Lookout

The Lookout The 

Magazine of RAF Boulmer Issue 3 - 2016 

Boulmer issue 3 2016.indd 1 16/08/2016 11:49


The Lookout 

Issue 3 • 2016 

Editorial Team 

Editor 

Flight Lieutenant Tony Spooner 

Tel: 01665 607365 or 95818 7365 

Email: Bou-Lookout-GrpMbx@mod.uk 

Deputy Editor 

Sergeant Lisa Cavill-Eardley 

Tel: 01665 607433 or 95818 7433 

Email: Bou-Lookout-GrpMbx@mod.uk 

Contents 

Station Commander’s Foreword 4 

From the Editor 4 

CarillionAmey 6 

Remote Radar Heads in the Spotlight 10 

Force Command Force Development Day 12 

Exercise BORDERS IMPACT 16 14 

SABM Adventurous Training 16 

Publisher 

The Boulmer Bonanza 18 

Flying for Freedom 20 

RAFA 21 

© This magazine contains official information and should 

be treated with discretion by the recipient and the views 

expressed in this magazine, unless specifically stated otherwise, 

do not reflect MOD, RAF or Station policy and are the personal 

views of the author. No responsibility for the quality of goods 

or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by 

the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in 

good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd, 

Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire 

NN10 0RU. 

Tel: 01933 419994. Fax: 01933 419584. 

E-mail: sales@forcespublishing.co.uk 

Managing director: Ron Pearson 

Design: Jo Glen 

Sales manager: Sally Haynes 

Officers Vs Airmen Rugby Match 22 

RAF Boulmer Cricket Club 24 

RAF Boulmer Football Club 25 

ON THE COVER… 

Face painting at The Boulmer Bonanza, 

page 18. 

Cover Photo by Anne Russell. 

Submission deadlines: 

Please send all submissions for Issue 4 

2016 of The Lookout to the Editor by 20th 

October 2016. 

p20 

THE LOOKOUT 3 


Station Commander’s Foreword 

Group Captain Rich Jacob 

It was over 12 months ago that I received a phone call from Air Officer Commanding 

Number 1 Group that I was to be afforded the honour and privilege of being Station 

Commander at RAF Boulmer and I don’t mind admitting that it was the longest 12 

months of my life! However, the waiting ended a few weeks ago and I now find 

myself writing my first foreword for The Lookout. RAF Boulmer is a Station with an 

enviable reputation. Its operational output is, to be frank, second to none, with our 

personnel ensuring the integrity of UK airspace 24/7, 365 days a year. Furthermore, 

Trade Group 12 and Aerospace Battle Manager personnel are most definitely in 

high demand; as I write nearly 10% of our regular serving personnel are deployed 

in 6 different locations around the world. However, none of this would be possible 

without the support of the broader Station. For me RAF Boulmer is the epitome of 

the Whole Force as it is a seamless team of uniformed personnel (both regular and 

reserve), Civil Service and contractors. We must also remember the wider RAF family 

and the vital support we get from home and from the local community in what is 

a stunning part of the UK. Together we all come together to play a key role in the 

Defence of the UK and wider operations; we should all share a sense of pride it what 

we achieve. 

So onward to the latest edition of The Lookout. Many members of the Station will 

have heard me talk about the need to Challenge, Innovate, Empower and Excel, and 

there are examples of this throughout this magazine. Refusing to be constrained by 

the norm, the committee who organised the Boulmer Bonanza pushed the boundary 

and thought outside the box; the result was a hugely successful day and proof to us 

all that we can attract ‘headline acts’ such as the RAF Falcons and the Royal Signals 

White Helmets to Northumberland. On the sporting front we have seen Boulmer 

teams excel in both football and cricket, whilst there is a fascinating article from Flt Lt 

Kat Janes following her participation in the Flying for Freedom round-UK challenge. 

As you will read, we have some exceptional people doing extraordinary things. Air 

Officer Commanding 1 Group was right – it really will be an honour and a privilege to 

be Station Commander of RAF Boulmer. 

From the Editor 

Flight Lieutenant Tony Spooner 

I 

remember shortly after arriving at RAF Boulmer, picking up a copy of the 

Station Magazine, and thinking “that looks like a lot of work, I don’t want to 

ever be responsible for something like that!” Nine years later and look how 

things change! 

In this issue summer is in full swing and we bring news of a whole gamut 

of outdoor activities. From hugely successful and enjoyable events such as 

the Boulmer Bonanza (page 18), School of Aerospace Battle Management’s 

Adventure Training (page 16), and news from the Station’s various sports 

teams, to the more serious business of the Post-Crash Management Exercise, 

Ex BORDERS IMPACT (page 14), Boulmer’s personnel have been taking every 

opportunity to get outside and take advantage of the warmer weather. 

It is an honour to be given the role of Editor, and I look forward to bringing news 

of goings on at Boulmer to members of the RAF Family and local community in 

the coming months and years. 

I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to producing many more in the 

future. Best wishes 

Spoons 

4 THE LOOKOUT 


25 Market Street 

Alnwick 

Northumberland 

NE66 1SS 

T: 01665 604691 

Located in the centre of Alnwick, one of the 

most historic and beautiful towns in the north 

of England, The Queens Head Hotel is an old 

coaching inn dating back to the 16th century 

and is the oldest pub in the town. Always a 

regular stopping off point for travellers on the 

Great North Road – today we proudly continue 

the tradition of providing great food, beers and 

comfortable accommodation. 

Our welcoming staff will happily serve you a 

selection of quality cask ales, great wines and 

premium lagers in our cosy bars. Alternatively 

you can relax and enjoy quality home cooking 

in either our restaurant or bar areas. Wherever 

you choose to eat you can be assured of freshly 

prepared food using locally sourced produce of 

the highest standard. Our ever popular traditional 

basket meals are a real favourite and our Sunday 

carvery is not to be missed! We also have a 

separate children’s menu available. 

Live music every Saturday night! 

Opening & 

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We are open:- 

Monday to Saturday 

12noon – 12midnight 

Sunday 

12noon – 11pm 

Food served times:- 

Tuesday to Saturday 


Sunday (carvery) 


Call for Christmas and 

New Year Bookings 

www.queensheadalnwick.com 


CarrillionAmey provide a valuable service 

to service personnel and their families; the 

following pages contain useful information 

about how they are improving this service and 

how you can contact them with any issues you 

may have. 

