There’s a lot of myths surrounding the RAF saying who can and cannot be a part of it, but there’s over 50 different career options available to all walks of life. We talk to 28 year old Carla-Marie Trotter who is a personnel administrator with the force about skydiving, meeting the Queen and even filming with Hollyoaks… Interview by Kippa Brand

Why did you join the RAF?

Because I wanted to have a career instead of just a job and I also wanted to do something I was proud of. I also wanted a career where I could travel and there wasn’t the normal 9-5 routine day in day out.

How long have you been with the RAF?

I have been with the RAF for two and a half years. When I joined I was scared that I would be the oldest person in training but it was quite refreshing to see a few people of the same age group and some even older.

What did your parents think about you joining the RAF?

They were very supportive and knew that I would be well looked after. It did help that I come from a military family though.

Why is it a good place to work?

It gives you an opportunity to do things you would never normally experience as a civilian. The RAF also gives you an opportunity to further your education by helping you with funding towards additional qualifications. Oh and the social life is pretty good too!

What training and support does the RAF provide?

The initial training is learning all about the military and gaining military skills and the second phase of training is learning about the trade you have chosen in the RAF. Throughout the training process you always have the support of your instructors and you are always informed of other people you can go and see if you have any problems. The support network throughout the RAF is very good.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Well the first highlight has to be graduating from basic training, which is one of the proudest days of my life so far. The second highlight was filming an advert with Max and OB, formally actors from Hollyoaks. The third is going to New Zealand on adventurous training for three weeks. I got to see some amazing scenery and did skydiving over Lake Wanaka. I can safely say that had I not joined the RAF I would never have got to do these things.

What do you enjoy most about the RAF?

I enjoy the variation in the job. One minute I could be doing my normal day to day tasks and the next I could be sent to do something else, somewhere else. Also as I love to travel the RAF gives you lots of opportunities to do this. The pay is pretty good too!

Have you had the chance to travel much?

As I mentioned already I’ve been to New Zealand, but I’ve also been to Switzerland, France, Bahrain and Iraq and I’ll be going back to Bahrain again in a few months time. All of this has been in the two and a half years I’ve been with the RAF.

What advice would you give someone else thinking about a career in the

RAF?

I would tell them to do some research on what trade they would  like to do. People should also consider the RAF lifestyle and whether this is something that would suit them.

Have you met anyone along the way worth mentioning?

I have met the Queen and have also seen the Prime Minister and a few celebrities.

When does the scale of what you’re doing really hit you?

I think the importance of my job really hit me when I was deployed to Iraq. It’s what you get trained to do and although it did take some getting used to, I felt a massive sense of purpose which is something I didn’t feel in previous employment.

What do your friends think of you being in the RAF?

Although they were a bit apprehensive at first, because they did not think they would see me as much, they think my job is pretty cool. I have always got something to tell them on the weekends when I go home.

Do you think it shapes who you are as a person? Has it changed your attitude towards certain things?

As I joined up at 25 I do believe that my character was already shaped, but I do believe the RAF tied up the ‘loose ends!’ My time keeping has improved and I’m so much more organized than I was. I do think my attitude towards life has changed though. You get to see the bigger picture and this has made me appreciate the important things and not worry so much over the trivial little things.

What about your spare time? What do you like to get up to away from the job?

I enjoy being with my friends and doing lots of socialising at the weekends. During the week I go to the gym after work and then relax in the sauna which is a perfect way to unwind.

The back-flipping singer promises he will grow it back though…

For those who loved Aston’s relaxed look, the following image may distress you…

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Here is is…

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The star posted this on Twitter… “There’s half of it you will see it all off on Friday : p deffo growin it back tho hahaha xxx”

Seriously, we’re not joking. A machine is in-between our ears and the second Florence + the Machine album.

The mechanism in question is a fridge and the You’ve Got The Love singer isn’t too pleased with it. The constant humming, the vibrations and the general coldness of Florence’s food have all hindered the creation of the follow-up to Lungs. Speaking to Absolute Radio DJ Geoff Lloyd it all came out: “We’ve been writing this second album on this tour. But it’s funny -we don’t have a studio and we have less equipment than we had before and the sound of the refrigerator is constant in almost all of our recordings so we’re kind of going backwards!”

“The last album was recorded in a synagogue, this one’s being recorded in various places with lots of humming and clacking sounds in the background.”

Sounds like the new album will be a-hmmmm-mazzzzzing.

