During his four years as Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight saw it blossom from a fledgling charity to a valuable member of the RAF family. Having handed over the baton to Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire in July, Sir Michael looks back on what’s been achieved so far
Looking back on your four years as Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), what do you think has been its biggest achievement? 
I was surprised and delighted to see how quickly the charity was able to make a difference to people’s lives. By funding flying scholarships, expedition training and bursaries for the Air Cadets, I hope we have given young people opportunities they might not otherwise have had. Our prime remit is to promote recruitment to and the general efficiency of the Royal Air Force; and, to a great degree, we have interpreted this as focusing on youth. Our second aim is to support the work of established Royal Air Force charities such as the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, RAFA, the RAF and Dependants’ Disabled Holiday Trust and others. We are more than happy to work with and alongside them. I believe the Trust has already enhanced the lives of many people; and it is playing a significant role in the development of our young Air Cadets through sponsorship of a wide variety of initiatives. We are fortunate that our commercial company, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, organises the wonderful Royal International Air Tattoo. Where better to inspire youngsters to become ‘air-minded’ than at the world’s biggest and most exciting airshow? In fact, it offers everything one would wish in terms of inspiring people of all ages to engage and develop an interest in aviation in all its aspects.
And what has been the Trust’s biggest challenge?
Oddly enough, the biggest challenge has been to encourage eligible organisations to 
think creatively and to ‘think big’ when making their grant applications. We’re very keen to attract bids, particularly for new initiatives, rather than merely providing an alternative revenue stream for charities and groups that support established activities. That’s why, when we were approached by Commandant Air Cadets to fund the £60,000 cost of six flight simulators for newly-established Regional Activity Centres, we jumped at the opportunity. This is a very exciting project – and one of many Air Cadet projects that we continue to support.
How important has the role of chairman been to you personally?
It’s strengthened my belief in the concept of the Royal Air Force as a genuine family affair, with the need for us to help a whole variety of causes. Youth is very important; but we are equally keen to support the families of those who are deployed overseas or who are preparing for that inevitably demanding experience. An example is our support for internet cafes at RAF stations, where families can remain in touch with their loved ones. We’ve also helped fund a refurbishment of RAF Odiham’s Families Club, and the Breckland Club at RAF Honington, which is used as a welfare facility for personnel being trained for deployed operations; and we offer grants to support the excellent work being carried out by the charity, Combat Stress. It is important that, in looking to the Royal Air Force’s future, we do not lose sight of the men and women who deserve our support now.
The Trust has helped with the refurbishment of welfare facilities at RAF stations, such as No 99 Squadron’s ‘Puma’ Room at Brize Norton. Where does the RAF’s responsibility to provide facilities end and the Trust’s begin?
There are always going to be RAF-related welfare initiatives that, for one reason or another, do not qualify for public funding and which may not succeed without additional support. That’s where we come in. To anyone who’d say ‘Why would you support what is essentially a crewroom bar at Brize?’, the answer is that the Squadron’s C-17s are flying into Kandahar, Kabul, Basra and Baghdad on 24-hour-a-day seven-day-a-week operations; and this is a facility where air and ground crew can just relax at the end of a strenuous day. That is one of the ways we have found we can offer our support to ‘the sharp end’.
Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank for their help during your role as Chairman?
First, I am grateful to the members of the Air Force Board who gave us their wholehearted support when we went to them with our idea to establish the Trust. I’d also like to thank ACAS, Air Vice Marshal Tim Anderson and, before him, Air Marshal Chris Moran for making the time to attend as many of our Board meetings as their extremely busy appointments allow. They have contributed a great deal by adding an operational overview to our deliberations. I cannot possibly overlook the immense support we receive from the US Air Force in staging the Air Tattoo each year – from successive Chiefs of that great Service, right down to the men and women of the 420th Air Base Group at RAF Fairford. I can justifiably claim that we’ve never enjoyed stronger relations than those that exist now. Then there is, of course that tremendous supporter of ‘all things RIAT’, Fred Crawley – my deputy as Chairman of the Trust and, even more significantly, Chairman of our trading company, RAFCT Enterprises, which raises the funds that we can then disburse. My colleagues as Trustees of RAFCT and the Board members of Enterprises work hard, long and always willingly for ‘the cause’. And at the heart and soul of everything we do are
Do you have any advice to offer Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire who recently took over your role as Chairman of RAFCT? 
My only advice would be to enjoy it. I was fortunate in having had a formidable body of Trustees behind me; and Sir John will benefit from their experience, as they will from his. All those who have met John Cheshire know him as an immensely personable and extremely capable character; and I can think of no one better to whom to entrust the future of RAFCT. I am confident that he will continue the excellent growth the charity has achieved during the past four exciting years. But I will certainly miss it!