Our Front Line Engineers 

Delivering Your Repairs 

Our engineers are on the front line. They are the face of 

CarillionAmey, the key people who come to your homes 

and fix your repairs. It’s really important that at the outset 

of any appointment, they provide good customer care by 

calling ahead to confirm appointments; are respectful of 

your home and your belongings and tidy up when the 

job is done. It’s also important that they have the right 

qualifications and are security cleared so that you have 

faith in them; and they are supported effectively by us so 

that they can complete more repairs first time. 

So who are these engineers and what do we expect of 

them? For those families living in UK Service properties 

maintained by CarillionAmey, we employ a wide variety 

of engineers from multi-purpose tradesmen; plumbers; 

heating engineers and specialists. All their qualifications 

are checked, making sure they hold current trade 

qualifications and they are all security cleared. For 

example, all our gas heating engineers must hold the 

nationally recognised gas safe qualification. Our specialists 

come from companies that are subject matter experts in 

their fields; pest controllers, damp specialists, lift inspectors, 

play park specialists, chimney sweeps, radon and asbestos 

specialists and street lighting and fire alarm specialists. 

Sustain and Improve 

Strengthening the links between 

CarillionAmey and its customers 

CarillionAmey are working more closely with Warrant officers to improve 

customer service, which is resulting in positive feedback. 

Warrant Officers are experts in their fields. They’ve lived and breathed 

Service life for many years and understand the difficulties that Service living 

can bring. Within the Housing environment, certain Warrant Officers are 

highly trained to offer housing welfare support to members of the Armed 

Forces and their families. In the Army, these are the Military Housing Liaison 

Officers; in the RAF, the Station Community Support Officers; and in the 

Navy, the Base Warrant Officers. 

These Warrant Officers (WOs) are an integral part of the housing service 

and are there to act as a point of contact for Service families who may be 

going through a difficult time. On the whole, most families move in, out or 

live in their Service properties without any issues at all, but for some families 

this isn’t always the case. Some Service personnel or members of their 

family may have a disability that makes living in their home more difficult or 

perhaps they are trying to deal with anti-social neighbours who are making 

their lives stressful. That’s where the WOs can step in. They work closely with 

our local CarillionAmey staff and our team at occupancy services to ensure 

that these families are given the extra assistance they need. By working 

together, we can ensure that families are given the right support and the 

right advice. 

John Reynolds, Military Housing Liaison Officer in the North said “My role is 

to act as a ‘go between’ for CarillionAmey and local families. CarillionAmey’s 

occupancy services team always help as much as they can over the 

telephone, but sometimes personal interaction is needed. In these cases, 

myself and a CarillionAmey representative will visit the family in their home. 

By working together we can ensure that the families understand how things 

work, and what they can expect in terms of service delivery”. 

CarillionAmey recognises the value of working closely with these WOs, 

especially in more complex cases. By drawing on their guidance and 

support, we can be confident that the housing decisions we make are 

the right ones for Service families. Strengthening the links we have with 

them will mean that families will benefit from better communication and 

improvements in service delivery. 

Some repairs are simply rectified and can be dealt with 

swiftly, others take more time because they need thorough 

investigation to determine the root cause of the problem. 

Occasionally, this becomes an on-going exercise for 

the specialist and they may need other engineers to 

undertake additional work to assist them. Even with the 

best scheduling, this can involve a series of appointments 

and this inevitably impacts on you. This is never ideal but if 

we can do our best to make sure that all our engineers are 

efficient, polite, understanding and customer focused, it 

can make things a little easier for you. 

Our current improvement plan is aimed at making things 

work more efficiently and with greater understanding of 

your circumstances as Armed Forces families. To assist, we 

are increasing the number of engineers in certain trades 

and in areas where we have a shortfall. We are providing 

better customer care training for all engineers and we are 

monitoring and measuring our engineers’ performance on 

their ability to call ahead to confirm appointments. 

We know how important it is for us to deliver the service 

you deserve and the performance of our engineers is 

key. We would love to hear from you if you have good or 

bad feedback on CarillionAmey engineers. For those who 

have done a great job, it helps to give them a deserved 

pat on the back for a job well done and to flag up best 

practice to their colleagues. For those who have failed to 

impress, it helps us to investigate what’s gone wrong, why 

and what we need to do to drive improvement where it’s 

needed. Please let us know about your experiences by 

contacting us. 

6 THE LOOKOUT 


Improving The Way We Manage Your Patch 

As part of the improvement plan, CarillionAmey have rolled out a new 

initiative which we are hoping will assist with better communication. Each 

Accommodation Officer (AO) is responsible for making regular checks on 

the Service Family homes and the surrounding communal areas for which 

they are responsible. They conduct regular inspections looking out for 

things such as graffiti, fallen trees, and potholes in roads. During their walkaround 

they also take a look at the exterior of properties, and may often 

notice things that families miss, such as a leaking drainpipe or blocked 

guttering and should alert the occupants so that a job can be raised. 

Nowadays with so many families where both partners work, sometimes 

issues are identified when no one is home, and although the AO will raise 

the job with the Helpdesk, families may only find out about it when an 

engineer arrives to complete the job. We recognise that may be a concern 

for some families so CarillionAmey’s new patch management inspection 

card aims to solve this problem. Once the AO has identified an issue with 

the exterior of a property, the details will be completed on the card and 

posted through the letterbox, helping to prevent small repairs becoming 

bigger ones. 

Here is a 

reminder 

of what 

CarillionAmey 

are responsible 

for within 

your patch: 


Improving the Additional Needs and Disabled Adaptation Process 

It’s important for the Defence Housing Service to constantly look 

at how it can improve. For those families whose family member 

needs adaptations to a Service Family home it’s essential that we 

are able to provide them with properties that meet their needs. 

When work is required either for a property they are due to move 

into or more adaptations are needed in their current property we 

need to get work done in a timely fashion. 

Feedback from families and their representatives showed that 

collectively, CarillionAmey and DIO’s processes for funding 

approvals for adaptations were not working effectively, process 

was hampering progress. Recently, effective collaboration 

between the two organisations’ commercial teams has led to 

essential improvements. Funds are now being freed up more easily 

8 THE LOOKOUT 


catering to those families who need adaptations, making sure 

that when adaptations are needed they can go ahead faster. 

This new improved process will be of benefit to most families 

but for some whose needs are exceptional where their 

properties require extensive work e.g. lifts or major structural 

work, the very nature of the work will prevent swift turnaround 

times. However, if you are ever concerned about any issue 

surrounding adaptations please contact the CarillionAmey 

Helpdesk on 0800 707 6000, view our new infographics at www. 

carillionamey.co.uk or if you are able to visit someone in person, 

call into one of our Local Customer Service centres, for details see 

www.carillionamey.co.uk/service-family-accommodation/contactus/local-customer-service-centres. 

