Dedication, excellence, hard work and innovation took centre stage at RAF Leeming’s awards evening, The Excaliburs, as winners celebrated their achievements alongside colleagues and friends.
The room buzzed with excitement as winners were announced across 15 categories recognising exceptional efforts in areas such as mentoring, fundraising, innovation and sport. Recipients were presented with a unique award, crafted by RAF Leeming’s own workshop personnel to reflect our Excalibur sword and motto ‘Straight and True’.
Reflecting the station’s Whole Force spirit, more than 140 nominations were submitted by personnel keen to recognise colleagues and friends for going the extra mile and contributing to the RAF Leeming community.
Group Captain John ‘Geordie’ Lawson, RAF Leeming Station Commander, said: “It’s hugely important to give our people recognition for what they do on a daily basis in support of the nation – their dedication to service, their commitment, the teamwork, the sacrifices that they make, the time they spend away from their families and loved ones.”
Nominees were narrowed down to three finalists in each category – any of whom could be a worthy winner – with the winners decided by our sponsors and industry partners. Sgt Ali, of Catering Flight said: “The more awards that people are receiving, the louder it’s getting. It’s a really good atmosphere and a really good night.”
Flight Sergeant Tom, presented with the Award for Health and Wellbeing added: “It wouldn’t happen without everyone coming together in a team effort to make tonight possible.”
EXCALIBURS WINNERS 2026.
WIFINITY AWARD FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY – AS1 Jun Wan
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – Cpl Jack Richardson
MENTOR OF THE YEAR – FS Nicole Francis
FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR – Chief Tech Paul Lynch
AWARD FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING – FS Tom Salt
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GLASS SELLERS AWARD – Fg Off Melvin Thomas
COMMUNITY CULTURE AWARD – The Contact and Welfare House Team
SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR – Cpl Gina Whitchurch
SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR – The Leeming Clay Shooting Club
RESERVIST OF THE YEAR – Cpl Lindsey Welsh
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – AS1 George Durso-Colville
TEAM OF THE YEAR – Catering Flight
CIVIL SERVANT OF THE YEAR – Mr Tevor Hood
AVIATOR OF THE YEAR – A/Cpl Hannah Dinsley
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – WO Keith Powney
THE SPIRIT OF LEEMING AWARD – 34 Sqn RAF Regiment, OP LEADPROOF.
