A different tune: RAF Clarinettist supports vaccine centre
Cpl Sally, a keen musician since the age of 7, had no idea that 16 years into her military career she would be supporting one of the first COVID-19 vaccine centres in the country. Read her story here:
Corporal Sally Woodcock is part of a 6 person team of military personnel working at the Powys vaccine hubs in Wales. Her team support all sorts of tasks in the hub: computer administration, guiding traffic, directing people waiting for their vaccines — and many other methods of support.
As a key worker, Sally also had the privilege of receiving one of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccinations at the centre to keep her safe on the frontline. The vaccine was so seamless, she said, most people she’s seen didn’t even notice it had happened.
This deployment is a far cry from her career before COVID-19: inspired by a music teacher who was in the Territorial Army, Sally looked into a music career in the military and knew it was the right choice for her.
She joined the Royal Air Force in 2005 instead of studying Music at university, looking for new and exciting opportunities to perform. This she has definitely had, with the Queen’s Jubilee at the Royal Albert Hall, Vera Lynn 100 at the Palladium, and the Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney, Australia, under her belt.
With the introduction of the vaccine, Sally is now deployed on the frontline and ready to support her country however she can. She is part of the force supporting the Welsh Health Board on a Military Aid to Civil Authorities request. Her team includes 5 musicians and 1 officer.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the band have had few opportunities to rehearse. But her team of 6, who are in a bubble, enjoy working together and having meals together after such a turbulent year.
