Contact


Telephone: 01780 781650, email: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk or via the website www.raf-families-federation.org.uk


W I N T E R 2 0 0 8 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 A Q u 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 1st Anniversary Issue


I honestly can’t remember having that much fun on two legs, let alone one”


“


“Will You Read to me Daddy?”


Are you part of the RAF Diaspora?


Contents


From the Editor/From the Chairman/Christmas Message from Chief of the Air Staff Foreword by VICE ADMIRAL PETER WILKINSON


Cover Photograph – Taking to the slopes of Bavaria as part of Battle Back.


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 Deputy/Office Manager: Chris Taylor Communications Manager: Ann Dewar Issues/Liaison Team Manager: Jenny Ward Liaison Team Member: Colin Jones 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 2008 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.


Housing How Difficult can Allocating a Quarter Be? .............................................................................................28 Your Money Help and Advice are at Hand .................................................................................................................29


The Workplace Far Flung to the Four Corners .................................................................................................................30


The RAF Families Federation is an independent organisation managed by The RAF Association (RAFA). Patron: Her Majesty the Queen Registered Charity Number 226686 Scottish Charity Number SCO37673


You and the RAF People are Top of the Agenda ................................................................................................................31 Food First .............................................................................................................................................32 The Ministry of Defence’s Top Level Messages .......................................................................................33


Community Will You Read to me Daddy? .................................................................................................................36 Prayer Can Be a ‘Power Tool’ .................................................................................................................36


www.raf-families-federation.org.uk Winter 2008 1 Education Matters


So, What’s in it for the Adults..? ...........................................................................................................23 Trying to do the Right Thing by Your Children ........................................................................................24 Tail-End Charlie .....................................................................................................................................27


WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE TO ENVOY? Emerging Issues


Changes to the CSA ................................................................................................................................4 CCF Open their Ranks .............................................................................................................................4 Register to Vote – Now is the Time ......................................................................................................... 4 Forces Auction Website ...........................................................................................................................4 Free Christmas Packet Service ..................................................................................................................4 Healthcare Commission Review ...............................................................................................................4 SSAFA Holidays for Children 2009 ...........................................................................................................4 New Men at the Top ...............................................................................................................................5 Changes in Long Service Advance of Pay .................................................................................................5


Features


Battle Back .............................................................................................................................................6 Ski 2 Freedom .........................................................................................................................................8 Stressed Out .........................................................................................................................................10 When it all Goes Wrong ........................................................................................................................12


REGULARS


Federation News Your Say on Pay ....................................................................................................................................15 Influences on Your Decision to Stay or Go ..............................................................................................17 Child’s Play ...........................................................................................................................................18 Activities Update ...................................................................................................................................18


Reader Offers Nursery Fresh Flowers ...........................................................................................................................20 Reviver Break at Ragdale Hall ................................................................................................................20 A Book for Children ...............................................................................................................................20


Kid’s Corner Colouring & Message Competition .........................................................................................................22 F ami l i e s


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