Top Photographic Award Tinged with Sadness A Prestiged Royal Air Force Photographic Award is tinged with great sadness as one of Lyneham's Photographers wins the CALUMET TROPHY for 2005 The Calumet Trophy is the award presented to the photographer who is deemed to have taken the best overall photograph of the year in the RAF Photographers’ Photographic Competition. The award, however, is tinged with sadness, the winner, a Mr Phillip Goddard pictured left, sadly passed away on the 1st January 2005 after a long and sustained period of illness. The title of Mr Goddard’s winning photograph is ‘Falcon Blaze’.

The Station Commander, Group Captain P N Oborn, had this to say about the award: “I am delighted that Phil's work has been recognised by the award of the Calumet Trophy. Whilst we are all very sad that he will not be able to receive the award in person; it is a fitting tribute to his professionalism and enthusiasm. All of Phil's friends and colleagues here at RAF Lyneham feel proud to have known him and are very pleased that his work has won due recognition.”

The Multi-Activity Contract Manager, Mr Steve Brooking, paid this tribute to Mr Phil Goddard: “Phil Goddard – after a career in the RAF he worked locally as a photographer running his own business until joining Babcock in 1999. Unfortunately he passed away on the 1st January 2005 after a long and sustained period of illness. Notwithstanding this illness Phil continued to work as and when his condition and the chemo therapy allowed, he was determined not to let it ruin his quality of life and prevent him from doing what he loved – taking pictures.

The winning photograph was taken during the latter part of 2004 and was immediately identified by his other colleagues in the section as a potential prize winner and it was they who submitted it on Phil’s behalf. The success of Phil’s work in this prestigious competition will undoubtedly be a fitting testament to his love of photography and also bring much joy to his son, Nick and family who were so devoted to him.”

Phil Goddard spent 12 years in the Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Weapons Technician, serving in the Middle East and Germany as well as the UK. On his retirement from the service he went to work in the family photography business until becoming part of the Lyneham Photography Section in 1999. For many years Philip selflessly gave up his spare time to help his local Air Training Corps squadron as a civilian instructor. Rugby was his first love and he was a member of both the Swindon and Bath Rugby clubs. He would travel hundreds, even thousands of miles to support the England team.

Keeping fit was very important to Philip, he was always to be found playing squash or taking part in an aerobics session during his lunch break. The enormous number of people who attended his funeral at Christchurch, Swindon and at the crematorium emphasises just how popular and well-liked he was.

Andy Humm, webdesigner to Lyneham Wiltshire and Beyond, had the privilege of being a good work friend to Phil, often discussing the latest and his widely experienced photographic techniques. "He was an inspiration, a true gentleman and always was smiling with whatever task he did".

	Royal Air Force Lyneham www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham Home to the mighty Hercules, affectionately named "Fat Albert" Wiltshire's airbase, working around the clock, come rain or shine 'First in and Last out'