Mike Penning tries out Natural Luge

Mike Penning MP visits the RAF Halton to meet the new Commander and the Natural Luge team.

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning visited RAF Halton to meet the new Station Commander, Group Captain Chris Elliot. Dacorum Borough Council last year granted Freedom of the Borough to RAF Halton to foster stronger links between the Borough and our nearest military base.

Chris Elliot is the first ever female Station Commander at RAF Halton.

Mike said:
“I was delighted to meet the new Commander, Chris Elliot. The new links between Dacorum and our nearest military base are very important to me. As an ex-serviceman I am extremely aware of the great and vital work carried out by our armed services on our behalf.”

Whilst at Halton Mike met with the RAF Natural Luge Team who are in training prior to their forthcoming event in northern Italy.

There are two disciplines for the luge: natural – on road and Olympic on ice.

Corporal Ian Greer, an engineer from 230 Squadron at RAF Benson, said:
“It is an absolutely exhilarating feeling on the luge. I have been parachuting before, but the fear element when you are travelling down the hill at 60mph just doesn’t compare”.

Mike Penning said:
“I’m not sure hurtling down a hill at up to 60mph just inches off the surface of the road is everyone’s idea of fun, but I certainly wish them luck in Italy.”