26/06/2018 - Permalink

Greenacres Farm attendees go for a tour of RAF’s Defence Helicopter Flying School

Related topics: Adult social care / Partner organisations

On Thursday 14 June 2018 Greenacres Farm attendees were invited by the RAF for a tour of the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury. Throughout the day, the staff could meet the engineers, listen to a talk about the RAF and even visit June Helicopter Hanger.

Greenacres Farm at RAF

Greenacres Farm at RAF

Greenacres Farm is a 16-acre smallholding farm run by Shropshire Council’s adult social care team. It supports 30 adults to engage in meaningful outcome-focused activity supporting and promoting independence and social inclusion. Individuals attending the farm are involved in a variety of rural-based activities, from managing poultry and livestock to growing perennial garden, bedding and basket plants, as well as soft fruit, vegetables and Christmas trees. All produce is then either sold fresh, or turned into jams, pickles and chutneys and is sold at the farm shop and various outlets.

People who attended the event raved about “staff at RAF being very kind and nice”. They thanked them for also being able to watch training flights and see the new training area.

Throughout the day people could see a variety of everyday tasks for the RAF. Personal favourites for some were being driven over the runway, where they could experience where planes such as Red Arrows and a Typhoon are stored.

Greenacres Farm attendees at the Defence Helicopter Flying School got to sit inside an actual sized simulated Chinook helicopter which was described as “brilliant”.

Greenacres Farm at RAF

Greenacres Farm at RAF

Phil Beech said, “I want to go back again.”  The day seemed to be enjoyable for all, and a day well spent.

All at Greenacres would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to all staff and personnel at RAF Shawbury, especially Lt Col Jon Dufton, Commanding Officer of 9 Regt AAC. for making this fantastic experience possible.