THE LOOKOUT 9 


Remote Radar 

Heads in the 

Spotlight 

A BBC production team recently visited Remote 

Radar Head (RRH) Staxton Wold to film for a 

documentary to be shown next year. 

Fronted by explorer Paul Rose the documentary will follow the route 

of the Yorkshire Wolds Way which runs from the Humber Estuary 

to Filey on the Yorkshire coast, highlighting points of interest along 

the way. 

RRH Staxton Wold comes at either the beginning or the end of the 

Wolds Way – (depending on which direction you do the walk!) and 

the base is possibly the world’s oldest radar site. The site has been 

helping to keep Britain safe since before the start of WW2, but its 

history goes back even further, with the Romans having used the site 

as a beacon in the third century. 

The development of radar in 1935 was instrumental in preventing 

the UK’s air defences from being surprised by providing advanced 

warning about enemy attacks. 

The initial deployment of radar in the UK was based upon a chain 

of radars known as Chain Home. By the time of the Battle of Britain 

some 32 Chain Home radar units along the east and south coasts of 

the UK covered all the possible attack routes an enemy could take at 

that time. A key link in this chain was the site at Staxton Wold which 

was completed in early 1939 and operated 24/7 throughout World 

War 2, providing early warning of German air raids for 12 Group, 

Fighter Command. 

Without the radar system, the heavily outnumbered British fighters 

during the Battle of Britain would surely have been overwhelmed by 

the enemy’s onslaught. 

Paul Rose speaking with Wing Commander Darren Phelps. 

10 THE LOOKOUT 


From the earliest days of the war the Luftwaffe was carrying out 

mine laying along the East coast; the site at Staxton Wold provided 

excellent radar coverage of approaches to the Tyne, Tees and the 

Humber estuaries and was a key component in countering this threat. 

During the Battle of Britain the Luftwaffe mounted a major flank attack 

in the North on the 15th August 1940. Staxton Wold was at the very 

heart of the action and the raids were repulsed so effectively that the 

Luftwaffe never tried such an attack again. Staxton Wold also made a 

significant contribution to defending Hull during the Blitz. 

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Today and every day, just as during the Battle of Britain, RRH Staxon 

Wold is still playing its part and the UK maintains the highest level 

of readiness to respond to threats. The Royal Air Force’s primary 

responsibility is to defend the UK’s airspace, 24/7, 365 days a year 

and it remains constantly alert and ready to intercept any potential 

airborne threat around UK airspace. 

The Remote Radar Head at Staxton Wold is one of an integrated 

system of many military and civilian radars dotted across the length 

and breadth of Britain which provide valuable input to the RAF’s Air 

Surveillance and Control System. 

Data gathered from these radars, with input from Royal Navy ships 

and RAF air surveillance aircraft, is routed through a network of 

digital data links and used to compile a Recognised Air Picture (RAP), 

essentially a radar picture of all aircraft within the United Kingdom 

Flight Information Region and its approaches. RAF personnel in the 

RAF Control and Reporting Centre at RAF Boulmer monitor the RAP 

24/7, 365 days a year to detect and identify all aircraft within it. 

QRA aircraft are launched to intercept unidentified aircraft when 

identification cannot be obtained by any other means ie the aircraft is 

not talking to civilian or military air traffic control, has not filed a flight 

plan or is not transmitting a recognisable secondary surveillance radar 

code. 

After all these years, RRH Staxton Wold still plays its part in securing 

our skies. 

Watch out for the programme in Spring 2017! 

Article & photos by Anne Russell. 

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Air Commodore Gillespie inspecting the TPS-77 radar inside 

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Meanwhile closer to home ……. 

Air Commodore Al Gillespie, Air Officer Battlespace 

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Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood recently. Brizlee Wood, like 

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THE LOOKOUT 11 


Force Command 

Force Development Day 

Earlier this year members of ASACS 

Force Command visited 2 locations 

in Newcastle as part of a Force 

Development day. In the morning, 

the group of 16 personnel, led by Wg 

Cdr Duncan Sackley and including all ranks, 

visited Trinity House which is near the Law 

Courts on the Quayside. Trinity House is one 

of only three similar establishments in the UK 

who look after maritime law and of all things, 

lighthouses, the other two being at Hull and 

London. The master of Trinity House, Captain 

Stephen Healy and the deputy master, Captain 

Ray Nelson gave us an excellent tour of the 

historic building on Broad Chare, outside which 

there is an actual anchor taken from a Spanish 

Armada Galleon sunk in battle. Both masters 

were exceptionally proud of the heritage which 

they protect and preserve and a list of masters 

in the drawing room shows the lineage from 

Capt Healy right back to the first master in 1505. 

Perhaps the most startling artefact though 

was in the library of the drawing room which 

contained the original hand written journals of 

the voyages of Capt Cook. I first became aware 

of this great establishment whilst laying a 

wreath on Remembrance Day on behalf of the 

station. That particular ceremony took place in 

the wonderful small chapel within Trinity House 

which also dates back to the 16th century. A 

retired Royal marine pointed out the exquisite 

stained glass window which portrays Christ 

holding a lantern. He told me that the lantern 

has been designed so that the lantern shines 

out whatever the weather outside. 

If you ever get a chance to visit the House 

and chapel I would urge you to do so, they 

open their doors to the general public once 

a year when the City of Newcastle has a free 

Force Command personnel line up in front of HMS Calliope. 

Force Command personnel on the steps of Trinity House. 



day. Alternatively, you could do as we did and 

organise an FD trip there. 

From Trinity House we made our way to HMS 

Calliope which sits below the Sage concert 

hall on the Tyne River. Our party stopped on 

the Gateshead Millennium Bridge where SACs 

Joe Spink and Ben Carnochan gave an account 

of WWII tank building in the North East. This 

was followed by an informative account of the 

contribution to the war effort made by the 

mighty North East shipyards. I have inserted 

the following quote from WO Dean ‘Geordie’ 

Littlewood from his brief. 

“The war record of North-East shipyards as a 

whole, deserves a mention, bearing in mind 

that during the conflict Britain lost more than 

4,000,000 tons of shipping – it must be a matter 

of pride that more than half of this total was 

replaced by the North-East where during the 

war years some 545 new ships were built in 

North-East yards.” 

Following these ‘stands’ we walked over the 

bridge to HMS Calliope where we were given 

a briefing on the role of the Unit in attracting 

and training cadets and reservists before being 

taken on board fast patrol boat HMS Archer. 

