CONIFERS SCHOOL PUPILS LEARN ABOUT LIFE IN THE ROYAL NAVY AND FLYING HELICOPTERS IN WAR ZONES

Continuing the programme of mini career talks by former pupils, Conifers Headmistress, Mrs Jennie Peel, was delighted to welcome back another of her old boys, Lieutenant Richard Waugh, who visited the school today to talk to the pupils about his career in the Royal Navy.

Age 27, Richard is a highly skilled helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy - the 845 Naval Air Squadron based at the R.N.A.S. (Royal Navy Air Squadron) in Yeovilton, Somerset – and his job is to fly soldiers in and out of and around areas of conflict. He has already completed three tours of duty in Iraq and this June is heading out to Afghanistan for the first time.

Richard attended Conifers for five years in the mid 1980s. Upon leaving school, he went to Bristol University where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He then joined the Navy, trained as an officer and moved on to pilot training. Firstly he learnt to fly “fixed wing” aircraft and then moved on to helicopters. He got his ‘flying wings’ in 2005 and is now part of a key Commando Squadron.

From a local Petworth family, he has three sisters all of whom went to Conifers and is best friends with his old Conifers buddy, Captain Stephen Wolseley – who visited the school in January.

Commented Mrs Jennie Peel, “This has been another exciting visit by one of our former pupils and it was particularly interesting for the children to learn that they can learn to fly in the Royal Navy, as well as the Royal Air Force.”

“Richard’s visit concluded a very busy week here at Conifers as every child in the main school (Form 1 – 6), has also been involved in an exciting production of “Circus Circus” - singing, dancing or playing an instrument. It has been a real celebration of music and movement and some pupils have even learnt how to dance with ‘poi’. These are coloured balls on a string and are used in New Zealand for traditional dancing displays. Delightful costumes and scenery were designed and constructed in the Art Room by Cherry Foster, Head of Art, and her gifted pupils. The music was ably adapted and performances directed by Chris Thomas, Director of Music. Choreography and production was inspired by Will Keith from the Haslemere Thespians and the school resounded to the beat of the drum! Roll up, roll up and the Circus came to town.”