Contact


Telephone: 01780 781650, email: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk or via the websitewww.raf-ff.org.uk


A Qu a r t e r l y Ma g a z i n e f o r R A F P e r s o n n e l a n d t h e i r F ami l i e s Contents


Editor’s words/From the Chairman/The RAF Families Federation Foreword by the Chaplain-in-Chief


Cover Photograph – ‘Reunited’ 15 Sqn RAF Regiment return to Honington.


Envoy – The magazine of the RAF Families Federation, published 4 times a year.


Editor: Ann Dewar RAF Families Federation, 13-15 St Georges Road, Wittering, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6DL 01780 781650


Chairman: Dawn McCafferty Business Manager: Chris Taylor Communications Manager: Ann Dewar Evidence Manager: Jenny Ward Evidence Co-ordinator: Colin Jones Evidence Assistant: Jenny Scott Communications Assistant: Nick Crouch Admin Co-ordinator: Julie Goodson


Published quarterly by Method Publishing, a division of Scottish Provincial Press Limited, on behalf of Envoy


Design and Typography: © Method Publishing 2010 Editorial Matter and Illustrations: © Envoy Printed in Great Britain by: Warners Midlands plc


Advertisement Office (UK): Method Publishing, Sutherland Press House, Main Street, Golspie, Sutherland, KW10 6RA Tel: 01408 633871 Fax: 01408 633876


Advertisement Manager: Jeanne Alker: j.alker@methodpublishing.co.uk


Views expressed in Envoy, unless stated otherwise, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of Envoy, the RAF or the Ministry of Defence.


No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in Envoy can be accepted by the Publishers or Printers and advertisements are accepted on the express condition that the advertiser warrants that they in no way contravene the provisions of The Trades Descriptions Act 1968 nor any other prevailing legislation in the United Kingdom.


The Publishers reserve the right to refuse acceptance of any advertisement without stating a reason.


Emerging Issues The RAF Families Federation Annual Report ..............................................................................................6 The RAF Families Federation Evidence Report ............................................................................................6 PAX Insurance Premiums to Rise ...............................................................................................................6 Getting on the Property Ladder .................................................................................................................6 Taking Your Child Out of School during Post Operational Leave – Good News! ..........................................6 Success! The Government Gives Ground on BFPO Closures ........................................................................6 Holidays for Children with Additional Needs .............................................................................................6 Estate Agent Style Information Sheet ........................................................................................................6 Remaining in Quarters following Bereavement ..........................................................................................6 New Guide to Living in SFA ......................................................................................................................6 Customised Healthcare for the Seriously Injured ........................................................................................6 State Pension Boost ..................................................................................................................................6 Advice on the Inquest Process ..................................................................................................................6 Planning Round 10 is Going to be Tough ..................................................................................................6 Offer of Assistance to Sort out Debt ..........................................................................................................6 Running the London Marathon for RAFA ...................................................................................................6 RBL Poppy Breaks .....................................................................................................................................6 Special Needs and Disability Seminar ........................................................................................................6


Features


Connecting with the Women of Afghanistan .............................................................................................9 Blues – It’s Over to You! .........................................................................................................................10 Demons in the Dark ...............................................................................................................................12 Lisa’s Story.............................................................................................................................................14 Fly on the Army Wall ..............................................................................................................................16


REGULARS


Federation News Delivering the Federation’s Core Mission .................................................................................................19 The Federation’s Involvement in Other High Level Work ..........................................................................20 Our Evidence-Gathering Focus for 2010 ..................................................................................................21


You and the RAF I thought I was on a Last Tour of Duty ....................................................................................................22 Visiting Service Relatives in Hospital .......................................................................................................23


Education My Daddy is Going Away, but That’s Okay .............................................................................................24


Housing


Improvements in Service Families Accommodation ..................................................................................25 You are Deployed – So Can You Hang on to the House or Not? ...............................................................27


In The Workplace Smaller but Still Second to None .............................................................................................................28


The RAF Families Federation is an independent


organisation parented by The RAF Association. Patron: Her Majesty the Queen Registered Charity Number 226686


Scottish Charity Number SCO37673


Community Benson Primary Show the Way ...............................................................................................................32 No Record of the Call is ever Kept – SSAFA’s Confidential Support Line ....................................................33 In the Footsteps of the Incas ...................................................................................................................34


Postbag Good Evening ........................................................................................................................................46 www.raf-ff.org.uk Spring 2010 3


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