Each vessel carries a 30mm Oerlikon gun and 

can fire 1000 rounds per minute whilst cruising 

at 25 knots. The boat is commanded by a 

Lieutenant which is the equivalent rank of 

an RAF Flight Lieutenant and can be used for 

fisheries protection and cadet training. 

The party enjoyed a splendid evening meal 

together before heading back to Alnmouth 

train station. Force Development is a great 

force multiplier which does not necessarily 

have to be arduous. What it does do is help 

engender team building and spirit and add to 

our overall knowledge of Service matters, or in 

our case the impact and immense contribution 

made by civilians to our nation’s defence. Sqn 

Ldr Rich Lewis and his FD team are available to 

advise and assist with any of your FD projects or 

ideas – so get planning! 

Sqn Ldr Steve O’Neill 

HMS Archer 



Exercise BORDERS IMPACT 16 

RAF Boulmer successfully delivered its 

biennial Aircraft Post Crash Management 

(APCM) live exercise between 16-19 

May 2016; Ex BORDERS IMPACT. The 

exercise was the culmination of 9 months 

planning and was designed to practice 

APCM procedures and explore interagency 

dependencies in the event of 

an aircraft crash. The planning team 

opted for an ambitious split-site and 

cross-border scenario to maximise the 

benefit to the Station while also creating 

realistic training opportunities for our 

civil emergency partners. The result was 

an exercise on an unprecedented scale 

for RAF Boulmer, involving over 160 

participants from 19 separate agencies 

from England, Scotland and the MOD. 

Umpteen planning conferences and countless 

site recces later, the exercise was good to 

go. The heavy lifting, quite literally in some 

instances, began 24hrs before STARTEX with 

the deployment of catering equipment, aircraft 

wreckage, car wrecks, dummies and, of course, 

the essential ablutions. This required a big 

effort from all involved but was essential for the 

smooth running of the exercise. 

By the morning of Tuesday 17th May, the 

Exercise Director, Flt Lt Hamish McMillan, and 

the Boulmer Directing Staff (DS), Sqn Ldr Andy 

Cooper and Flt Lt Becky Canlett, were finally 

able to put their hard work into practice. The 

exercise had attracted local media attention so 

the day started with the Boulmer DS delivering 

exercise safety briefings to all participants 

at both sites, filmed by BBC Look North and 

ITV Border. STARTEX was then triggered by 2 

simultaneous 999 calls to Northumbria and 

Scottish Police emergency services. The calls 

reported one aircraft crashing into Otterburn 

Training Area and the other into a forest in 

the Scottish Borders. Within minutes the 

emergency services roared into their respective 

crash sites, providing life-saving interventions 

to the military and civilian casualties. 

While this was going on, the MOD’s processes 

were also being tested. The Station activated 

its APCM action plan, Op PHOENIX, and stood 

up its Crisis Management Cell (CMC), ably led 

by Sqn Ldr Rich Lewis. Over the next 2 days, 

the CMC acted as the RAF Boulmer point of 

contact for all external agencies while also 

managing the deployed Station personnel. This 

was the first time that the CMC has been tested 

in this way and, with Sqn Ldr Simon Gilmore 

as DS, Sqn Ldr Lewis and his team learnt a 

great deal about what is required to manage a 

major incident. 

As the ‘blue-light’ element came to a close 

on day one, the Station started to deploy 

resources to the crash sites. On being notified 

of the crash, the CMC had been generating 

manpower to support a long-term detachment 

to secure the crash sites. For APCM incidents, 

the Station’s on scene representatives are 

the Incident Officer (IO) Teams and they are 

often first out of the door. Led by Fg Offs 

Tom Burns and Phil Bell, the IO Teams were 

quickly put to use on the crash sites, feeding 

back logistical and manpower requests to the 

CMC and fielding questions from the various 

agencies involved. 

Fg Off Burns was thankful for the media training 

he received prior to deploying because, 

on arriving at the scene, a roving reporter’s 

microphone was thrust into his face and he was 

asked some very probing questions about the 

crash. Luckily the reporter was RAF Reservist 

Officer Flt Lt Tony Newton and this was a 

training serial designed to put the RAF Boulmer 

representatives under some very real pressure. 

If is fair to say that some valuable lessons were 

learnt in terms of media handling here! 

As with all major exercises, the reason we hold 

these exercises quickly becomes apparent. 

Although expert in their own roles, the frictions 

generated by operating with other agencies 

can only be recreated during a live exercise. 

This was most apparent with the Mountain 

Rescue Team (MRT) from RAF Leeming, an 

extremely capable organisation but not widely 

understood by the on scene commanders. 

Only after 2 days of exercising and several 

capability demonstrations did the Station and 

other agencies start to appreciate what the 

MRTs can provide. If understanding each 

other’s capabilities was one key outcome of 

the exercise, the other was to reinforce the 

importance of having reliable communications. 

Very quickly, the emergency services found 

their systems were being stretched to capacity 

and they certainly took some important real- 


Ambulance Crews responding 

to the crash at Otterburn. 


Sqn Ldr Andy Cooper delivering an exercise 

briefing to the emergency services at Otterburn. 

world lessons away from the difficulties that 

this created. 

With the majority of RAF Boulmer and 

emergency services objectives achieved on 

the first day, the second day was focussed on 

Disaster and Victim Identification (DVI) training 

serials. This grisly but important task is crucial 

to the PCM process and is carried out by 

specially trained police officers who comb the 

crash site for evidence. Mixed police force DVI 

training exercises are rare so there were some 

initial teething problems as both organisations 

agreed the best way to approach the scene. 

Once this had been established, however, it 

became an extremely beneficial training event 

for all participants. 

RAF Mountain Rescue Team members carrying out some careful planning. 

The real reason so many emergency services agreed to participate – free lunch. 

On Thursday morning, after a few nights in 

the field for the IO Teams and the Guard Force, 

ENDEX was called on RAF Boulmer’s biggest 

ever PCM exercise. Over 2 days, Ex BORDERS 

IMPACT tested the Station’s ability to establish, 

sustain and recover its APCM responsibility. 

Just as important, it enhanced the Station’s 

reputation amongst the local community and 

the Emergency Services. It was testament to 

the exercise planning team that the complex 

exercise was such a success. Significant 

lessons, perhaps even top-level MOD ones, 

have been identified that will contribute to an 

improvement in APCM nationally as well as at 

RAF Boulmer. Having fulfilled the requirement 

to conduct a PCM exercise every 2 years, the 

Station is now in a much better position to 

respond to a live incident. 

Written by Flt Lt Becky Canlett 

Photos by SAC Phil Dyer 

Role players from RAF Boulmer acting as 

witnesses to the crash. 