A STAINED glass panel representing the Royal Air Force Police has been dedicated at the new Service Police chapel at Defence College of Policing and Guarding MoD Southwick Park near Portsmouth.
The £5,000 cost of the panel was met by a grant from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, plus donations from serving personnel, members of the RAF Police Association, and donations from sponsors. The panel, which features the crests and mottoes of the RAF Police (Fiat Justitia) and the RAF Police Association (Sodalitas Perpetuus), was officially dedicated at a service attended by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire on 29 April.
Wing Commander Kevin Bailey Officer Commanding Specialist Police Wing, Headquarters Provost Marshal (RAF), said: “We feel this magnificent new panel will give greater prominence for the RAF at Southwick Park, boost RAF Police morale and enhance the RAF ethos of personnel under training.”
Mr Fred Crawley, a Trustee of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, who was present at the ceremony, said: “One of our aims is to support the RAF family and we are delighted to help finance this project in recognition of the support we have received from the RAF Police, particularly in staging the Royal International Air Tattoo each year.”
May, 2008
An Air Cadet from Stratford upon Avon has taken her next step towards her dream job with the help of a Flying Scholarship from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT).
Cadet Sgt Chantal Edwardes, 17, of 1289 Stratford Squadron, has her sights set on becoming a pilot in the RAF; and has moved closer to that goal thanks to one of six Flying Scholarships sponsored by RAFCT last year. The teenager has just completed her training with Tayside Aviation in Dundee and was delighted to go solo mid-way through her course.
Chantal said: “It was great fun. It all goes round so quickly, so it’s only when you land that it hits you what you’ve achieved. I’d flown solo in a glider before but this was very exciting.”
Her first solo flight lasted 15 minutes and took in one circuit of a planned route, after which she was looking forward to increasing her flying time with more solo flights.
Chantal added: “I've enjoyed my time here hugely, and I'd like to thank my instructor Steve Murphy for his dedication in teaching me to fly. The scholarship has been a great first step into powered flying."
The Charitable Trust has been involved in grant aid for Flying Scholarships for the past two years, with more than £35,000 being used to sponsor cadets.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, said: “The Air Cadet Pilot Scheme aims to give young people a sound foundation in flying, and we’re delighted to be able to help Cadets like Chantal achieve that most important step of a first solo. It’s good to know that she obviously enjoyed it tremendously.”
April 3, 2008
Two Air Cadets from the same squadron have been awarded bursaries funded by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Maritime Air Trust to support them through university.
Cadet Warrant Officers Paul Fothergill and Kristina Pisano, both from No 241 Squadron at Woodford Green, Essex, received their awards prior to the Whittle Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London. The bursaries were presented by Air Marshal Sir John Harris, President of the Maritime Air Trust.
Paul, 20, from Woodford Green, is reading IT for E-Commerce at Sussex University. He is undertaking a full Private
Pilot’s Licence, initially started by an ATC Flying Scholarship, and is currently a civilian instructor on 241 Squadron. A Gold Duke of Edinburgh award winner, he was the first ATC Cadet to be awarded the Duke of Westminster’s Award for Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation and is a three-time Deputy Lord Lieutenant’s cadet.
Kristina, also 20, comes from Barkingside in Essex, and is reading aerospace engineering at Queen Mary College, London. She gained her gliding scholarship at the age of 16 and her Microlight Wings one year later, and her aim is eventually to join the RAF as a pilot. Kristina has also completed her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, and was selected to carry the ATC Banner at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall in 2006. 
The MAT Bursary Scheme is intended to support high-quality Air Training Corps Cadets in their first year of University. The selection process is based on the Air Cadet Dacre Awards best-cadet competition, with HQ Air Cadets nominating five cadets from the shortlist of 12 for the Dacre Sword and Dacre Broach.
Since it was established in 2005, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust has donated £15,000 towards the bursary scheme. Its Chairman Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight said: “Kristina and Paul are clearly two outstanding Air Cadets and we hope the financial support we are providing will encourage them to rise ever higher in their chosen careers.”
March 18, 2008
Trustees from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust ('Trust') took time out from their recent meeting at the RAF Club in London for a photograph with representatives from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises ('Enterprises') and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal ‘Timo’ Anderson.