The tenth vinyl release from grime label No Hats No Hoods sees Badness team up with Skepta and Lil Nasty for this terrifying underground riddim. Featuring mixes from dubstep legend Coki in collaboration with Cotti, H.E.N.C.H. affiliate Mensah and bassline producer Bassboy drops on vinyl on 12 April with the digital release following on the 26th.

Mensah Remix:

Bassboy Remix:

Coki + Cotti Remix:

MySpace.com/DirtyCanvas

MySpace.com/NoHatsNoHoods

The Grammy award winning band are going to be doing something very special for those who are lucky enough to see them live in Hyde Park on 30 June and V Festival later in the year.

That’s right if you find yourself in front of the Kings Of Leon this year you’ll be treated to new songs. The band’s drummer Nathan Followill explained to XFM that they have a whole bunch of goodness to unleash.

“We are stoked to get back on the road. We’ve had a little break and are starting to get that itch. It will be cool to see if we can sneak in some new sh*t to see if the kids dig it. Late April the next musical adventure begins.”

The Kings Of Leon headline Hyde Park on 30 June and V Festival in August.

Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders has told Radio 1’s Zane Lowe that the US tour will be the band’s last shows of the summer. He also revealed information on the follow-up to Humbug…

They might have rocked Reading and Leeds festivals last year but there won’t be a repeat in 2010. The Sheffield-based band say that the US tour will pretty much end this year’s promotion.

“I think so, yeah,” Matt Helders admitted to Zane Lowe. “I think we’re doing a quick campaign this time around. We’re quite eager to record again.”

And just what will they be recording? The drummer let loose a little info. “It’s going to be different again. Not necessarily in the same direction as the last record.

“There are some left-overs from the last record – stuff that we saved because we thought it’d be good enough for another album but didn’t fit in with the third album – a bit heavier and a bit more upbeat.” Sounds big.

If you want to see the Arctics this year you may need to blag your way into the Teenage Cancer Trust series at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 27 March.

In early 2007 Good Wood designer Kerri O’ Connell began her Brooklyn based company making custom pendants, necklaces, bracelets, pins and earrings from hand sanded, painted and laser cut wood.

The most popular pieces to date have been the Jesus pieces and the Africa pieces which have fans including Jay Electronica, Dame Dash, Mos Def, Bun B, Nneka, Talib Kweli to name a few. Good Wood also customise pendants using exotic woods such as Zebrawood, Bloodwood, Lacewood, Purple Heart and Birch and can even throw on a few Swarovski Crystals if you must ruin the whole earth mother thing.

From pendants featuring Obama, Biggie, Barbie and Spongebob Squarepants to two and three finger rings Good Wood doesn’t discriminate most of their pieces are unisex and with prices starting as low as £18 so you could start up your own collection.

For more check goodwoodnyc.com

Words by Nardene Scott

Another freestyle from Bish Bash Bosh? We sense a mixtape in the offing…

This can’t be good for chaffing?

The JLS boys have revealed that despite being stunned to silence backstage at the Brits by the lovely Lily Allen’s see-through boob revealing outfit choice, the ‘retired’ pop princess inspired them to follow suit.

Speaking to New Magazine, Marvin explained “Lily Allen showed us her boobs. She had a top on but it was see-through and made out of net”. Aston then revealed the band’s plans to copy Lilz fashion choice, “We’re going to get some boxer shorts made from the same material”. Lovely!

In other news, it’s been revealed that Rihanna is planning her next big collaboration, with her heart set on the JLS lads. Rih-Rih admitted to The Sun “working with JLS is something that will happen this year”, and that’s not all… “I am sure Kanye and Beyoncé will collaborate with them on tracks as well”. Jay-Z will over-see the project, with the Rude Boy singer claiming that “Jay will make stars out of them. He has been a great mentor to me. He has been around long enough to spot real talent and he knows who will become worldwide stars.”

Speaking of the award winning British boy-band, the Rated R stunner admitted to being a huge fan, “They can sing, they can dance, they look good, actually they look very good. But more importantly, they look like a group. It doesn’t look like they’ve been put together. It looks like they are meant to be together.”

Wonder if Rih-Rih will be such a big fan when the JLS boys reveal their dodgy Allen inspired underwear…

Words by Reya El-Salahi

The east London-bred rapper talks about Boxfresh, his forthcoming album Method To The Maadness and who might be on there, Government campaigns, the current state of grime and whats next… interview by Jerry Gadiano