Boulmer Directing Staff carrying 

out some planning. 



SABM personnel take the plunge. 

Adventurous 

Training 

Nerves were tested with leaps of faith. 

Between the 18th and 22nd Jul 2016 12 members of the 

School of Aerospace Battle Management (SABM) and Control 

and Reporting Centre (CRC) deployed to Force Development 

Training Centre (FDTC) Crickhowell, in South Wales, for a week 

of Adventurous Training in order to develop unit cohesion and 

promote RAF ethos and core values. The week began with an 

8 hour coach journey down to Wales which was, thankfully, 

uneventful. Upon arrival the weather was glorious and 

everyone took the opportunity to explore the local area. 

Working hard not to get carried away. 

Personnel taking a well deserve break. 


Day 1 

Another fantastically sunny and warm day 

in the Welsh Valleys brought the promise 

of Gorge Walking for the group. No one 

had experienced this before but with the 

temperature soaring above 30 degrees 

everyone was looking forward to a cooling 

dip in a river. We journeyed up to a remote 

valley above Neath and swiftly changed into 

full body wetsuits, helmets and life jackets. 

We then trekked down to the bottom of 

the valley and jumped into the river and 

were taught how to float feet first down 

the current. The river journey started with 

a pleasant meander down a gentle stream 

but we were soon met by waterfalls and 

deep pools. Our challenges consisted 

of jumping through a waterfall into the 

bubbling cauldron of water below, pulling 

the entire group back up the river against 

the current and culminated in a 10 metre 

jump into a pool below… not everyone was 

brave enough to try this final task but some 

found the courage to do it twice! 

Day 2 

We had been promised rain and 

thunderstorms for the Wednesday but were 

greeted with scorching sunshine yet again. 

Half the group elected to go climbing on a 

nearby crag and the other half chose to stay 

in the shade at an indoor climbing centre. 

Here we climbed for nearly 4 hours. Starting 

off in the bouldering area and then moving 

onto the climbing walls, finally taking the 

challenge of climbing up real rock walls 

inside the centre. Temperatures were warm 

but everyone soldiered on despite the 

heat. Some even braved the indoor caving, 

although two managed to get stuck in the 

entrance for about 10 minutes and couldn’t 

find where to go in the dark! Both groups 

returned to FDTC Crickhowell feeling like they 

had accomplished something but with very 

sore arms. 

Day 3 

The group split into two again. Half the group 

went Mountain Biking at Bike Park Wales and 

the other half went to a very scenic lake near 

Merthyr Tydfil to try their hand at canoeing 

and kayaking. The mountain bikers had an 

arduous hours ride up to the top of the trail 

and unfortunately their day was cut short 

when one member of the group took a 

tumble. The group on the lake had a more 

serene day, paddling around on the lake and 

playing games in the canoes. Despite the 

best efforts of two of the group to remain 

dry they ended up in the water when their 

attempt to get a better look at a Springer 

Spaniel by the side of the lake resulted in 

them capsizing the canoe. 

Friday saw the group return to Boulmer, 

tired and weary but feeling as though they 

had achieved something new or improved 

upon skills they already had. All had been 

challenged at some point and came away 

feeling rewarded by the experience. 

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‘Think big - let’s have a 

Families Day on a par with 

that of RAF Brize Norton’ 

– the direction given 

to me by OC Support 

Wing several months 

ago and from which the 

seed was sown for the 

‘Boulmer Bonanza’… 

The youngest members of the RAF Family 

took on the fire engine. 

WHERE TO START? 

The Budget was the first hurdle, and a huge thanks is extended to the RAF 

Benevolent Fund, the RAF Charitable Trust, local businesses and the internal 

support which generated the funds it took organise the day. We must also thank 

the local community who got on board in sponsoring, particularly to TJ Danes 

who judged the dog competitions, alongside Kat Gibson from Robson & Prescott 

Vets, and Alnorthumbria Vets for their donations which helped deliver the event. 

THE VISION 

To host a day to include everyone in the RAF Boulmer Family whether service 

or civilian, and of course our families and friends – with even the family ‘pooch’ 

playing their part also. 

The face painting stall proved a 

big hit with all ages. 

THE DAY 

With the Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team and The RAF 

Falcons Parachute Display Team setting the scene as our Headline Acts, the day 

was always on track to deliver excitement. At one point the waiting crowd were 

on tenterhooks when the weather threatened to prevent either of the teams 

appearing. However, the luck of the Gods was on our side and both were able 

to entertain us with their breath taking and dare devil performances. Whilst the 

crowds were awestruck with the White Helmets performance we are not quite 

sure if FS Goodall has forgiven them for leaving his prize football pitch with a 

rather large scorch mark. However, every cloud has a silver lining and The Falcons 

were grateful for the ‘charcoal’ landmark which assisted them in identifying 

the drop zone where they landed after executing their signature ‘8 man stack’, 

The RAF Falcons pose with their new fans. 



The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team impressed the crowds. 

An RAF Falcon braces for landing. 

delivered with precision and an equally dynamic landing where the 

Station Commander waited to take the Salute. 

Alongside the headline acts the scene was set for a fun day of family 

activities which included pony rides, face painting, a police dog display, 

falconry display and fairground rides. All the children were delighted 

with the Fairground Rides, and even the rain didn’t deter their enthusiasm 

albeit did deliver a few ‘soggy bottoms’ after a visit to the Bouncy Castle! 

With a full-on programme of activities which saw many ‘eating on the run’ 

the Catering Flight were on hand to provide hot-dogs and hamburgers; 

such was the demand, they had to restock their supply. There was a cake 

stall, selling delicious home baked fayre, the Candy Castle sweet stall, and 

a Mr Whippy Ice-cream van; all of whom did a roaring trade judging by 

the amount of chocolate and ice-cream smudged faces to be seen on 

both the children and adults! 

The Dog Competitions organised by Flt Lt Paddock allowed proud 

owners to show off their prized pooches with titles for the ‘waggiest tail’ 

and most ‘disobedient’ hotly contested. A sight to behold, as we watched 

our normally responsible dog owners trying to get their well-trained 

pooches to disobey! 

From four legs to four wheels another highlight was the Fire Engine 

pull which saw competitors test their strength in a 50 meter pull. Of 

all the competitors it was our little Herculean’s who stole the show and 

demonstrated the power that even the smallest of us can have when we 

pull together as a team. 

