RAF Shawbury and the Defence Helicopter Flying School have been rewarded for their broad and continuous endeavours in support of the local community through 3 awards from the Mayor of Shrewsbury.

On 11 May 2011, RAF Shawbury was recognised in 3 award categories by Shrewsbury Council, the Mayor and Alderman in the Annual Mayors Awards.

Winning 2 Gold Awards (for Business Impact and Youth Outreach) and a Silver Award for Community Work, the base and its personnel were honoured to have been recognised for its contribution to the local and regional fabric of society in Shropshire. Outreach, engagement, social responsibility and good neighbourliness are key activities for the base, as it delivers over 1000 trainees a year to the tri-Service helicopter and air traffic communities. This kind of influence and engagement enables more people to understand and interact with the military in Shropshire, which is crucial given the high rate of flying activity (c. 120 000 movements last year). More importantly, as a training base, the extensive community, charity and youth work conducted by the trainees and staff prepares military personnel for a lifetime of service and positive interaction in whatever community they find themselves serving at home or overseas. RAF Shawbury is understood to be worth well in excess of £15m per annum to the local economy, through contracts, jobs, personal spending power and good works and is very proud to be involved in this way.

The Awards were collected by Station Commander, Group Captain Bunny James; Officer Commanding the Central Air Traffic Control School, Wing Commander Rob Dargan; Community Development Worker Mrs Gail Moore and the Station Community Support Officer, Warrant Officer Colin Foot.

Group Captain James said: “RAF Shawbury is proud to accept the awards from the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Mrs Kath Owen. The awards are a most welcome thank you to the Station for the extensive efforts of all personnel from across all parts of the unit.”