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The Autumn issue of Army&You, the official magazine of the Army Families Federation.
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You&{for everyone with a soldier in their life}
ArmyWWW.ARMYANDYOU.CO.UKAUTUMN2014
HOMESFA CHANGES INCOMING
FAMILYALL ABOUT MATERNITY
FEATURETHE SECRET LIFE OF ‘ARMY BRATS’
GERMANYWE QUIZ BFG’S TOP MAN
DIARY DATELATEST NEWS ON AFF’S BIG DEBATE
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION
BEYOND THE WIREHow you can become central to your community
aff
Meet AFF’s team of caring Co-ordinators
HERE TO HELP
WelComE (Welfare Communications Everywhere) - providing communication services to link entitled UK Service personnel on operational duty with their families and friends back home.
Free* voicemail
Family and friends based in the UK, Germany and Cyprus can leave voicemail
messages for entitled UK Service personnel
currently serving on operational duty overseas.
Entitled deployed personnel can retrieve
voicemail messages for free in-theatre.
Online top-up service
Entitled deployed personnel, family and friends
can top-up WelComE Account Cards via the
Online Account Manager.
Visit www.mywelcome.co.uk for details.
KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH
1025
5 -
© P
arad
igm
. All
right
s re
serv
ed. W
elC
omE
is a
Reg
iste
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Trad
emar
k of
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Lim
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WelComE Customer Contact Centre [email protected] www.mywelcome.co.uk* Free when calling from a UK, German or Cypriot landline Mobile and international call costs may vary. Check with your mobile/service provider
FROM THE EDITOR
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 03
THIS edition of Army&You is all about real-life stories from Army families. It’s these personal accounts that show
what life is really like.We feature two young people who
share their experience of growing up as “pad brats” (pages 26-27), the close bond a group of Army wives developed when training for a half marathon (page 29) and a heartfelt and honest account on IVF treatment from a military couple (pages 32-33).
As the Army heads for an increasingly settled future in the UK, Service families are getting more involved in civilian life. Life Beyond the Wire (pages 38-39) investigates the benefits of creating connections with your community and we hear from families who’ve done just that.
Our Day in the Life of an AFF Co-ordinator (pages 40-41)shows you how we work at a local level and introduces our virtual support service – meaning AFF is contactable wherever you are living.
We drill down to the facts on
maternity allowance and balancing babies with
business (pages 22-23) and look at geographical
differences in education across the UK (page 36).
And don’t forget to grab your diary and make a note of AFF’s
Big Debate happening on 21 October. It’s your
chance to have your say – further details on page 11.
See you there!
On the cover...AFF Virtual Co-ordinator Hayley Watson and her son Frankie. Hayley is part of our world-wide team working on your behalf.Picture: Elliott Forrester, www.photoforrester.com
Life lessons
Service families are getting more
involved in civilian life
❝❞
Charlotte
ARMY&YOU IN NUMBERS
47Percentage of those
polled in our Big Survey considering buying their own
home in the next year (page 9)
13.1The distance in miles
run by a dedicated team of fund-raising
Army wives(page 29)
7The number of
questions we had answered on your
behalf by BFG’s top man (pages 44-45)
70The number of countries
around the world in which AFF serves Army
families (page 51)
@ArmyandYou
F Armyandyou
K www.armyandyou.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW? You can win everything from photography lessons to jewellery in this issue. Turn to pages 54-55 to find out more.
You&{for everyone with a soldier in their life}
ArmyWWW.ARMYANDYOU.CO.UKAUTUMN2014
HOMESFA CHANGES INCOMING
FAMILYALL ABOUT MATERNITY
FEATURETHE SECRET LIFE
OF ‘ARMY BRATS’
GERMANYWE QUIZ BFG’S TOP MAN
DIARY DATELATEST NEWS ON
AFF’S BIG DEBATE
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION
BEYOND THE WIREHow you can become central to your community
aff
Meet AFF’s team of caring Co-ordinators
HERE TO HELP
@ArmyandYou04 Army&You autumn 2014
DID YOU KNOW? You can get your questions answered by the chain of command through our Postbag pages. Turn to page 64 to find out how!
CENTRAL OFFICE
01264 382324
AFF VIRTUAL CO-ORDINATOR
07974 970696
REGIONAL MANAGER SOUTH
07824 534345
OXFORDSHIRE
07787 091883
NORTH HAMPSHIRE
07527 492863
SOUTH HAMPSHIRE
07527 492803
SALISBURY PLAIN
07527 492783
SOUTH WEST
07787 301826
SOUTH EAST
07733 147001
LONDON
07901 778948
REGIONAL MANAGER
CENTRAL
07824 534357
YORKSHIRE
07557 977141
WEST MIDLANDS
07557 977290
EAST MIDLANDS
07587 456280
EAST ANGLIA
07527 492807
REGIONAL MANAGER NORTH
07585 333115
SCOTLAND
07780 093115
WALES
07527 492868
NORTHERN IRELAND
07729 159013
AFF UK
CONTACT AFF Do you have concerns, questions or feedback on any issues affecting you? Use this list to find your local co-ordinator or the relevant point of contact.?
ARMY&YOU
EDITOR
Charlotte Eadie
DEPUTY EDITOR
Lisa Youd
Army&You, IDL 414, Floor 2,
Zone 3, Ramillies Building,
Marlborough Lines, Monxton
Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
Tel: 01264 382314
© All MOD British Crown
Copyright images courtesy
of Defence News Imagery
CONTRIBUTIONS
We love to hear from you.
If you’ve got a story you
would like to share about
Army life, do let us know –
DISTRIBUTION
Are you getting it four
times a year? A free copy
of Army&You should reach
every Army family every
season. It’s posted to all
UK SFA and sent overseas
via BFPO. If you are not
receiving your copy, contact
your AFF Co-ordinator or
call the Distribution Team on
01264 382313 or Andover
Mil 2313.
Email [email protected]
PUBLISHER
Army&You is published
quarterly by TylerBale
Communications on behalf
of the Army Families
Federation (AFF). Editorial
content and illustrations
© AFF 2014 (Registered
Charity No. 291202). Not
to be reproduced without
permission from the Editor.
ADVERTISEMENTS
For information about
advertising in Army&You,
contact: George Miller,
Advertising Director,
Army&You.
Email: george.miller@
cabbell.co.uk
Tel: 0203 603 7936
COMPETITIONS
To enter any of our
competitions, click the
Giveaways tab at www.
armyandyou.co.uk One
entry per household per
giveaway. Your information
will not be used for
marketing purposes.
Closing date for entries is
12 October 2014. Winners’
names will be published on
the Army&You website.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Live in a hiring, your own
home or on an isolated
patch? Far-flung overseas?
Parent or friend of a soldier?
Army Reservist family?
Leaving the Army but want
to stay in touch?
Make sure you find out
the latest Army Families
Federation news by
subscribing to Army&You for
free! Visit www.armyandyou.
co.uk for details.
07552 861983
additionalneeds@
aff.org.uk
✪ Post generously sponsored by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
07527 492869
07789 551158
[email protected] 07799 045955
✪ Post generously sponsored by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
07833 448352
HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
YOUR AFF SPECIALISTS
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING & MONEY
COVENANT LIAISON
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
HOUSING
CONTACTS
Find us on Facebook or tweet @The_AFF
(0049) 05221 297 9644
GUTERSLOH
(0049) 03221 214 9895
HOHNE
(0049) 01522 547 7710
PADERBORN
(0049) 01520 744 9741
(0044) 07795 687930
CYPRUS
(00357) 2596 2110
ESBA
(00357) 9932 4990
WSBA
(00357) 9789 2230
CANADA
(001) 403 544 4600
KENYA
(00254) 07198 51834
AFF OVERSEASAFF GERMANY @affgermany @affcyprus
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 05
OUR EXPERTS We quiz our experts on what they have been up to over the last quarter. Their contact details can be found on the left, or you can meet them at our Big Debate (www.aff.org.uk/bigdebate).
Families continue to contact me trying to
find school places, with questions about
the number of admissions authorities and
help with the appeals process. Information
from the Department for Education (DfE)
and the National Audit Office shows the
demand for school places is increasing. I
am concerned that the number of children
involved with rebasing will put further
strain on the system and add to families’
worries. I’ve shared your concerns with
the DfE and for guidance on soldiers
moving mid-year, into their own homes,
to a different LA than the unit or at end
of service.
LUCY SCOTT,EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
CAROLINE MAYNEEMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, ALLOWANCES & MONEY
Together with our Housing Specialist I’ve
been working on the additional needs
adaptation for quarters to try to improve
the process. There’s good news as DIO has
agreed to source an occupational therapist
for families if there is an issue acquiring one
from your local authority. We would like to
follow families requiring adaptation through
the process to see if it is working. Any
problem areas can then be identified and
fed back to DIO.
My role is diverse, but this edition I’m
focusing on employment. My key goal is
to remove disadvantage in the job market
for Army spouses and raise awareness
among employers to support spouses in
the workplace. I deal with both Service
and government allowances and benefits
and recent questions have been about
Jobseeker’s Allowances and Tax Credits.
I have been working on AFF’s Employer
of the Year Award, while our Jobs&You
employment portal enables us to engage
with employers to ensure they are Forces
family friendly and will take on spouses.
I have been working on an issue for F&C
families with one-year passports. In April
2013, Her Majesty’s Passport Office started
issuing restricted one-year passports to
overseas spouses applying for their first
adult passport. In order to receive a ten-year
passport, you are now required to return
to the UK for an interview. If you don’t, you
have to pay for a renewal. Spouses have
had to wait weeks and received conflicting
information. AFF is compiling evidence
which will be presented to the chain of
command and Min(DPWV). I am questioning
why spouses have to pay when returning to
the UK is expensive and time consuming.
KAREN ROSS,HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
For many years, families have come
to us with issues on damp and mould
in quarters. AFF set up its own mould
database – we gave these results
(and there were lots!) to DIO. Elm Hill,
Warminster, in particular was an issue
with ten families being told that it was
a “lifestyle issue”! We took this to DIO
and they decided to do some invasive
structural investigation. It was discovered
that the roofs were failing and water was
getting into the walls causing the mould.
DIO has now replaced all the roofs on this
estate along with new windows.
Local Authorities (LAs) have increasingly
more power to set their own agendas
and policies on services such as housing,
education and childcare. It’s therefore vital
that AFF highlights the unique nature of
Army family life at this level. So we’ve been
out meeting chief executives, Armed Forces
Champions and council officers in areas
affected by rebasing and others with an
Army footprint. The Community Covenant
enables us to work in partnership with them
to present your views. We’ve also exhibited
at the annual Local Government Association
Conference, which had more than 1,000
delegates!
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE? WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE? WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE?
Meeting new people. Magnolia – it’s a blank canvas! Patch life with wild, happy children.
DID YOU KNOW? Got an inspirational story about Army life? Share it with Army&You’s readers by emailing [email protected]
KATHERINE HOULSTON,FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
JULIE LOWE,COVENANT LIAISON
CAT CALDER,HOUSING
OUR EXPERTS
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE? WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE? WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT ARMY LIFE?
Free circuits sessions with cute PTIs. Community spirit. Having friends seemingly everywhere!
QueenVictoriaSchool
Raising toDistinctionOpen MorningSat 20 Sept 2014
Admissions DeadlineThu 15 Jan 2015Queen Victoria School in Dunblaneis a co-educational boardingschool for the children of UKArmed Forces personnel whoare Scottish, or who have servedin Scotland or who have beenmembers of a Scottish regiment.
The QVS experience encouragesand develops well-rounded,confident individuals in anenvironment of stabilityand continuity.
The main entry point is intoPrimary 7 and all places are fullyfunded for tuition and boardingby the Ministry of Defence.
Families are welcome to find outmore by contacting Admissions on+44 (0) 131 310 2927to arrange a visit.
Queen Victoria SchoolDunblane PerthshireFK15 0JY
www.qvs.org.uk
❞
UNITED KINGDOM
autumn 2014 Army&You 00
The pursuit of happinessM Y NAME is Liesa
and I am an
Army wife. I am
also infertile.
That is not all I am. But
sometimes I feel as though
those two things define me.
They shouldn’t, but they do.
It can be difficult to
concentrate on – or even
enjoy – other parts of your
life when you struggle to
achieve the one thing that
other women seem to be
able to conquer without
issue – having a baby.
While we were
posted in Scotland, it
became apparent that I
was experiencing fertility
problems. I didn’t have time
to waste. I was 38 and I still
hadn’t fallen pregnant.
My doctor said we should
go straight to IVF, due to
my age. I was (at that time)
eligible for three rounds of
IVF on the NHS. Great news!
And then we were posted to
Catterick.
I told myself not to panic.
It would be okay. I would
just pick up where I left off
and start my treatment in
England. But North Yorkshire
PCT (Primary Care Trust, now
called Clinical Commissioning
Groups or CCGs) did not
do IVF for anyone at that
time, regardless of eligibility
criteria.
I found myself still barren,
extremely disappointed in
the system and with no other
options, all because I was a
partner of a person serving
in the Armed Forces. It didn’t
seem fair.
My doctor in Catterick
put forward a request to
the MOD for a review
of my case. It went
before the Exceptional
Case Board and I was
granted funding for one
round of IVF.
Relieved, we met with the
consultant and he booked
me in for treatment. And then
we were told we were being
posted to Cyprus.
I experienced a horrible sort
of déjà vu. I was assured that
the military hospital in Cyprus
had experience in IVF, so I
allowed myself to breathe
again. After all, wouldn’t the
stress of IVF treatment be
lessened somewhat by an
endless supply of sunshine?
Upon arrival, however, we
found out that the hospital
had recently closed and the
MOD had a new contract with
one of the civilian hospitals
which did not include
assisted conception.
After much discussion, it
was finally deemed best to
fly me back to the UK for
MOD-funded treatment with
the consultant whom I had
originally seen. Result.
While I’m grateful that I
received funding for at least
one cycle, it was a long
process to get there and the
IVF was unsuccessful.
I have since undergone
another round of IVF at a
clinic in North Cyprus, which
we have funded ourselves.
It was successful, but ended
in miscarriage.
We are going for a third and
final round of self-funded IVF,
at the same clinic as last time,
in October this year.
I am hoping it will be third
time lucky.
It can be difficult to
understand the emotional
pain associated with IVF.
The treatment itself is highly
invasive and sometimes
painful, not to mention
financially crippling.
I have been lucky enough
to get a job here in Cyprus,
which is the only way we
have been able to afford to
www.armyandyou.co.uk
It can be difficult to understand the emotional
pain associated with IVF
❝❞
save up for the luxury of IVF.
I did a lot of online research,
made a myriad phone calls,
and talked to dozens of
medical professionals (both
in and out of the Army) and
met with as many outside
agencies as possible to get
information and help.
I found it incredibly
frustrating that we did not get
the same access to treatment
as our civilian counterparts.
I am pleased to hear that
the NHS has decided to
review and change some of
the policies regarding fertility
treatment for members of the
Armed Forces.
After all, it’s not our choice
where we are sent to live. It is
our job.
If you are experiencing
fertility issues, find out exactly
what help the CCG in your
next possible posting area
will offer you.
Make sure you surround
yourself with friends (and
family, if you are lucky
enough to be posted near
them) whilst undergoing
treatment.
It’s an emotional
rollercoaster that one should
not ride alone! And good luck
to you. n
@ArmyandYou32 Army&You autumn 2014 autumn 2014 Army&You 33
PARTNERS are often unsure whether they are entitled to NHS-funded IVF or what the criteria are for treatment where they are living.
Some people have been
accepted for NHS treatment in one clinical commissioning group but found they do not meet the new criteria when they move.
This postcode lottery has had a real impact on mobile Army families, creating added anxiety to an already difficult situation.
GOOD NEWS IN ENGLAND
NHS England has realised the impact of both mobility and the postcode lottery.
Last year, it released a policy which applies to Armed Forces couples who have fertility
problems, need particular
treatment or help to get
pregnant or are preparing for cancer treatment and wish to preserve fertility.
This means that wherever you live in England, if you meet the treatment criteria you will be
eligible for two cycles of NHS-funded IVF treatment.