Even after a fun packed day, the Boulmer Bonanza continued into the 

evening with a Hangar Party delivering entertainment to cater for adults 

and children accommodating local bands, comedians and culminating 

in a spectacular firework display. It even gave the budding cowboys 

amongst us the chance to demonstrate their rodeo skills on the ‘Bucking 

Bronco’ and I have it on good authority that it is the children who 

managed to stay on longer than any of the adults. For those who were 

brave enough there was also the opportunity to don a Sumo Suit, and 

feel what it might be like to walk the pathway of a Sumo Wrestler! 

All in all, the Boulmer Bonanza proved a huge success but it could not 

have been made possible without the previously mentioned sponsors 

and my Bonanza Committee who I feel privileged to have worked 

alongside. Their motivation, meticulous planning and tireless efforts 

over a period of months resulted in an amazing day for all those who 

attended. Thanks must also go to the unsung heroes, who worked 

behind the scenes to set up the event, provide security, control entry, 

and clear up afterwards. 

Mindful of my direction at the beginning of this project I have since 

asked - did we think ‘Big Enough’. Having just come from RAF Brize 

Norton, I can honestly say – yes! I hope that we will continue our support 

for the Boulmer Bonanza in years to come. 

However, the final word must go to the Station Commander who 

summed up the day’s events: 

‘It has been a wonderful day and it was great to see so many of our families 

enjoying themselves. Without their continued support it would not be possible 

for our Service personnel to achieve everything that they do, especially when 

they are detached away from home for long periods of duty. But it is also the 

wider RAF family, our civilian and contracted personnel, who give so much to 

this Station, and it was fantastic to see everyone having so much fun today’. 

Written by Flt Lt Ayshea Lewis 

Photos by Anne Russell 

Prize winners from the dog show 



Birds eye view of the Moray Firth 

Flying 

for Freedom 

Flying for Freedom (FFF) is a not-for profit organisation in partnership with 

Help for Heroes, which teaches wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military service 

personnel and veterans to fly flexwing microlights. Learning to fly is used as 

a recovery tool as part of their physical and mental rehabilitation, with the 

possible aim for them to aspire to work into the aviation sector. 

Last year the team 

challenged itself to fly the 

coast of the UK which they 

remarkably achieved in 10 

days. This year I took on the 

task of Expedition Leader which 

required a large amount of work 

over the last 6 months from initial 

planning of the route; ensuring we 

had aircraft and pilots available; to 

ensuring we had ground support 

at each location. This was an 

unprecedented expedition which 

had the aims of: 

• Flying a route around the UK, 

incorporating both John O’Groats 

and Land’s End; 

• Giving air experience flights to 

other WIS personnel; 

• Hosting the film of last year’s 

initial expedition in which the 

team flew the coast line of the UK; 

flying a number of WIS personnel 

under the support of the Plymouth 

Recovery Centre. The route then 

went anti clockwise stopping 

at airfields near the other Help 

for Heroes Recovery Centres inc 

Thruxton Racing Circuit, Earl’s 

Colne, East Rufforth, Eshott, and 

Perth finally complete another goal 

of flying over John O’Groats on 13 

July. The team returned down the 

west coast of the UK arriving back 

at Cotswold Airport 16 July having 

completed all their aims. 

Over 40 WIS personnel were given 

air experience flights throughout 

the trip, providing them with the 

unforgettable experience of flying 

in an open cockpit aircraft. Sadly, 

due to weather, we were unable 

to provide flights at St Michael’s 

Airfield, Preston however the team 

will endeavour to achieve this in 

the next couple of months. 

One individual 

I will always 

remember, when 

speaking of his flight 

experience, told me 

that he hadn’t really left 

the house in 3 years and 

it was the opportunity 

of flying in a flexwing 

that gave him the 

motivation to leave the 

comfort and security of 

his home. It is hoped 

that for individuals like 

this the experience the 

team was able to give to 

them will go in some way 

in changing their lives for 

the better. The expedition 

was filmed throughout 

and the team’s daily 

experiences can all be 

seen on YouTube, by 

searching for Flying 

for Freedom. 

The route taken around the UK 

• Raising funds and promoting 

the organisation. 

The team departed Cotswold 

Airfield on 3 July with the aim of 

returning back to Kemble Flying 

Club 2 weeks later. The route 

commenced in the south west 

achieving the Land’s End ‘tick’ and 

This was the first time since FFF was 

established, where WIS personnel 

who had gained their licences 

through FFF, had flown other WIS 

as passengers. Some of these 

individuals had been through 

terrible periods in their lives, some 

with physical disabilities, others 

with emotional injuries and PTSD. 

FFF hopes to continue 

to provide flying training 

for WIS personnel, and 

expand their training 

locations in the future. 

Flying for Freedom can 

be followed on Facebook 

and via their website www. 

flyingforfreedom.org. 

Flt Lt Kat Janes 

Flying over John O’Groats 



RAFA 

RAFA says Thank You to Volunteers 

The RAF Association has 4,898 volunteers, 

who are integral to the successful 

implementation of the Association’s 

support and welfare schemes, providing 

support for the wider RAF family. 

Flt Lt Jo Spence volunteers as a RAFALO 

(RAF Association Liaison Officer), a serving 

member of the RAF who provides a priceless 

link between serving personnel and the 

Association’s wider Branch network. Jo 

became a RAFALO when she was looking 

for more challenging secondary duties, 

quickly moving to take charge of the station 

RAFALO committee. 

As a RAFALO Jo engages with several local 

Branches, assisting with fundraising, Branch 

meetings and organising station visits for 

Branch members. She is also a keen advocate 

of the Befriending campaign, which focuses on 

alleviating loneliness and feelings of isolation 

within members of the RAF family, she believes: 

“It would be really wonderful to be able to 

bring these veterans back into the fold.” She 

would recommend being a volunteer for the 

Association to anyone as: “The RAF Association 

is a family and there are always things that 

people can get involved with.” 

Volunteer Manager Katharine Montgomery 

explains how vital the volunteers are to the 

Association’s work: “Our volunteers work 

tirelessly week in, week out in all sorts of 

ways. From fundraisers to befrienders to 

welfare caseworkers, we simply couldn’t 

operate without them.” While we hope they feel 

appreciated all year round, Volunteers’ Week 

provided the RAF Association with the perfect 

opportunity to say a huge thank you to them 

all. To show his gratitude, the President of the 

RAF Association, Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller 

KBE, sent all Association volunteers a pin badge 

and thank you card as a token of appreciation 

for all their hard work. 

To find out how to volunteer with the RAF 

Association in your area, please go to www.rafa. 

org.uk/volunteer 

RAF Boulmer Guests at RAFA Dinner 

In May the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Branch of the RAF Association held 

their annual Dining–In Night in the McCracken Suite of Northern 

Rugby Club with principal guests of honour Group Captain Mark 

Coleman and Mrs Nicky Coleman. Also present were the Station 

Warrant Officer, Karen Bowers, Mr Kevin Bowers and the Branch 

RAFALO, Cpl Sam Martin. Fifty four RAFA members and friends attended. 

