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
ODU RT

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
ODU RT

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
FIA2026 animated banner
Metis wins Kongsberg contract for Skyperion Lightweight

Defence

Metis wins Kongsberg contract for Skyperion Lightweight

15 June 2026

Lincoln based specialists in providing Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection tech, Metis, has been selected to provide its Skyperion Lightweight passive RF sensor to Kongsberg to support the Polish SAN counter Uncrewed Air System (cUAS) programme, worth over £30 million.

Cambridge Pixel showcasing VSD-C2 at Eurosatory

Defence Events

Cambridge Pixel showcasing VSD-C2 at Eurosatory

15 June 2026

Cambridge Pixel is at Eurosatory, Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre (15th-19th June), showcasing its iVSD-C2 display software.

Thales unveils AI-powered Gladiator at Eurosatory

Defence Events

Thales unveils AI-powered Gladiator at Eurosatory

15 June 2026

Today at Eurosatory in Paris (15th-19th June), Thales has unveiled its new AI-powered Gladiator Training Data Analytics solution with Advanced After Action Review (AAR) capabilities that include interactive timelines, exercise replay, tactical metrics grounded in the fundamental principles of warfare, and AI-powered communications analysis.

Europe

Defence

Europe's largest drone test centre opened in Swindon

15 June 2026

The new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MP has opened Europe’s biggest drone testing centre in Swindon, learning lessons from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts and set to rapidly develop and field capabilities in far shorter time frames.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

Defence Events

BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

12 June 2026

BAE Systems is launching its latest digital innovation to the front-line at Eurosatory in Paris next week, an advanced Indirect Fire Control System designed to enhance the precision, speed and connectivity of modern artillery operations.

UK Defence Secretary resigns

Defence

UK Defence Secretary resigns

12 June 2026

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, citing funding levels outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as unacceptable and that it would impact the readiness of Britain's armed forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB