As winter gives way to spring, it’s a great time to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy period for the RAF Families Federation. Since our previous Director moved on at Christmas, the team has been working tirelessly to ensure that we continue delivering the best possible support, advocacy, and representation for RAF personnel and their families. Over the past few months, we have remained at the forefront of key issues affecting our community, raising concerns at the highest levels and championing the voices of families across the RAF. From housing and childcare to career support and spousal employment, our work has continued at pace, ensuring that your lived experiences shape policy and decision-making.

Welcome to the Spring edition of The Mainpoint, we have an abundance of fantastic articles that I’m confident you will enjoy reading. We say a fond farewell to Padre Wg Cdr Ashley Mitchell, whilst we welcome our new Padre, Flt Lt Robert Hadfield getting to learn a little about them within the “meet the new” section! We also continue through the Halton Histories, now entering the 1720s. I wish to pass my thanks to Flt Lt Aimee Martin as the deputy editor for assisting in putting together this quarter’s edition. If anyone would be interested in becoming an editor, we would welcome volunteers, please contact myself or Flt Lt Aimee Martin. It is an extremely rewarding secondary duty that provides the opportunity to engage with a variety of personnel, giving a real finger on the pulse of RAF Halton.

It is with a great deal of pride and not a little sadness that I am penning my last Helicon submission as Chinook Force Commander, it has gone by too fast.  In April I will be handing over to Gp Capt Hannah Bishop, who is taking command following a tour in 11 Group at HQ Air Command. Prior to that, Hannah commanded 28 Sqn at RAF Benson and has completed multiple tours on the front line here at Odiham.