The club’s catering manager provided a delicious three – course meal 

and also donated a barrel of specially – brewed “Airman’s Ale” which 

proved very popular. 

The Newcastle Branch President, Air Commodore Ian Forster paid tribute 

to Group Captain Coleman and thanked him, and all Boulmer personnel, 

for the magnificent support which the station had given to Newcastle 

RAFA over the past two years, wishing Group Captain and Mrs Coleman 

every happiness in their next posting in Germany. 

The Branch Welfare Officer gave an overview of the many and varied 

activities with which RAFA is involved and he emphasised that RAFA is 

there to support all members of the RAF family – serving personnel as 

well as veterans. 

Following the meal, entertainment was provided by the talented 

Lancashire singer, Maggie Peel whilst the guests enjoyed the pleasure of 

each other’s company. Amongst those present was 91 year old Lawrence 

Allen, a World War 2 Air Gunner, who had some interesting stories to tell 

of his time spent flying in the Lancaster bomber. 

Sydney Graham, Social Secretary, 

Newcastle Branch, RAFA. 

Warrant Officer Karen Bowers with World War 2 Veteran Lawrence Allen. 

Group Captain Coleman with Air Commodore Ian Forster and Captain (RN) Ian Moffatt. 



Rugby Match 

vs 

Officers 

Airmen 

The teams united after the game for a group photo. 

On Tuesday 26th July 

2016, Officers and 

Airmen of RAF Boulmer 

came together to 

support the charity 

organisation RAF 

Association; battling it 

out for bragging rights 

on the rugby pitch. 

With an exceptional turnout for 

both teams along with support 

from many others including the 

new Station Commander, this event 

was undoubtedly one to remember 

for RAF Boulmer. Furthermore, an 

inspiring speech was held before 

the match by Officer Commanding 

Control and Reporting Centre 

Boulmer, Wing Commander Phelps, 

highlighting the importance of 

sport within the RAF; in how it 

brings all trades together and 

allows for leadership to emerge 

from any rank. Prior to the match 

there there was also a minute’s 

round-of-applause that was held in 

remembrance of WO Daz Hucknall 

and Sgt Chris James. 

The match got off to an exhilarating 

start with the Officers scoring 

within the first 10 minutes with 2 

tries and 1 conversion. However, 

the Airmen weren’t complacent 

and retaliated with an equalizer; 

also scoring 2 tries and 1 

conversion by the 30 minute mark. 

It was all to play for as the half-time 

whistle approached, but in the 39th 

minute the Officers came forward 

with a deadly attack to secure 

the momentum going into the 

second half. 

After the pep talk from the coach 

and fellow trainer SAC Maughan 

at half-time, the Airmen were 

psyched and ready to perform a 

formidable comeback. Straight 

from the off, it was the Airmen who 

piled on the pressure deep into the 

oppositions half with some great 

kicking from John McConnell – not 

only a specialist in kicking, but 

also tackling with his face! Their 

efforts finally paid off as the Airmen 

ran in for their third try just 10 

minutes after the break. A second 

try followed just 13 minutes later 

in the 63rd minute to gain the 

lead for the first time. The last 15 

minutes were set up to be a battle 

with both sides beginning to show 

elements of fatigue, whilst also 

putting the referee through his 

paces after he pulled up with a bit 

of a hamstring officer. 

However, the intensity did not 

drop and the speed and fitness 

in the backs of the Airmen paid 

off running in for their 5th try of 

the game with only 10 minutes 

left to play. Having conceded and 

lost the lead, the Officers stepped 

their game up by breaking past 

the game line with their beefy 

forwards. Phase after phase they 

progressed up the pitch and finally 

crossed over the try line with just 

5 minutes left to play. This did not 

phase the Airmen as they held their 

own in the final few minutes with 

some fantastic defending under 

pressure which paid off as the final 

whistle was blown. Pete Maughan 

was jumping for joy in spite of his 

knee injury, as the Titans claimed 

their victory winning 27-24 – a 

monumental comeback from 12- 

19. 

In the end both teams shook hands 

and paid their compliments to 

one another, coming together for 

a group photo, after what proved 

to be an incredible rugby match 

that will go down in history for 

RAF Boulmer. 

By LAC Jack Hughes 

LAC Daniel Mills 

Photos by SAC Stephen Gallazzi 



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A member of the Officers’ 

Team braces for impact. 



Boulmer out batting against Benson. 

RAF Boulmer Cricket Club 

RAF Boulmer Cricketers Return With Silverware from T20 Finals… 

…unfortunately, not the trophy! 

RAF Boulmer Cricket Club has been 

out in action at the RAF Inter- 

Station T20 Finals, held at RAF Vine 

Lane on 15th July. The club had a 

somewhat easy route to the finals 

throughout the season, but were 

ready for the challenge that faced 

them; RAF Waddington CC and RAF 

Benson CC. 

Summer turned up on the day and Boulmer 

were in action first against RAF Benson. Club 

Captain, Cpl Ben Baker, walked out for the toss 

and luck didn’t go his way: Boulmer were put 

in to bat. Sqn Ldr Peter Robinson and FS Mark 

Roberts stepped out to open the Boulmer 

campaign. They soon settled but both became 

early victims of the Benson bowling attack, 

taken out for 11 and 10 runs respectively. 

However, SAC Ben Metcalf and Flt Lt Glenn 

Ablard were at the crease next and steadied 

the innings. Metcalf managed an impressive 49 

(including 3 maximums) before being bowled 

out. Boulmer batted on and managed to post a 

respectable total of 142. 

After a short break Benson stepped out to 

chase down the runs. A few early wickets came 

from Robinson and Ablard but it wasn’t enough 

to slow them down and Benson managed to 

knock off the runs in just over 18 overs. 

Next up for Boulmer were Waddington and 

having lost the toss (again!), Boulmer were 

straight back out into the midday sun to try and 

bowl the Lincolnshire men out for a low total. 

An early wicket came at the hand of Cpl Paul 

Martin but Waddington looked comfortable 

in the middle. Their number 3 and 4 batsmen 

managed to put on 79 and 71 runs (with 

number three being dropped in the twenties 

by Flt Lt Brown). Waddington went on to post a 

challenging total of 204. 

Boulmer went out ready for the challenge. Cpl 

Baker, batting at number 3 managed a skipper’s 

innings of 47 before eventually being bowled 

out. However, it wasn’t enough and the 

Northumberland team only managed to tot up 

112 in reply. 

