Group Captain Jim Beldon MBE is a Trustee of the RAF Blyton Aviation Heritage Group, having worked with Kenneth from the inception of the idea for a new memorial to the men and women who served at RAF Blyton. A lifelong RAF and aviation history enthusiast, Jim was inspired to join the Royal Air Force by the example of his forebears in Bomber Command.
Jim served as a Royal Air Force navigator for 29 years in the Regular RAF and continues to serve today as a reservist Group Captain. His extensive flying career took him across the world on the RAF Waddington-based E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft. He has considerable operational and command experience, including service in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.
His other appointments have included lecturing at the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, completing an MPhil in International Relations at the University of Cambridge and serving as the RAF’s Director of Defence Studies. Jim was also at the heart of the UK military’s response to the 2004 tsunami. This, together with his service in connection with Afghanistan and UN operations in Africa, led to his appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Jim participates in numerous charities connected with the RAF. He is a Trustee of the RAF Club in London, where he also serves as Chairman of the Arts and Heritage Committee, and is Honorary Secretary of the Air and Space Power Association.
Introducing our founder and inspiration behind this whole project….. Ken!
Kenneth’s story is one of service, passion, and unwavering dedication.
The son of a Second World War RAF veteran, Kenneth followed in his father’s footsteps, serving in the Territorial Army during the 1980s. His love for aviation began when he was selected for the very first air ambulance based at RAF Waddington, an experience that shaped his lifelong connection to the skies. During his time with the ambulance service, he also supported aviation incidents and exercises, deepening that bond even further.
For more than 25 years, Kenneth has given back to his community as a voluntary councillor, and on four occasions he has been elected Mayor of his town. Throughout that time, he has proudly raised thousands of pounds for charities close to his heart, including the local hospice, the palliative care ward, St John Ambulance, and now mental health support. His passion for exploring Lincolnshire’s historic airfields eventually led him to Blyton, an airfield that, despite its history, had no true memorial to those who served or those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In June 2025, Kenneth gathered local friends and set out a clear vision:
To honour those who served, protect the airfield and its remaining infrastructure, and preserve the memories of both veterans and the surrounding community. This is only the beginning of the journey, but the support we’ve received locally, nationally, and internationally drives us forward every day.
Introducing another one of our fabulous trustees, Sheila Bibb.
Sheila brings a wealth of experience, energy, and heart to the RAF Blyton Aviation Heritage Group. Her passion for local history, community engagement, and preserving the stories of those who served makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Whether she’s supporting our events, helping shape our future plans, or championing the heritage of RAF Blyton, Sheila’s commitment shines through in everything she does. We’re incredibly proud to have her as one of our trustees and a key part of our growing heritage family.
While not having a particularly military background, both Sheila’s parents served in the Army during WWII as did her uncles, one of whom was in the RAF but stationed in Somerset. Sheila herself was at one point a member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service and her sister was a member of the Territorial Army.
With these connections in mind, it is not surprising to learn that in her professional life as both an Administrator and an Anthropologist, Sheila spent much time researching not only how people coped with life during the war and its long-term impact on them but also the roles of memorials and memorabilia from this time.
This interest and passion served well when the Bomber Command project at Canwick was in its infancy and Sheila was able to travel around the country speaking with surviving aircrew and collecting and recording their stories.
When not busy with the RAF Blyton Aviation Heritage Group, Sheila is involved with various other community projects and Trusts in the Gainsborough and Blyton area. She is a Corringham Parish Councillor, as well as a Gainsborough Town Councillor and is currently the Deputy Mayor of Gainsborough
Jason is a dedicated professional whose life has been shaped by service, creativity, and a deep respect for history. He combines a long career in uniformed service with a lifelong passion for photography, bringing technical skill and a thoughtful eye to every project he undertakes. His calm, steady presence and attention to detail make him equally at home behind a camera, or supporting community health.
Joined the Royal Air Force in the mid 1980s.
Jason began his service working primarily in short range air defence with the RAF Regiment, serving alongside the United States Air Force at Fairford and Upper Heyford in his early years. Over time he progressed into specialist roles and spent his final three years of service as an instructor at the RAF College Cranwell, where he trained and mentored the next generation of officers.
Passion for over 35 years.
Photography has been central to Jason’s life for more than three decades. He has travelled widely and now focuses on capturing weddings and events across the UK. Jason continually explores new ways to present images so that each photograph becomes a lasting moment in time rather than just a picture.
Ambulance Service
Joined East Midlands Ambulance Service in 2007.
Jason became a full-time Paramedic and clinical tutor based at Gainsborough Station and continues to serve the community in that role. His frontline medical experience complements his disciplined approach and calm under pressure, qualities that support both his emergency work and his photography.
Military history, battlefield touring, and heritage media.
Jason shares his love of military history through battlefield tours and research. He contributes to the RAF Blyton Aviation Heritage Group by managing media and photography and serves as an administrator for the group’s Facebook site, helping preserve and promote aviation heritage.
Jason brings professionalism, creativity, and a strong sense of service to everything he does. Whether responding to an emergency, teaching medics, or photographing a couple’s most important day, he aims to capture and preserve moments with care and integrity.
Spotlight on Our Team: Karen’s journey from RAF brat to Armed Forces Champion
We’re incredibly proud to introduce one of the driving forces behind our RAF Blyton heritage project, Karen, whose lifelong connection to the armed forces family began the day she was born. Karen is an RAF brat, the proud daughter of Flight Sergeant James Cottam, who served from 24 June 1969 to 18 March 1994 with EXEMPLARY conduct throughout his whole time service. His legacy of dedication runs deep in Karen’s family, with her grandad and two great uncles also serving their country.
Karen’s early childhood was spent on the move first at RAF Coddington, then overseas at Rheindahlen and RAF Bruggen in Germany. Her fondest memories come from RAF Brize Norton, especially the day her father was selected to fly as a passenger on Concorde before its decommissioning. Life changed in the late 70s when Karen returned to Doncaster with her mum and brothers, while her father continued his military career, serving in the Falklands War, then Goose Bay, and finally Catterick Garrison.
A life of service beyond the forces
Karen has spent much of her life supporting her community in roles that truly make a difference Citizens Advice, Women’s Refuge, and as a Participation & Engagement Worker supporting vulnerable families.
One pivotal moment came when she invited a local university to speak to a women’s group she was supporting. Inspired, and despite joking about being “older than the students,” Karen took a leap of faith and enrolled.
In September 2024, she proudly graduated from the University of Lincoln with a BA in Social Sciences (Criminology & Politics). Her message is simple and powerful:
You are never too old to re‑educate, re empower, and continue being a positive role model.
Community Leadership and Armed Forces Advocacy
In May 2023, Karen stood for election as a District Councillor and won. She has since thrown herself into supporting residents, local groups, and charities.
She served as a trustee with Age UK Horncastle, and when that charity sadly closed in 2025, she stepped into a new role as Armed Forces Champion, where she continues to support veterans and their families with passion and purpose.
Joining the RAF Blyton Project
Karen joined the RAF Blyton team in August 2025, after a conversation (and cake!) with our founder, Ken Woolley. Their shared commitment to the village and shared love of cake sparked a partnership that quickly grew.