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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER (Welfare Office) 3RD (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION HEADQUARTERS & SIGNAL REGIMENT - NOV 2012
WEEKLY COFFEE
This is a great opportunity to catch up with old & new friends in a friendly environment. Come along for a Coffee and a Chat
Item Meet the Team
Contents
Page 2 2 3-7 8-9 10-12 13-14 15
Coffee Morning Every Thursday in the Welfare Office from 1000-1200hrs On the last Thursday of each month the MHS Liaison Officer will conduct a housing workshop at the Welfare Office. So come along and discus any repair issues you may have. The MHS CAP is also available on the following days MonHeath House Larkhill TueThe Hive, Tidworth Leisure Centre WedThe Hive, Bulford Beeches Thur177-189 Pepper Place, Warminster FriHeath House, Larkhill This is for SFA Customers to personally discuss any SFA matters. The CAP will be open from 1000 to 1400 . Whats on in Wiltshire www.visitwiltshire.co.uk see page 6 For information on all Activities contact the Hive on 01980672420 Or visit our Facebook site. 3 Div HQ and Sig Regt
Forthcoming Events
12 Dec-Sp Sqn Xmas Function TBC Jan 13 -202 Sig Sqn New Year Function 5 Dec-206 Sig Sqn Xmas Function
Shopping Trips
Last one before Christmas 12 Dec Salisbury
bulford@hivegb.co.
The Welfare Office holds two tickets for Cholderton Farm come along and sign them out. Each ticket gives free entrance for 2 adults and 2 children.
See page 9
For information and to register telephone 01980 672981, email bulford-clc@hotmail.co.uk or call in at our office on Kandy Road, Bulford.
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The Team
Foreword by Lieutenant Colonel P R Griffiths R SIGNALS Commanding Officer 3 (UK) Division Headquarters and Signal regiment
The Regiment has had an exceptionally busy and successful twelve months. In addition to our usual business, and with many of our soldiers training to deploy on operations, we have also supported the security at the Olympic Games and been prepared to cover the fuel tanker crisis. In every aspect, performance has been superb this year, and I could not have wished for better support from the Regimental family. Undoubtedly, the next twelve months will be just as challenging as the last, and equally rewarding. 2013 will see around half of the Regiment deploying to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 18, and those remaining in Bulford will be fielding new equipment, and supporting the Divisional Headquarters at this crucial time. Both tasks are demanding, and both are vitally important to the Regiments continuing success. Even though we are busy, I am adamant that the work/life balance must remain in kilter where possible. I have personally scrubbed the Regimental Diary to ensure that non-essential activities are removed and time spent away from our loved ones is minimised. Sport and adventure training will be pre-eminent so that our mental and physical fitness are at a peak. Leave has also been planned, so that we are able to arrange and look forward to our holidays during the upcoming year. Although the festive season brings its own hectic preparations, the Christmas break gives us all the chance to take a well-earned rest with our loved ones. It is imperative that we enjoy time with our families and our friends, whose love and support are invaluable, before we hurtle into the challenges of next year. Thank you all. Have a safe and peaceful holiday and a cracking New Year! Happy Christmas. .
Capt Mac McDonald Unit Welfare Officer 3 (UK) Div HQ and Sig Regt
202 Signal Squadron beat up training for the exercise consisted of anti-ambush drills and Captured Personnel (CPERS) with Sgt Derek Mitchell (see above left), Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED) from Cpl Mavis Watson and patrolling from Cpl Philip Latusek. The day was a success and put the Squadron in good stead for Ex BUFFALO VALIDATE 2 which was to be used as a test phase for that which was previously taught. As you can see we booked the weather for it!!!!!! Life in Bulford was proving lovely with what appeared to be a late Indian summer. Exercise BUFFALO VALIDATE 2, (15 Oct 2012) The Sqn deployed to Lulworth Training Area and was introduced to their new home for the next 4 days, Forward Operating Base (FOB) George. Straight away the guys and girls were split down into 3 multiples, 1, 2 and 3 being a notional Multiple (pretend). This notional multiple confused a few people but after a few hours they got into the swing of things. Various serials consisting of; simulated Indirect Fire (IDF) attacks from mortars, rockets and grenades on the FOB, suicide bombers, aggravated crowds, IED finds, patrols getting ambushed, casualties and a big final attack was thrown at the 2, sorry 3, multiples and each situation was handled with good command and professionalism, proving Ex BUFFALO VALIDATE 1 was a very worth while cause.
