Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RAF Cranwell fundraisers recognised by national charity

Defence Events

RAF Cranwell fundraisers recognised by national charity

Three local fundraisers are celebrating after winning awards for their commitment to a national military charity.

Above: Flight Sergeant Michelle Rees-Martin and Corporal Ash Oldroyd-Clarke accept the Lord Tedder trophy from Air Marshal Sir Baz North, President of the RAF Association. 
Courtesy
RAF Association

Flight Sergeant Michelle Rees-Martin and Corporal Ash Oldroyd-Clarke, both stationed at RAF College Cranwell, received trophies at the Royal Air Forces Association’s annual conference.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

RAF Cranwell received the Lord Tedder Trophy for raising £19,078 for the charity’s Wings Appeal in 2018, the highest collection of any station in the country. Michelle and Ash, who are both RAF Association Liaison Officers (RAFALOs) at the station accepted the trophy.

Michelle said: “We put a lot of hard work into fundraising over the last year since I became Senior RAFALO, and despite being such a small team Ash and I did everything we could to raise more money than any other RAF station in the UK.”

Ash received the Wally Marriott Trophy as RAFALO of the Year. He said: “Michelle and I ensured there was always something going on, from our Santa run to events with Cranwell Primary School. We also worked with the Association’s Cranwell Branch to help raise this great total for the charity.”

Mike Smith, Secretary of the Association’s Cranwell Branch, received a National Presidential Certificate for his 18 years of service to the charity, which supports the wellbeing of the RAF family.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Mike, who retired from the RAF in 1993, said: “I’ve been very active in the Cranwell Branch since joining in 2001 – you have to keep the grey matter active once you retire, as I learned when I worked in resettlement!

“Ash and Michelle at RAF Cranwell managed to raise an incredible amount last year. Everyone at Cranwell Branch was proud to be involved, and this year we’ve got even more events planned.”


 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Investment in student skills to boost UK defence industry

Defence

Investment in student skills to boost UK defence industry

5 February 2026

Britain’s defence industry will benefit from an £80 million skills boost to increase places on key strategically-relevant courses.

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

HENSOLDT receives KNDS orders for digital armoured vehicle optronics

Defence

HENSOLDT receives KNDS orders for digital armoured vehicle optronics

4 February 2026

HENSOLDT has received several major orders from KNDS to equip combat and armoured personnel carriers with digital optronics.

IFS chosen by SkyAlyne to support RCAF’s FAcT

Defence

IFS chosen by SkyAlyne to support RCAF’s FAcT

4 February 2026

IFS today announced that it has been selected by SkyAlyne the prime contractor for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), to provide a fully digital aviation maintenance and asset management platform in support of the Canadian Department of National Defence’s new training initiative.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

Defence

BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

4 February 2026

BAE Systems has received a $195 million for the production of additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) for the US Marine Corps.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB