Shelly’s Departure from RAF Odiham

It was with great regret that RAF Odiham said a final goodbye to its Station Commander, Group Captain Steve Shell, who has been a pillar of strength throughout his tenure as Commanding Officer. For the military personnel, it reflects on a period of intense operational output with an expectation of continually doing more with less. Shelly was escorted from his office to the main gate where he was met by Ali, to be driven off Station for the last time, with his route lined with RAF Odiham personnel who showed their appreciation and respect in the usual way. Of course, the procession would not have been complete without some form of recognition from the Club and so for a few OMCC riders representing some 400 Members, he was provided with a motorcycle escort to see him safely to the gate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As he exited the HQ, he was greeted by [Sqn Ldr] Simon ‘OB’ O’Brien, the Club’s Chairman and flanked by [Sqn Ldr] John Mews and [Sqn Ldr] Gary Sinclair. As representatives for the Club, Shelly was thanked for the outstanding support he freely gave to OMCC and was presented with a framed print of ‘notable’ content. A few weeks earlier, a Chinook flight was extended to include familiarisation and flying experience for a few select individuals from the Club, after which Shelly was present at the rear of the aircraft for the obligatory photo. A small but significant event that we believe has made to the hall of fame in the new Shelly household! But for members of the RAF Odiham Motorcycle Club (OMCC), Shelly’s departure is a celebration of the magnitude of support he freely gave to the Club in so many ways, it was simply essential that some form of recognition was made by OMCC to its outgoing ‘President’.

However, we are all slightly bemused as to how Shelly managed to accumulate so many domestic credits to afford him to complete so many biking events over the past 2 years. Perhaps his latest instalment of trackside instruction should be devoted to the art of how to achieve total biking fulfilment!!

However, the photos tell a far better story than could be penned in any eulogy; Shelly is seen receiving his photo and then making his way along the lined route, where he stopped to say his own personal farewells. Perhaps the most moving being as he reached the gate and exercised the traditional stiff upper lip in true form….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelly, we are truly grateful for what you have done for the Club and for the time you have freely given for the benefit of others. We wish you and Ali all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing you at the start of next season’s events very soon.

 

S A O’Brien

OMCC Chairman