A special mention must go out to our home grown insurgents Ali-Al-Airborney and Kev-Al-Britaini (Pictured above right). Future Exercise PASHTUN PANTHER is well underway now and soon it will be the turn of the almighty Lashkar Gar Troop to deploy to STANTA Training Area and take the reins. They will cover the whole of November before handing over to Bastion Troop. Other News Christmas is just round the corner and will come as a much needed break to all then its back and onto the next exercise for pretty much all the Squadron through to March whilst FOB Troop will take control of the Squadrons fleet of Bowman Detachments and prepare these for the looming RSIT inspection in the first few weeks of next year. If I dont see you prior to Christmas leave I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Support Squadron
Officer Commanding (OC) Major Al McKenna MBE AAC Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) WO2 LAW
OC Forward
As this is my first news letter since my arrival in September I would like to take the opportunity to say a few words of introduction. I joined the army in 1983 and this is my 12th posting (7 in the UK & 5 in Germany). I have been married to Jeanette for nearly 26 years, we have 2 daughters Kelly 24 & Meg 19 and Jeanette has accompanied me throughout, so I hope that I understand all the highs, lows and frustrations that army life throws our/your way. We are a big and diverse Sqn with lots of different responsibilities and I have asked a different department to produce an article for this publication each month so hopefully you can get to see what the different bits do. Finally I would like to say that I am delighted to have been given this job, it is a great honour to serve in such a distinguished regiment and I hope over the coming months that myself and Jeanette get to meet as many of you as possible and as I am staying behind when the Regiment deploys I am sure that you will see me around (you cant miss me I have a rather distinctive sky blue beret). If I dont see you prior to Christmas leave I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 3 DSR Light Aid Detachment OC Captain Reynolds ASM WO1 Calderwood Scribe LCpl Besperat July The REME Corps Day was held in Arborfield this year and the LAD entered a football team which although did not progress too far added value to the competition and supported the initiative. Congratulations to LCpl Mansell who came off the Cpl board. We lost two members of the LAD LCpl Silvera and Cfn Whale who were both posted to Bordon to start their upgraders course. With the World Cup being shown on the TV, SSgt French set up a projector and big screen so the boys didnt miss any England games. Sgt Darville organised a very successful Families Day held in Tidworth at the British Legion with a curry dinner and 25 foot high slide and bouncy castle. August Cfn Agyepong organised a Brewery trip to Wandsworth Brewery in Devizes which all attendees enjoyed. After a couple weeks notice to move a lucky few got chosen to be apart of Op OLYMPICS where they were part of the G4 security team cover. In late August Captain Reynolds replaced Captain Hayes as the new OC LAD. Also SSgt Smillie was posted to 4 Med Regt in Aldershot. September 6 members of the LAD were detached to 258 Sqn in Bramcote to Souter Force Protection and Transport Company (SFP & TC) to begin pre-deployment training to Afghanistan next year. SSgt McGettigan and Cpl Griffiths were involved in Ex FUZZY BEAR in Swynerton, another pre-deployment training exercise ready for them also deploying to Afghanistan next year. Cpl Tancock was part of the Army Rally Team which finished 3rd in its class in the FIA World Rally Championship held in Wales; congratulations well deserved there. We also lost Sgt Rendall to Bordon where he has started Artificer training.
SP Sqn continued... October A busy month promotion wise for the LAD: Cpl Moreton promoted to the Sgts Mess and Cfn Gilbert and Cfn Whale both came off the board promoted to LCpl board; congratulations to all three. The LAD provided three guys to Kenya to support various exercises and also Sgt Kibe who moved across to the QM Tech department and replaced by Sgt Wells. Cpl Penhaligan, Cpl Morris LCpl Marshall represented 3 DSR LAD in a REME shooting competition and did extremely well, all finishing in the top half.
In the build up to Ex RED RESOLVE the LAD worked extremely hard to make sure all the vehicles were fixed and serviceable for it. Various events happened over the course of the month to make Ex RED RESOLVE a success from the setting up and serviceability checks of all the tentage and DRASH, through to the careful pack up and recovery phase. At the beginning of the exercise the LAD took part in convoy drills over urban areas from Bulford to Salisbury and refresher training in cross country driving over the Tidworth training area with a navigation exercise which saw Sgt Darville and Sgt Moreton, despite their collective experience, getting well and truly bogged in. The next three days the LAD and the rest of Spt Sqn deployed to Carter Barracks where CSgt Mahoney took control and refreshed our memories in basic infantry training ready to basher out over the area for two nights. The first day was spent revising the 6 section battle drills and different methods of patrolling, plus Bergen packing skills were checked and adjusted as necessary. We patrolled out in our sections to a suitable location where we did a snap ambush then set up our harbour area. This took us to the night where non tactical activity was centred round a warming fire - it took the SSM nearly 3 hours to start the fire until Suderland lad Sig Robson stepped forward and in 3 seconds had it alight. The following day everyone was split into groups and carried out a 14km navigation exercise. During the night again everyone was split into groups and we carried out night navigation, fortunately nobody got lost and on return Colours kindly had hot brews and hot pork baguettes arranged for everyone. The following day the boys were up at 0530hrs ready for a foot patrol to the ranges where we conducted various shoots and an interest period of IED training. This day included a visit by the GOC 3 (UK) Div who was able to witness some of his troops from Spt Sqn 3 DSR in action.
SP Sqn continued... The last day of the month we celebrated REMEs 70th anniversary with a families day organised by SSgt McGettigan and his committee. In the morning Cpl Duxbury put on a few engineering dilemmas in which the boys had to build a bridge out of a few bits of card and wooden sticks, the winning design being identified through progressive destructive testing. The next task was each group had to build a go kart out from scratch and race, which saw a few wheels fall off and knuckles scraped. Finally the last task was to see how far and how accurately the teams could launch a raw egg, whilst protecting its structural integrity using only a piece of string and cloth. After the curry lunch the OC and ASM presented everyone in the LAD with a very nice, engraved slate paper weight each to commemorate the Corps 70th anniversary. These gifts had been designed and sourced by Mr Lumsden who is the LADs senior civilian storeman. Next was a quiz done by Sig Noack which had some challenging questions and got everyone thinking hard. Overall this was an excellent day.
LCpl Marshall organised a paintballing event as a leaving do for both Cpl Penhaligan and Cpl Langton, after which the boys rehydrated in Winchester.
Finally we wish you all a very Merry Xmas and a happy New Year from all at LAD.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events
Festive Family Fun Trail at The Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury. SP1 3SD Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec 2012. 11am - 3pm
We need your help to solve our festive mystery! Bring along the whole family to crack the clues and earn your prize.
How to Book
Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day.
Prices
English Heritage Members Adult Child 5 - 15 yrs Concession Free 3.80 2.30 3.40
Weekly shopping trips available, complete with free transport for all Families. Simply call the Welfare Team on 01980672407 and secure your seat(s). First Come! First Served!
Date
Time
Location
Remarks
Wed 12 Dec 12 0920hrs return 1145hrs Wed 9 Jan 13 0920hrs return 1415hrs 0920hrs return 1415hrs
Salisbury - Tesco
Designed to fit around Crche Designed around School Designed to fit around Crche Designed around School Designed to fit around Crche
Basingstoke
14 Seats
Wed 16 Jan 13
Swindon Outlet
14 Seats
Wed 23 Jan 13 0920hrs return 1145hrs Wed 30 Jan 13 0920hrs return 1145hrs
Salisbury - Tesco
14 Seats
Andover -
14 Seats
Depending on numbers the above locations can be changed to suit the individual.
Carol Morris
Tel: 07527 492783 Email: salisburyplain@agb.org.uk
Thank you for supporting The Trussell Trust. If you'd like to give offline, please make cheques payable to 'The Trussell Trust' and send them to: The Trussell Trust, Unit 9, Ashfield Trading Estate, Ashfield Road, Salisbury SP2 7HL
Thank you!
To plan your journey please follow the link below, it gives you a step by step guide and it is easy to use. So if you cant drive and want to get from A - B using public transport then use this site.
http://www.transportdirect.info/web2/JourneyPlanning/home.aspx?repeatingloop=Y
What now? Are you a young Mum or Dad to be, or looking for extra support? Come and join one of our small and relaxed groups providing information on birth, baby care and becoming a parent.
Sessions are free and lunch is provided at the first session! Future Groups All sessions run from 10.00 12.30
For more information, or to be referred onto one of these courses, please speak to your Community Midwife or phone 01722 425177 (Salisbury Hospital maternity reception)
in partnership with Salisbury Children Centres and
AFF is a registered charity that acts as a unique two-way communications link between the British Army and its families. Find out more about AFF and its worldwide service to Army families on this website, including: where and how to find us; how we represent your views and raise your concerns; how to access our training and employment advice; and the latest news, including the AFF Families' Journal, YOUR magazine 2012 army families federation / Registered charity No. 291202 AFF, IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 7, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
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Or why not try out this Nikon 26x Optical zoom Camera with memory card so you can easily transfer all your happy snaps to your computer and pass on to your friends and family for a donation of just 5.00 per day. Record your happy snaps this Xmas. We have two new Bouncy Castles, a 12 x 12 and an 18 x 24 ideal for a birthday party in your Garden. Please contact the welfare office for more information. Disclaimer requires to be signed, prior to using all items.
As with all Bouncy CastlesThere is a requirement to ensure you have personal liability insurance to cover any injuries. You will not be able to use it if you don't so please check with your insurance company first and bring confirmation with you
For more information on the above items please pop into the Welfare office or give us a ring to book your item. All monies made on the use of our items will go to their upkeep and will give us the opportunity to purchase more items for the good and benefit of the Regt. DEPENDANT ID CARDS
1. Pop into the Welfare Office with your partner or failing that your passport and a recent utility bill. This will be used to confirm identity and relationship to a serving soldier. 2. Unit Welfare Team will then complete the initial paperwork and issue you with the relevant certificate to take to Tidworth. 3. Visit the pass office in Tidworth and have your pass issued. The whole process on arrival takes around 5 minutes. Address is as follows: The Garrison Vetting Office The Stables, Jagdalik Road, Tidworth SP9 7AP Tel No: 01980 603001 Opening Hours: MonFri 09.30 1200hrs & Tue & Thur 13.30-15.30hrs 12
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What you think we could do better What you would like to see in the Newsletter Concerns or issues you have Activities or Trips you would like to be see happening If we don't knowwe cant help! So please call when you have a problem.
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