Page 3 - Eagle Eye Spring 2021

Foreword from the
Station Commander
Wing Commander Keith Slack
As we emerge from Winter to Spring it is right and proper that we look forward with a fresh perspective and renewed optimism. Last year was quite a year. One like no other in current memory. The start of 2021 has been equally challenging, with much uncertainty surrounding the COVID pandemic. There is great cause for optimism and hope as the vaccination programme continues apace, on site testing commences at the Station and the emergence from lockdown is a widespread topic of discussion. It is highly likely that much of what we are doing now will continue for quite some time. ‘Hands, face and space’ and other restrictions will be an enduring feature in our posture for most of 2021 – let’s hope I am wrong, but I think we should prepare for the long haul. We will of course loosen the restrictions at the Station as far as we can within government guidance whilst prioritising the health and safety of everyone who lives and works at RAF Wyton. There remains much work to do.
The articles in this edition of Eagleye continue to mark the Station’s reaction to the pandemic. There are so many positive articles: from personnel wanting to make a difference to their own health and raise money for charity; to organisations making full use of virtual delivery to build team ethos and resilience; and the community support team putting on projects, programmes, events and putting up many Christmas lights across the Station. It has been remarkable and humbling to see how everyone has reacted. The Christmas period was certainly different and was not what any of us had planned, but it was full of ingenuity and innovative ideas to bring people together safely and mark what is arguably one of the most special times of the year. I have always said that we will get through the pandemic in better shape if we do so together. It has often been said that
everyone is on their own unique journey, so please continue to support each other through this challenging period of time. You never know what someone else is going through until you stand in their shoes.
Talking about unique journeys, there are few that can match that of Wg Cdr Gillespie and the experience he has had since the pandemic began. From his role at RAF Wyton, to a secondment to support the ambulance service during the pandemic and the remarkable work he did supporting the NHS, and finally to his deployment working with the UN to build capacity and governance structures in Somalia. His story is extraordinary and well worth a read. I commend it to you and encourage you to pause and reflect on how different each of our experiences have been and think about what you can do to understand and support someone else through this time.
Some of you may have noticed tree planting taking place across the Station. The ‘glens of Wyton’ will provide places of nature for personnel to rest and relax. Further work is ongoing to establish wildflower meadows and grassland. The recently upgraded memorial garden will soon be blooming as extensive planting last year adds much colour and life to such an important part of the Station. The smell of cut grass will soon return, especially if you are sitting on one of the many newly purchased benches the Station has acquired to expand our outdoor (COVID-compliant) seating options. The birds will start chirping, the cold will depart and the warmth in the sunshine will return. I look forward to seeing many more of you around the Station as restrictions are hopefully lifted and 2021 gathers pace in a more positive way than 2020 ended. I remain cautiously optimistic. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this latest edition of the RAF Wyton Station Eagleye magazine.
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