Volunteers

PAFFA would not exist to date without the continued volunteer support we have received.

Patron

Sara Thornton

PAFFA is an initiative that is typical of the family that is Thames Valley Police. We know how important it is to support each other when times are tough and it is very tough if your loved ones are serving in war zones. I am really pleased to support PAFFA and wish it every success. 

 

 

The Team

Bob Hooke
Joint Founder
Ex-Police Officer
BSC(Bronze Swimming Certificate)

Bob joined Thames Valley on 31st July 1978, having previously trained and worked in Social Work. After training he spent three and a half years at Reading on patrol duties. During this time he got married to Margaret who at that time was WPC 43 at Woodley. In 1982 Bob joined the Dog section and was then posted to Bicester, together with Police Dog 'Max', Margaret and new addition Laura, followed by Keith two years later. Bob and Max later represented the force at Regional Police Dog trials, qualifying for the National Police Dog trials. Bob and Max also became members of the Dog Display team, the highlight of which was performing at Smiths Lawn, Windsor in the presence of HM The Queen. Police Dog Max retired after seven years service and was followed by Police Dog 'Delta' (Delboy to his friends) who when experienced worked with Bob as a tactical dog team with firearms support.

Bob left the Dog Section in 1996, returning to patrol duties in Bicester for four years, during which time he received a commendation for disarming a man armed with a scythe who was making threats to kill. He then became a Crime Reduction Officer for North Oxfordshire area for two years. Bob then joined the West Oxfordshire Area firstly as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (part of team gaining Shreivielty Award) and finally working with the Crime Investigation and Prisoner Intervention Team at Witney.

During the past year, Bob and Margaret have worked in their own time to create the Force Memorial Garden at Headquarters. Also with their daughter in the RAF and son in the Army, they have also formed PAFFA, The Police Armed Forces Families Association, a support network for Officers and Staff of Thames Valley Police who have family serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

PAFFA is fast becoming Bobs full time occupation.

 

Margaret Hooke
Joint Founder
Ex-Police Officer
BSC(Bronze Swimming Certificate)
HCG(Home Cooking Genius)

I was born into a military family. My father was in the RAF and as a result we moved around all over the world. We had postings in Singapore, Northern Ireland and Malta. I loved seeing new places and meeting new people. Growing up in that environment I got used to Dad going away at short notice and of him being involved in ‘situations’. It wasn’t until the First Gulf War that I really understood what it was like to have a loved one away in a war zone. Dad was away prior to the war and returned once the war had ended. I remember feeling very worried and couldn’t be far away from a radio or television so that I could keep up to date with the news.

Then both of our kids decided to join the Armed Forces. We are so proud, but the worry when they were away in Iraq and Afghanistan was unbelievable.
In stark contrast to the first Gulf war with my Dad where I needed to watch the news, I couldn’t watch any reference to Iraq or Afghanistan and even now have to be selective over what I watch.

What I have learnt over the years is that each individual deals with having a friend or loved one away in the Armed Forces differently. It makes a difference if it’s a father, a husband a son, a daughter, a partner. It also makes a difference if you are a Mum, Dad, Granddad, Brother. What is the same is the worry and concern and the fact that you miss them. Trying to live a normal life is hard.

By starting up PAFFA we hope to build a network of friends who like us understand what it is like to be in this situation. We can listen and share because we have been through similar and likely to face it again. We can support each other and by doing so educate others on what life can be like for serving personnel and their families.

We went to London last weekend for the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph Parade. As I sat in the Albert Hall listening to the stories, hearing the music and contributing to the gentle sound of sniffing and nose wiping, I realised one thing. Throughout the ages humanity has relied on its Armed Forces (whether it was spears or guns doesn’t matter) and throughout the ages the families have said goodbye and then tried to maintain a normal life for those left behind. The weapons may have changed and the methods of communication and TV coverage have changed. But the fear and worry hasn’t.

Bravery comes in many forms – when we think of our heroes serving our country lets not forget the Hearts behind them, beating in time as one.

 

Claire Hooke
Volunteer
Dental Nurse

Claire was one of PAFFA’s first volunteers, and didn’t really have much choice,at that time being engaged to Keith!
Claire is perhaps the “Paffa pin up” as her photo will show.

Claire lived through and shared the experience of Keith being deployed to Iraq in May-Dec 2007 and so knows first hand the feelings and worries this brings, from departure to return.

Claire is a Dental Nurse, recently qualified, and her Father, Phil, has just retired from the Metropolitan Police.

Claire and Keith got married in 2009 and Claire has just passed her driving test!

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