Pictured from left: Caroline Rogers, Enterprises' Commercial Director; Chris Murray, Trust Secretary and Company Secretary of Enterprises; Martin Hine, Trustee; Fred Crawley, Trustee and Chairman of Enterprises; Gp Capt Jock Heron, Trustee; Tim Prince, Enterprises' Chief Executive; Air Vice-Marshal Anderson and Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, Trust Chairman.
Air Vice-Marshal Anderson, Caroline Rogers and Tim Prince attend the Trust meetings in an advisory capacity.
At the meeting, Fred Crawley announced that Enterprises would be gifting to the Trust a further £100,000 for the year February 2007- February 2008 bringing to £200,000 the amount handed over so far for the past financial year.
Fred Crawley said he was confident that further monies from the 07/08 financial year just ended would be gifted to the Trust later in the year.
March 13, 2008
TRUST CHAIRMAN RECEIVES TOP HONOUR
The chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust was honoured for a distinguished career in aerospace by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators at its annual Trophies and Awards Banquet, held in London last month.
The accolade came as Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff. The award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to aviation. 
At the ceremony, Sir Michael was praised for his ability to recruit and motivate those whom he saw as the best people to work as a team. In introducing him to an audience of more than 700 at the Guildhall, the Learned Clerk to the Guild, Mr Paul Tacon, spoke of Sir Michael’s inspirational leadership, which had been a key factor in bringing to successful fruition the many and varied projects he has led and causes he had espoused. “Mike,” he said “simply doesn’t know failure or half-measures.”
Sir Michael joined the RAF from university in 1954 to begin his two years’ national service, which became, in all, 35 years on the Active List and over 20 in the Reserves. In that time, he commanded No 32 Squadron flying Canberras at Akrotiri, where he was awarded an AFC; and subsequently the Far East Strike Wing in Tengah, where he took advantage of the opportunity to fly some 11 types and marks of aircraft, from Single Pioneer to Lightning. He was then Military Assistant to the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee; and commanded RAF Laarbruch with Buccaneers and F4 Phantoms. In 1977 he became SASO Strike Command, then AOC 1 Group with Vulcans and Tornadoes. He next served on the Air Force Board as Air Member for Supply and Organisation.
Throughout his life, Sir Michael has been first and foremost an aviation enthusiast. With over 5,000 hours in service aircraft – ranging from the Chipmunk to the USAF B1 – and spanning over 50 years’ flying, he has had a wonderful career as a pilot, leader, organiser, manager, inspirer and fund-raiser.”
Mr Tacon
He was appointed CB in 1980 and KCB in 1983. His final appointment was as the UK Military Representative to NATO, when he also served as Air ADC to Her Majesty The Queen.
After a first ‘retirement’, Sir Michael reverted to the rank of Flying Officer in the RAFVF(T), where he helped young cadets to gain air experience. In 2001, he became honorary Air Commodore of No 7630 (VR) (Intelligence) Squadron of the RAuxAF. In industry he served on the boards of several aerospace and defence companies, becoming Chairman, successively of the Page Group, Cranfield Aerospace and Cobham plc. During his seven years in the latter appointment, the company enjoyed significant growth in that highly competitive industry.
In addition to his chairmanship of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Sir Michael is Life Vice-President of the Air League as well as President of the Buccaneer Aircrew Association, of No 32 (The Royal) Squadron Association and of the Royal International Air Tattoo. He is, however, perhaps best known in recent years as Chairman of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, where his drive and enthusiasm has helped lead a dedicated band of experts to restore Vulcan XH558 to flight. It is hoped that this iconic aircraft will again grace the skies at air displays throughout the United Kingdom.
In concluding his introductory comments, Mr Tacon said: “Throughout his life, Sir Michael has been first and foremost an aviation enthusiast. With over 5,000 hours in service aircraft – ranging from the Chipmunk to the USAF B1 – and spanning over 50 years’ flying, he has had a wonderful career as a pilot, leader, organiser, manager, inspirer and fund-raiser.”
Previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners have included Neil Armstrong, Capt Eric Brown, Sir Michael Cobham, Sqn Ldr Neville Duke and Wg Cdr Roland Beamont.
December 13, 2007
TROPHY AWARDED FOR FLYING EXCELLENCE
Cadet Sergeant Nicholas Dodgson has become the first recipient of the newly-commissioned Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Trophy for Flying Excellence.
Nicholas, aged 18, was presented with the silver trophy in November by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE, 
Commandant Air Cadets, during a concert by the Bands of the Royal Air Force at the Cadogan Hall in London. Also in attendance were Nicholas’s family and Capt Graham Dawson, head of Batley Grammar School Combined Cadet Force.
