RAF Spadeadam

16/10/2026

Five New Deputy Lieutenants Appointed in Cumbria

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new Deputy Lieutenants for Cumbria, recognising their significant contributions to public life, community leadership, and voluntary service across the county.

They will be joining the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel (Retd) Chris Sanderson OBE JP, and 31 Deputy Lieutenants across the county, assisting the Lord-Lieutenant in representing His Majesty the King and supporting civic life in Cumbria. Deputy Lieutenants serve in a voluntary capacity, dedicating their time and expertise to supporting local communities.

The newly appointed Deputy Lieutenants (alphabetical by surname):
• Mrs Moira Fisher (Longtown)
• Mr Neil Jurd OBE (Kendal)
• Wing Commander Matthew Lawrence (Brampton)
• Mrs Lucy McLaren (Cartmel)
• Mrs Julie Wannop (Carlisle)

Deputy Lieutenants support the Lord-Lieutenant in civic, ceremonial, and community duties, including Remembrance events, church services, and official county ceremonies. They attend events, present awards, and promote the achievements of local people, communities, and businesses. Their work strengthens community engagement, fosters civic pride, and represents Cumbria at local events.

Deputy Lieutenants are appointed at the discretion of the Lord-Lieutenant, following approval from the Prime Minister. There is no application process. Appointments are made based on geographic need and candidates’ significant contributions to public life, voluntary work, or community leadership. The Lord-Lieutenant ensures that appointments reflect the diversity and breadth of Cumbria’s communities.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott said:
"I am pleased to welcome these five exceptional individuals as Deputy Lieutenants. Since my appointment by His Majesty The King, I have thought carefully about how the Lieutenancy can best serve Cumbria. Our role is to represent the Crown, uphold its dignity, celebrate achievement, and encourage goodwill and cooperation. With the support of my Deputy Lieutenants, our purpose is not to replace the work of others, but to celebrate, promote, and champion the people and initiatives that make Cumbria thrive. Their dedication allows us to align local aspirations with His Majesty’s priorities and ensures that Cumbria continues to be a place of strength, culture, and opportunity for all."

Congratulations to Wg Cdr Lawrence, from all at RAF Spadeadam!

(Pictured: Top row, Wing Commander Matthew Lawrence (left) and Mrs Lucy McLaren (right); centre, Mr Neil Jurd OBE; bottom row, Mrs Julie Wannop (left) and Mrs Moira Fisher (right))

21/09/2026

Sergeant Ian Haig

The entire RAF Spadeadam community extend our heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.

Although stationed at RAF Boulmer, Ian provided Personnel Support and Service Discipline services to personnel based at RAF Spadeadam, and was an integral part of the team.

On behalf of everyone at Spadeadam, our deepest sympathies go to Ian's wife, mother, family and friends.

Per ardua ad astra

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sergeant Ian Haig.

Ian completed 30 years of service as a Personnel Support Specialist.

The entire RAF Boulmer and Air Command and Control Force community extend our heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.

The Station Commander of RAF Boulmer, Wing Commander Joe Redhead, said:

"Sergeant Ian Haig had a unique talent for brightening every room he walked into. As our Service Discipline SNCO, he brought not only professionalism and expertise to his role, but also warmth and humanity to everyone he worked with.

He was always smiling, quick-witted and utterly dedicated to those around him, whether that was through his work or in the everyday moments that make up service life. Ian had a way of making people feel valued and supported, and that is a rare and precious quality.

My thoughts, and those of everyone at RAF Boulmer, are with his loved ones at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will remain with all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."

Commanding No 3 Human Resources Wing, Wing Commander Penelope McEneaney, said:

“The sudden loss of Sgt Ian Haig has been deeply felt across Air HR and the Airbase Enablement Force. Ian was an exceptional Non-Commissioned Officer whose professionalism, compassion and commitment to others earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew and worked alongside him.

Throughout his career, Ian served at a number of units across the North East, Scotland and beyond, supporting countless personnel and making a lasting contribution to the delivery and development of HR across the Royal Air Force. He approached every challenge with dedication, integrity and an unwavering determination to achieve the right and fair outcome for those he supported.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ian was known for his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. Whether supporting colleagues through difficult circumstances, lending a hand whenever it was needed, or contributing to the communities in which he served, he consistently went above and beyond. He embodied the values we seek to instil in all our Aviators and was a role model to those privileged to serve alongside him.

Ian was also known for his love of football and his commitment to charity and community activities, both on and off station. His warmth, friendship and selfless dedication to others touched the lives of many, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, camaraderie and care for those around him.

On behalf of everyone in Air HR and the Airbase Enablement Force, I extend our deepest condolences to Ian's wife, mother, family and friends at this immensely difficult time. Our thoughts remain with them all.”

Blue skies, Ian.

25/06/2026

VIEWING AREA - WILEY S**E ROAD

Further to our post yesterday, regarding parking on Wiley S**e Road, unfortunately, we have received reports of damage being caused to gateways, resulting in stock escaping.

If visiting the area, PLEASE ENSURE YOU PARK CONSIDERATELY AND DO NOT BLOCK ACCESS FOR EITHER RESIDENTS OR SERVICE VEHICLES.

If you are requested to move on, please do so. There is no Official Viewing Area at RAF Spadeadam.

We thank you for your co-operation.

24/06/2026

VIEWING AREA

RAF Spadeadam does not have an official viewing area around the Station. Whilst the roads surrounding the base are public roads, the land either side is Ministry of Defence land, or neighbouring farms. If you choose to park, you may be asked to move, to allow Service vehicles access.

PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK ACCESS FOR EITHER RESIDENTS OR SERVICE VEHICLES..

We thank you for your co-operation.

15/06/2026

RAF Spadeadam Late Flying Announcement 15-19 and 22-26 June, and 29 June to 3 July 2026

For the attention of all our neighbours in Cumbria and Northumberland, the RAF Spadeadam range will be active outside our routine hours, 15-19 and 22-26 June, and 29 June to 3 July 2026.

The range will be active, and you may hear aircraft as follows (subject to change at short notice):

Mon 15 June – up to 0100 hrs
Tue 16 June – up to 0100 hrs
Wed 17 June – up to 0100 hrs
Thu 18 June – up to 0100 hrs
Fri 19 June – up to 0100 hrs

Mon 22 June – up to 0100 hrs
Tue 23 June – up to 0100 hrs
Wed 24 June – up to 0100 hrs
Thu 25 June – up to 0100 hrs
Fri 26 June – up to 0100 hrs

Mon 29 June – up to 0100 hrs
Tue 30 June – up to 0100 hrs
Wed 1 July – up to 0100 hrs
Thu 2 July – up to 0100 hrs
Fri 3 July – up to 0100 hrs

Please note that aircraft may be active on the range during any of this period, and additionally may continue to transit the range after these times. It is not anticipated that all nights will be used to final time, however specifics will not be released, as plans may change.

This activity is normal routine training, and this notification is made as the activity is outside the standard range training times. We thank you for your understanding and your continuing support whilst we deliver this essential operational training.

12/05/2026

Fire

Earlier today, a fire broke out within the boundary of RAF Spadeadam.

The Fire crew from RAF Spadeadam attended, and requested back up from the local authority, which arrived quickly.

There was no risk to personnel on the base.