness and support throughout
his time at RAF Marham. Steve assured
the audience that the new incumbent in
post Wg Cdr Neil Tomlin will build upon
the relationships already developed
and forge ahead with bringing the two
communities even closer together.
Come and meet
your Swaffham
Sure Start
Team
We offer exciting activities and
information in and around
Swaffham including Marham.
For further details please contact us on 01760 721101,
email childrencentre@swaffham.norfolk.sch.uk or visit our website www.swaffham.childrencentre.org
LITTLE OAKS PRE-SCHOOL
AND HOLIDAY CLUB
01366 502150
www.little-oaks-preschool.ik.org
A warm, friendly welcome is waiting for you!
School Term Time: children aged 2 to 5
Holiday clubs for
2 - 8 year olds
15 hrs a week funded places for children ages
3 & 4
Places available for Special Educational Needs
Tasty hot meals provided
Four trained staff: NVQ2, NVQ3, NVQ4,
BA(Hons), EYPS awarded
OFSTED Inspected
Open 50 weeks a year
Parent quote: “…it has a great reputation and being
able to take our son to a local, well respected
pre-school is fantastic.”
Sessional childcare : Monday to Friday
Pre-School Manager: Debbie Sammons, 47 Wretton Road, Stoke Ferry,
01366 502150
Email: littleoakspreschool2002@yahoo.co.uk
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