Afterwards, Nicholas said: “I was very surprised to win the award. The presentation ceremony itself was a fantastic occasion and one that I shall never forget.”
Nicholas, who has been a member of the Combined Cadet Force for four-and-a-half years, said his ambition was to join the RAF and become a pilot, navigator or regimental officer.
| I was very surprised to win the award. The presentation ceremony itself was a fantastic occasion and one that I shall never forget. |
| Nicholas |
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust was established in 2005 to encourage ‘airmindedness’ in young people, promote recruiting within the RAF and support the wider RAF family of charities.
Mr Fred Crawley, Deputy Chairman of the Trust, said the trustees were delighted to have commissioned the new trophy, which recognises flying excellence and encourages an interest in aviation.
He added: “Our congratulations go to Nicholas for being such a worthy winner of this beautiful trophy. I am particularly pleased that the opportunity arose to present it on such a prestigious occasion.
“The trophy is just one of a number of ways in which the Charitable Trust supports the very valuable work carried out by the Air Cadets Organisation.”
December 2007
CADETS RELIVE EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE
Thirty members of the Middlesex Wing Air Training Corps celebrated their achievements following a two-week expedition to Ghana earlier this year, part-sponsored by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
Trustee Martin Hine attended a presentation evening in September, held at the Police College in Hendon, to see what
the cadets had learnt from their experience.
As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations and to mark 200 years since the abolition of slavery, the cadets and staff had joined forces with the National Cadet Corps Ghana. They completed the renovation of a school, visited the Commonwealth war graves at Christianborg and RAF Takoradi and completed an arduous four-day jungle trek. A television crew from ITV’s London Tonight also followed them for the first week and broadcast each night to viewers in the capital.
At the presentation, the cadets took the opportunity to present their experiences to guests, and awards were presented for ‘Fundraising’ and ‘Best Cadet’. Adult Sergeant Hakan (a member of staff on the expedition) took the special commendation for fundraising; having raised more than £27,000. He said, “I’m proud to have received this award but don’t want to take all of the credit. If it wasn’t for the cadets and all their efforts we would never have been able to raise the amount we did.”
Cadet Warrant Officer Michael Norwood received the award for Best Cadet. Presenting the award, Sqn Ldr Tony Kelly described Michael as “a constant morale booster even when things were tough”.
After the presentation, guests were invited to sample the delights of the Ghanaian food the expedition team had organised for the evening.
It had been a night of insight into the reality of life in Ghana and how the UK cadets had handled their experience. The cadets admitted that the expedition had been very tough but that they had learnt a number of life skills and would definitely be keen to go on a similar expedition again.
By Air Cadet Civilian Instructor Lucia Walker
December, 2007
DUKE OPENS NEW RESPITE FACILITY FOR RAF
A refurbished respite facility for members of the serving RAF situated on the West Sussex coast has 
been unveiled thanks to a substantial grant from the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
Seacot House, situated adjacent to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund's care home Princess Marina House, in Rustington, was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Kent, Patron of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, in October.
The Duke was greeted by dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mr Hugh Wyatt and the Chairman and Controller of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Lord Trenchard. Representing the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust were trustees Mr Fred Crawley and Air Commodore Oliver Delany.
The Duke unveiled a plaque at Seacot House, which has been designed to provide affordable breaks for serving personnel who find themselves facing difficulties over and above the 
usual stresses and strains of Service life.
During his visit, the Duke also opened the Garden Room at Princess Marina House with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, said the donation of £34,000 towards Seacot House and a further £20,000 towards the Garden Room demonstrated his Trust’s commitment to supporting the wider RAF family of charities.
As well as funding initiatives aimed at inspiring airmindedness in young people, we are also keen to support projects that help to improve the environment in which serving RAF personnel have to operate. This includes looking after the welfare of our men and women, serving and retired, and their families wherever the need arises.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight
Whether it be serving personnel who are in need of a respite break, or members of the RAF family who require a more supportive environment, the openings of Seacot House and the new Garden Room at Princess Marina House take us a step closer to our aim of providing support to every member of the RAF family, across the whole spectrum of care.
Air Marshal Sir Rob Wright
December 2007
FLYING EXPERIENCE INSPIRES YOUNG SCHOLAR
A young man from Nottingham, who successfully completed a Royal Air Force Charitable Trust-
sponsored intensive flying course, says he hopes he can inspire others to overcome obstacles in the same way he has done.
Thomas Shepherd, 22, whose brother is a pilot in the RAF, said that despite it being tough, he loved every second of the training and hopes one day to fly for an airline.