Flt Lt Brown, Officer in Charge of the Club said, 

“We were hugely disappointed to not get a win 

in the finals, but we played very well and were 

beaten by two very good sides.” 

RAF Waddington eventually went on to an 

effortless win over RAF Benson. Prizes were 

awarded by RAF Cricket Association President, 

Gp Capt Bob Daisley, and although he wanted 

the trophy to go to his old stomping ground, 

Sqn Ldr Robinson strutting out to the crease. 

Waddington gladly lifted the cup, crowning 

them as RAF T20 Champions for 2016. 

However, there is still the story of RAF Boulmer 

winning some Silverware. LAC Jack Hughes 

was awarded with a medal as the team scorer; 

an impressive feat, considering he had only 

learnt to score that very morning! 

RAF Boulmer CC continues its season with a 

team being entered into the annual 6-a-side 

tournament held at Mitford CC, Morpeth, in 

August. Nets continue to run through the 

summer in the Station Sports Hall on Thursdays, 

4-6pm. New players are welcome. 

Flt Lt Dan Brown 



RAF Boulmer FC 

End of Season Report 

RAF Boulmer FC have been crowned 

League Winners of the newly restructured 

Army FA Northern League Division 1 for 

the 2015/2016 season. A hugely successful 

season, beginning in September 2015 and 

which came to thrilling conclusion at the 

end of May 2016. 

Here is how the season unfolded: 

03/09/15 

Light Dragoons 1-2 RAF Boulmer 

30/09/15 

RAF Boulmer 7-1 5 Med Regt 

28/10/15 

3 RHA 1-2 RAF Boulmer 

18/11/15 

RAF Boulmer 1-1 2 ITB 

27/01/16 

32 Eng Regt 3-2 RAF Boulmer 

End of Season Run In 

27/04/16 

RAF Boulmer 5-3 1 CS Bn REME 

Having returned to Boulmer after Op SEQUEL it 

was time to complete the football season. The 

one fixture played during the deployment of 

the CRC personnel resulted in our only league 

defeat of the season. Rustiness was evident 

in the first half with defensive errors costing 

Boulmer the lead, trailing 3-2 at the break. A 

rejuvenated second half performance saw 

Boulmer eventual 5-3 winners. 

Man of the match 

SAC Pete Hodson (led the second half revival) 

04/05/16 

2 Sigs Regt 1-4 RAF Boulmer 

The Boulmer squad travelled to Imphal Barracks 

in Fulford, just outside York for what was meant 

to be the final away fixture of the season. 

Sitting second in the league and playing catch 

up to leaders RDG, defeat was not an option 

as it would bring an end to any title ambitions. 

Boulmer came out on top in the first half, 

leading 3-1 in what proved to be a very scrappy 

game. 2 Sigs, to their credit, dominated the 

second half but a spirited defensive display saw 

Boulmer hang on to claim 3 vital points. 


Cpl Haig (several excellent saves in the second 

half including a penalty) 

The Decider 

25/05/16 

RDG 1-3 RAF Boulmer 

With Boulmer now in second place, just 3 

points behind their opponents, this final fixture 

of the season would decide the outcome 

of the league. Initially scheduled as a home 

fixture for Boulmer, RDG ‘forgot’ to organise 

transportation and therefore could not travel; 

knowing had the fixture not been played, 

they would have won the league by default. 

Refusing to admit defeat, the Boulmer players 

rallied and travelled to Catterick for an evening 

kick off. The team talk and motive was simple 

– “win tonight, win the league”. However, the 

rushed arrangements and short warm up had 

an adverse effect as Boulmer started very slowly 

with RDG on top but failing to take advantage. 

However, against the run of play Boulmer took 

the lead - a fine finish by SAC Gaz Williams 

helping to ease the early Boulmer nerves. From 

RAF Boulmer FC would like to thank 

everyone who contributed to making 

this season so successful. In particular a 

special thanks to all players, committee 

The Team’s Silverware. 

this point on Boulmer were a different team. 

Whilst RDG had the majority of possession, an 

organised and disciplined defensive display 

combined with swift counter attacks and 

sublime finishing saw Boulmer deservedly win 

the fixture 3-1. The result meant Boulmer and 

RDG were level on points but Boulmer, with a 

superior goal difference, would be crowned the 

league winners. 


LAC Ashley Lally (a great assist and a 

superb goal) 

members, management, line managers, 

manning cells, MT and all gym staff for 

your continued support 

ṠAC Andy Geddis 



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SALES TAKE OFF AS SHOW HOMES OPEN 

The launch of three stunning show homes has seen sales take off at Linden 

Homes’ Saint George development in Morpeth. 

The Windsor’s living room 

Sixteen properties have been sold or reserved on the first phase of the 

picturesque development, which seamlessly links town and countryside. 

Kate Moore and her partner David Morgan are among the fi rst to buy and 

she said: “We had looked at other developments around Morpeth but Saint 

George stood out for a number of reasons. The little details and finish of 

the properties attracted us initially as we hadn’t seen this elsewhere. The 

added touches of quality were a real selling point. 

“Also, the large areas of open space where our children can play and 

the fact that the development is in the catchment area of Morpeth’s best 

schools played a large part in our decision. Even at this early stage, the 

development has a family feel to it. The sales team was helpful, friendly 

and never pushy, supporting us all of the way and giving us honest and 

straight forward answers to our questions and queries.” 

The show homes comprise the four bedroomed detached Winchester and 

semi-detached Wordsworth – also available as a detached home - and the 

three bedroomed, semi-detached Windsor. 

Saint George could hardly be better positioned. Adjacent to beautiful 

natural woodland and large, open, green spaces, the stunning new homes 

are uniquely designed to fi t perfectly into the surroundings, delivering 

tranquillity and convenience. 

The fi rst phase of the properties – with prices starting from £219,995 - 

includes a wide range of bespoke house styles, from two to fi ve bedroomed 

homes, offering something for every budget and taste. They provide further 

evidence of Linden Homes’ commitment to deliver a step change in the 

quality and style of homes available in the North East. 

Help to Buy* is available and Linden Homes’ Assisted Move Scheme can 

help buyers who have an existing home to sell. Shared ownership is also 

an option on certain plots. 

The sales office and show homes – just off the A197 (NE61 1JY) - are open 

Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. Alternatively, call: 01670 751 826** or 

visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk/saintgeorge for more information. 

* Help to Buy terms and conditions apply and are available on request. 

** This call will cost 7p per minute plus a phone company access charge.

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