To view the policy and read full breakdown for IVF eligibility for Forces families living in UK and overseas, visit the health pages at www.aff.org.uk
The other issue that AFF is often asked about is being allowed to remain in an area once treatment has been agreed or commenced.
There is information on the Defence Intranet on this. Ask your soldier to download the Career Management of Serving Personnel who are accessing, or whose wife, civil partner or partner is accessing Assisted Conception Services DIN, which provides useful information.
Couples are encouraged to keep their chain of command informed so that consideration can be given where possible.
For more info or to give
feedback, email me at
There are also useful links at www.aff.org.uk
NHS England has realised the impact of both mobility and the postcode lottery
❝❞
AFF continues to receive many enquiries about assisted conception, particularly In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Karen Ross, AFF’s Health & Additional Needs Specialist, looks at the criteria and entitlement for different areas and how it affects Army couples…
IVF AND ARMY LIFE
HEALTH
Army&You chats to a Service wife about the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment...
CONTENTS
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 07
54 Army&You spring 2014
FEATURE
D IPPING into the “real world” beyond the
wire can seem pointless, writes Kate
Viggers. If you’re posted for a year or
two at most, why go to the effort of
making civvy friends or joining local groups?
But as a result of rebasing – leading to
growing stability and increased home
ownership - more Army families are now in a
position to build a life in their community.
For those already doing so, the benefits
are clear.
Ex-Royal Signals Mel Amman has set up a
Scout group in Upavon and is also planning to
launch an archery club.
Mel explains: “We feel it’s important to mix
because we’ll probably want to settle [here]. Getting
to know the locals will make that easier. The Army
does a great job of providing services but there is
an equally fun and rewarding world outside your
camp gates.”
Fi Walker, an Army wife from Middle Wallop,
agrees that creating connections is key to a
happy posting. When she grew concerned
about the “disjointed relationship” between the
military community and her children’s school, she
volunteered to become an official liaison to help
families like hers interact with teachers.
“I know some tend to stick on camp but for those
who married into this life, integrating is a chance
to become part of a civilian community again,” she
says. “It widens your circle of friends and if you live
away from family, local people will be there for you.”
MILITARY CIVILIAN INTEGRATION TEAMS
While integration brings many advantages, it’s
important to remember the impact of a military
presence on the civilian population. “Having a
camp, large vehicles and troops running around is
sometimes not easy for locals,” says Fi.
The Community Covenant was drawn
up in 2011 to encourage a
positive relationship between
civvies and soldiers,
by improving public
awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces and
encouraging the serving population to help their
wider community.
In line with Covenant aims, MCI teams work
out of regional brigades to promote the military
and address disadvantages for Army families.
They support and inform local authorities on
education, employment, housing, health and
community schemes.
“Engaging with the community is not new;
personnel have done this for years through
homecoming parades and so on,” explains Dr
Sarah Wareing, SO1A Civilian Engagement.
“We are asking to co-ordinate and be consistent
in our requests for support from the authorities and
communities in which we work and live.
“By understanding issues [like] mobility, civilian
organisations can adapt their services accordingly.”
Hampshire County Council (HCC) was one of the
first to sign the Covenant.
Today, HCC is running a veterans’ mentoring
scheme, raising awareness of the experiences
of Forces children in schools and improving
opportunities for the area’s Nepali population.
Doug Gould, HCC’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer,
says: “Our work improves understanding from both
social groups on how the other lives. Forces families
make a major contribution to Hampshire’s economy
and quality of life; they are an integral part of [the]
community.”
Mel agrees. “Soldiers and their spouses bring a
valuable set of skills and experience that civilians do
not have, and vice versa.”
A SUCCESS STORY
In order to achieve successful
integration between residents,
planning and commitment is
required from all involved.
Rutland County Council
worked closely with welfare
and regimental teams to
minimise the impact of
rebasing and promote
healthy relationships between
incoming and existing
populations.
Visits to Cyprus and Germany
familiarised families with their
new home; advice was given
on schools, housing and
employment, along with a
welcome pack and discount
cards for amenities.
Following an in-barracks
community sports festival,
many serving personnel joined
local teams.
Others volunteer as
councillors, ensuring military
interests are represented at
county level.
