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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
UK and European allies to develop advanced surface-to-air weapon

Defence

UK and European allies to develop advanced surface-to-air weapon

20 February 2026

UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP has announced today that Britain and its European allies will be better defended as they group together to develop advanced air defence weapons to protect European skies and strengthen NATO's shield.

BAE Systems rolls out CV9035 MkIV to Slovak Armed Forces

Defence Events

BAE Systems rolls out CV9035 MkIV to Slovak Armed Forces

20 February 2026

The CV9035 MkIV for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been unveiled during a ceremonial rollout at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden.

Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

Aerospace Defence Security

Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

20 February 2026

Thousands of skilled workers in Wales will be involved in the design, testing and manufacture of advanced autonomous technologies and unmanned systems, as a landmark £50 million Defence Growth Deal positions the nation at the forefront of Britain’s defence future.

BAE Systems and SURVICE partner on uncrewed air systems

Defence

BAE Systems and SURVICE partner on uncrewed air systems

20 February 2026

BAE Systems FalconWorks and SURVICE Engineering have signed a Framework Agreement to enable collaboration on the development of uncrewed air system (UAS) technologies.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems completes trials of ATLAS UGV

Defence

BAE Systems completes trials of ATLAS UGV

19 February 2026

BAE Systems has completed the latest trials of its Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV).

Galvion unveils Hellbender ultra-lightweight helmet

Defence

Galvion unveils Hellbender ultra-lightweight helmet

19 February 2026

Galvion has unveiled the Batlskin Hellbender UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardisation.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB