Sgt Claire Bingley-Thomas joined the RAF in 2006 and is currently stationed at RAF Brize Norton. She met her husband Jay, a Royal Marine, in 2013 and went on to have two children, six-year-old William and Elara, who is two.
Claire has a diverse and busy role, working with 10 Squadron as the duty manager, looking after over 100 cabin crew who fly out of RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s largest and busiest station.
Jay is away during the week, returning home at the weekends, but he is often deployed for long periods. With Jay away most of the time, much of the routine associated with family life falls to Claire.
“When it comes to the routine at home, the majority of it does fall to me. It’s down to me to get the kids up, get them ready and take them to school or nursery, then get myself to work,” said Claire.
Claire’s daughter Elara attends RAFAKidz Brize Norton and is loving every moment.
“What I really love about the nursery is the outside space. They’ve utilised it really well and each room has its own area,” said Claire.
“That’s going to help children with their educational needs help them with fine and gross motor skills. And they’re constantly being encouraged to explore.”
As well as providing a wonderful environment for her daughter, Claire feels that the staff offer her much-needed support.
“The staff understand the stresses and strains of military life. They just get it. You might be a bit tearful one day because you’ve had a bad night with the kids, and you know you’ve got their support,” said Claire.
“You know you can go in, have a conversation and they can absolutely relate to how you’re feeling, how your child is feeling and what your child is going through. And that makes a massive difference.
“Whilst sometimes you feel like you’re on your own, actually, you’re not.”
Claire with husband Jay and their two children children, six-year-old William and Elara two.
Claire with her two children children, six-year-old William and Elara two.
