HUNDREDS of people from Royal Air Force Coningsby gathered in a beautifully transformed hangar for the first ‘CAFTAS’ (Coningsby Awards for Talent, Achievement and Service).
Nominees from the Royal Air Force, Civil Service, Industry, and the Voluntary Sector were recognised for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice. Categories included outstanding contribution to operations, collaborative working, championing heritage and ethos, and improving the quality of life in the workplace, to name but a few.
The evening began with a spectacular flypast from one of the Station’s Typhoon aircraft, and opening addresses from the Station Commander, Group Captain Paul O’Grady, and the Typhoon Air ing Commander, Group Captain Billy Cooper. Twelve awards were made during the night, with categories covering almost every aspect of Station life.
A commitment to collaborative working ensured that Work Services Flight won the first award of the evening. Flight Lieutenant Emily Child collected the award and said:
“The collaborative working we do with the Station, Defence Infrastructure and VIVO has achieved so much this year. But it’s the people that make it happen, how they work with us makes such a smooth-running environment, we just all get on with a professionalism that respects each other.”
The first industry award was won by Tracy Robinson of BAE Systems for her contributions to inspiring the next generation. Tracy’s passion for education has expanded STEM activities for local schools, and she has implemented the Station’s first BAE Systems work experience programme. This award was presented by the guest of honour, former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon.
A dozen RAF Coningsby Stewards delivered an immaculate front of house experience at the event. One steward said:
“My colleagues from Catering Flight have been incredible, what they’ve done in here is amazing, everything looks perfect. They call it the CAFTAS, but really does look just like an award ceremony you’d see on television.”
RAF Coningsby’s HIVE and Community Support Team took the Team of the Year award. Ben Rossi is the Community Development Officer at RAF Coningsby. He said:
“Firstly, thank you to the team for everything they do to support service families and the community. They deserve this recognition; Whatever the issue, they are the first point of contact for service personnel and their families, and the community.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund Airplay Team won the Service to the Community award for the Youth Support Programme. The programme supports children from ages 5-16 with youth clubs and activities provided for service and non-service children alike.
Group Captain O’Grady said:
“So much complex planning and attention to detail has gone into this evening; a huge thanks to everyone who has made this happen, including our industry sponsors. Our people here deserve to know that regardless of which part of the Whole Force they work in, when they go the extra mile, it is not taken for granted. And so many people here go the extra mile.”
The Station Commander concluded:
“All the nominations and citations we received for tonight were of such a high standard, in some cases it was almost impossible to choose a clear winner. A life of service requires commitment and sacrifice, so I’m delighted to be able to be able to recognise them for it.”