Thomas, who suffers from a number of medical conditions, including radial aplasia, was awarded a flying scholarship by the Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for the Disabled charity back in April and flew to South Africa in August to begin his six weeks’ training.
His scholarship was the first to be sponsored by the Charitable Trust and was awarded to Thomas following a selection process that concluded with a series of tests and interviews at RAF Cranwell.
| I hope I can inspire people to do what they want to do as I have. I enjoyed the scholarship so much and loved every second of it. I would like to thank Flying Scholarships for the Disabled for the help that they have given me and to the RAF Charitable Trust for sponsoring my scholarship. I plan to continue flying and perhaps one day end up as an airline pilot.” |
| Thomas Shepherd, 22 |
December 2007
ROYAL AIR FORCE CHARITABLE TRUST’S SUPPORT FOR AIR CADETS TOPS £150,000
Since the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) was established two years ago, more than £150,000 has been handed over to the Air Cadet Organisation to support a variety of projects.
These have included helping to fund flying scholarships, a trophy for Flying Excellence and the purchase of rifles for ATC training. The charity is also keen to support adventure training activities such as the Ulysses Trust’s Expedition Jubilee Eagle, which organised a successful trip to Ghana for 20 cadets from the Corps’ Middlesex Wing.
The expedition was the first joint training expedition between the UK and Africa and involved the Cadets in helping to refurbish a school in north east Ghana and to set up a store of adventure training equipment for the Ghanaian cadets.
On their return, Cadet Flight Sergeant Unsa Chaudri, of the Middlesex Wing, gave an impressive account of the expedition to the trustees of both the RAF Charitable and Ulysses Trusts. Speaking for all those present, RAFCT Chairman Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight said it was wonderful to hear, at first-hand, how well the money had been used.
“Unsa gave a wonderfully-assured presentation which really brought home to us the value of supporting such a worthwhile project. We were extremely grateful to her.”
The latest Air Cadet initiative to win the support of the Charitable Trust is the provision of equipment to support Commandant Air Cadets’ exciting plans to create 12 Regional Activity Centres across the UK.
A grant of £73,000 has been agreed to buy six flight simulators as well as radio equipment for the centres.
| We are increasingly showing our commitment to and support for the young people in the Air Cadet Organisation because we recognise that they are the future of the Royal Air Force. |
| Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight - Chairman RAFCT |
Since 2005, the RAFCT has handed out a total of more than £370,000 to a wide range of RAF-related charities and organisations, including the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Maritime Air Trust and the RAF & Dependents’ Disabled Holiday Trust.
ROYAL AIR FORCE CHARITABLE TRUST HELPS REWARD TOP AIR CADETS
Two high calibre Air Cadets were recently rewarded with bursaries to help support them through university.
The two bursaries, sponsored by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Maritime Air Trust, were awarded to Cadet Warrant Officer Stacey Nevin and Cadet Warrant Officer Lyndsay McGregor at a special ceremony at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.
Stacey comes from Telford in Shropshire and is reading Law at the University of Sussex. She hopes to join the RAF as an officer in the Legal Branch. She is an accomplished sportswoman, has completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and went solo in a Vigilant Glider at Cranwell at the age of 16.
Lyndsay comes from St Ives in Cambridgeshire and is reading Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Hertfordshire. She is determined to become a female pilot with the RAF’s Red Arrows. She has been a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, and has not only flown solo in gliders but has gained her Private Pilot’s Licence, and is now expanding her qualifications with the first endorsement being – understandably – aerobatics.
The Maritime Air Trust Bursary Scheme is intended to support high-quality ATC Cadets in their first year of University. The selection process is based on the Air Cadet Dacre Awards best-cadet competition. HQ Air Cadets nominated three cadets from the shortlist of 12 for the Dacre Sword (male) and Dacre Broach (female) best-cadet competition, although one later withdrew as he chose to join the RAF rather than go to university.
The two remaining candidates were interviewed by Air Cdre Andrew Neal, Chairman of the Coastal Command and Maritime Air Association. He reported that they were both of a very high standard and Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, President of the Maritime Air Trust, confirmed the awards.
Since it was established in 2005, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust has donated £10,000 towards the bursary scheme.
TRUST IN YOUTH
Trustees of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust are increasingly showing their commitment to and support for the young people in the Air Cadet Organisation. In the past 2 years Trustees have provided over £150,000 of grants to support adventurous training, flying scholarships the Air Cadet Magazine to name but a few. The latest, major, award by Trustees, was £73,000 for the purchase of 6 Flight Simulators and Radio Equipment to support Commandant Air Cadets exciting plans to create 12 Regional Activity Centres across the UK.
