Our Coast, Our Sea - OPERATION BOULMER BEACH CLEAN

21 April 2011

Basic Trade Training students from the School of Aerospace Battle Management at RAF Boulmer spent 5 hours on Operation BOULMER BEACH CLEAN, their course community project.

Clearing approximately 3 miles of beach, the team collected a staggering 40 large bin bags of rubbish, a large number of broken lobster pots and other items such as scrap metal and pieces of plastic. They also found a tyre, a tent, car parts, rope and perhaps the most unusual of all – a toilet seat!

The students wanted to ensure that the beach was restored to its best so that it can be enjoyed by everyone this summer, making sure that this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was kept up to the best possible standard.

AC Andy Gray said “A beach clean up may not be glamorous, but with an enthusiastic team and ‘can do’ attitude, it was a rewarding day for us and hopefully we have made a difference to the local community”.

The team found that many of the locals also collect litter on a regular basis, but do not have the capacity to collect on such a large scale so were appreciative of the work put in by the students.

AC Timothy Freedlander said “A day at the beach sounded like fun, but we were all fully aware of the work we had ahead of us. Our team worked hard together and we surprised ourselves with the amount we collected. It was also a great chance to meet some of the local people living in the village”.

The students joined the RAF seven months ago and their Basic Trade Training course at RAF Boulmer lasts 15 weeks. The students will graduate in July and begin their first tour as Aerospace Systems Operators.