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
Leonardo animated 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
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

Defence

BAE Systems to modernise USS Forrest Sherman

10 December 2025

BAE Systems has received a $123 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

Rheinmetall to provide Trailblazer on UK

Defence

Rheinmetall to provide Trailblazer on UK's MLRS A2

10 December 2025

Rheinmetall UK have been awarded a contract by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide Trailblazer Driver Vision and Local Situation Awareness System to the UK Ministry of Defence’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform upgrade.

Babcock recruits record number of graduates and apprentices

Defence

Babcock recruits record number of graduates and apprentices

10 December 2025

Babcock has opened applications for its 2026 apprentice intake as it unveils the recruitment of a record number of graduates and apprentices across its UK business.

UK joins defence exports treaty with European allies

Defence

UK joins defence exports treaty with European allies

10 December 2025

The UK has joined a European defence export treaty alongside its NATO allies, making it easier for British defence businesses to benefit from closer cooperation on exports with European allies France, Germany and Spain.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
HMS Formidable keel laid

Defence

HMS Formidable keel laid

10 December 2025

Another significant moment on the Type 31 (T31) programme was delivered by Babcock yesterday at its Rosyth facility in Scotland, with the keel laid for HMS Formidable.

Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace enter UAV capabilities partnership

Defence

Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace enter UAV capabilities partnership

10 December 2025

GKN Aerospace today announced a new strategic teaming agreement with autonomous platform provider Anduril Industries UK to explore future opportunities at GKN Aerospace’s Isle of Wight airframe production facility, accelerating the development of advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and rotorcraft technologies for UK defence programmes.

Advertisement
ODU RT