As we usher in this spring edition of the Honington Herald, marked by an awesome photograph of a Chinook on the front cover, the longer days and warmer weather remind us that the season of renewal is finally here. I hope you were able to enjoy some down-time over the Christmas and Near Year period (which already feels like a life time ago), and have settled into the battle rhythm of 2025.

It gives me great pleasure to write the foreword to the first Aries magazine of 2025. I’m very aware that I have big shoes to fill in taking over from Wing Commander Al Jones, who has been a part of the RAF Shawbury furniture for many years. I’d like to thank him for handing over such a great station and to wish him the best for his retirement after over 40 years of service. My initial observations from my first two weeks in the seat are that Shawbury is a very friendly and happy station and everyone that I’ve met so far seems to be happy to be here. The fact that I’ve met personnel who have been here since before I was born is testament to how people clearly feel they belong here at RAF Shawbury. I’ve arrived at a time of significant change at Shawbury as we are still learning how things work under the Wittering command and control model and we are in the midst of the airfield operating surfaces refurbishment programme. I’ve been impressed by how everyone across the station and the resident units are working together to ensure that all of this change is managed appropriately and safely. By Wing Commander Paddy Durnin RAF – Station Commander

Despite this being the Spring edition of the Apprentice magazine, as I write this the nights are still long, and the daffodils are yet to make an appearance. However, we have an exciting but busy 2025 ahead of us with a significant number of activities and visits taking place on the Station. Planning for the next Air Show on 8 June is well underway, and it promises to be a superb event. The year started with success once again for Cosford personnel in the King’s New Year’s Honours List, a fantastic way to recognise people’s hard work and dedication at the highest levels.