It’s hard to believe we only have one more issue this year as we head towards Christmas. As the air turns crisp and the leaves blaze with colour, autumn reminds us that change can indeed be beautiful; a season of slowing down, gathering close and taking stock of what we have nurtured through the year and what a year it has been so far! Like nature, we too find moments to shed, to pause, celebrate and prepare for what comes next. In this issue there is so much for us to share with you, including the families day, a day of celebration, as we say a thank you to all personnel and their families for their continued support. I know you will find stories that will not only inspire but also spark creativity as it does with our STEM teams. Whether you read these pages curled up with a blanket and a cup of tea or coffee or during a quiet moment as you reflect, I do hope this edition gives you an insight into the busy world of RAF Brize Norton. We strive to give you all a variety of articles and features, with, I hope, something for everyone.

What a summer we’ve had; glorious weather and a a number of events that have really cemented our relationship with the local community and provided opportunities for us to celebrate Odiham100. I hope that in amongst these you and your families have had the chance for a reset and a period of leave. For me the highlight of the summer was when the Station received the honour of the Freedom of the Parish gifted by Odiham Parish Council and presented during the Freedom Parade on 27 June. It was fantastic to have such a strong turn out from the local community including the schools and the Lord Lieutenant and Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group as the Reviewing Officers. But, the Box Cart racing, Promise & Fulfil Awards, Families Day and the recent Odiham100 Community Festival were equally brilliant, each appealing to a different demographic across the unit and community. I know that these events take effort, both from the organisers and the station to enable, but also from our community leaders and so a collective thank you goes out to everyone who has played their part in enabling these events. Odiham100 has lived up to its intended aims; celebrate, legacy and community, with community at the very centre of all we do.

This is my first edition of the Apprentice since arriving into post.  I’m very grateful to Wing Commander Brady for her handover of what is clearly an amazing and impressive Airbase.  Everyone has made me feel extremely welcome and I am very much looking forward to my time here, and to getting to know you and your schools & sections.  Already I have attended graduation ceremonies, ceremonial events and done some wider community engagement.  This is a huge privilege, and I am very proud of what you are all achieving and to be your representative.