Rutland’s employers have
also been proactively recruiting
soldiers’ dependants.
Feedback has been hugely
positive. “Our transformation
could not have moved along
any smoother.
“We in Kendrew Barracks truly
feel ‘joined up’ and completely
at home,” says Lt Col Lonnen.
Helen Briggs, Chief
Executive of RCC, adds: “I
have been proud of the way
England’s smallest county
embraced the challenges of
rebasing and supported our
Armed Forces to become part
of the Rutland community.”
BENEFITS OF BELONGING
Behind the wire, the way of
life and the neighbours are
comfortingly familiar.
But venturing beyond could
be the start of something
constructive and rewarding
for military families and
civvies alike.
Sarah says: “[Enabling]
personnel and families to be
more visible in the community
can only be a good thing, to
keep our profile high and our
unique needs in the forefront
of people’s minds.”
“Give it a go!” urges Fi. “To
mix with a person who has
no idea about life as a Forces
family is very refreshing.
“Civilians are supportive
and interested. I have
amazing friends all over
the country and their brief
time in my life has created
wonderful memories.” n
Life beyond the wireAs the Army heads for a settled future in the UK, military families are getting more involved in civilian life. A&Y investigates the benefits of creating connections with local communities...
Find your local authority online at gov.uk
Use community Facebook pages to find out what’s on
locally
There’s more info on Community Covenant initiatives at aff.org.uk
❝❞
Local or parish councilwww.gov.uk
Scoutswww.scouts.org.uk
Guideswww.girlguiding.org.uk
Sports clubs
Church groups
Parent & baby/toddler groups
School PTA or Governor
Wildlife Trustwww.wildlifetrusts.org
Conservation groupswww.naturenet.net
Ramblers’ Associationswww.ramblers.org.uk
Book clubs
Arts societieswww.nadfas.org.uk
Theatre groups
Youth clubs
Neighbourhood Watch www.ourwatch.org.uk
Campaign for Real Alewww.camra.org.uk
Collectors clubswww.collectors-club-of-great-
britain.co.uk
Local events committees fetes/carnivals
Dog walking groups
Freecycling/Recycling/Upcycling
Historical societieswww.local-history.co.uk
Craft clubs
GET STUCK IN! HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN
YOUR COMMUNITY
Community connection: Fi Walker with youngsters from Middle Wallop Primary School
IN THIS ISSUE...9 A WORD FROM...Chief Executive Catherine Spencer examines the results of our Big Survey
11 HAVE YOUR SAYFind out why you should attend this October’s AFF Big Debate
17 BUSINESS AS USUAL?What does the new SFA maintenance contract mean for you?
22 MATERNITY MATTERSOur guide on everything from allowances to balancing babies and business
26 PAD BRAT BULLETINService siblings Georgia and Harrison on growing up with the Army
32 PURSUIT OF HAPPINESSArmy wife Liesa shares the ups and downs of her emotional fertility journey
35 PREMIUM PERFORMANCEHonouring the state schools going the extra mile for pupils from Service families
38 BEYOND THE WIREArmy&You examines how military families can cement their links with civilians
40 A DAY IN THE LIFEEver wondered what’s involved in being an AFF Coordinator? Find out here!
44 QUESTIONS TO THE TOPAFF’s Director Germany puts your questions to BFG’s top man
53 GURKHA GET-TOGETHERAFF hits the road to gauge Foreign and Commonwealth families’ concerns
61 CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ We hit the road in Volkswagen’s latest camper for mobile mamas and papas
62 COOL FOR KIDSFrom fun beds to cuddly buddies, A&Y looks at what’s hot for your young ones
64 POSTBAGYour views about every aspect of Service life
41I REALISED JUST HOW HARD LIFE CAN BE FOR AN ARMY SPOUSE WHEN MY HUSBAND DEPLOYED
38
❝
IT IS NOT OUR CHOICE
WHERE WE ARE SENT TO
LIVE – IT IS OUR JOB
❞❝
32
62
@ArmyandYou www.armyandyou.co.ukxx Army&You autumn 2014 autumn 2014 Army&You 09
A WORD FROM
A WORD FROM... CATHERINE SPENCER, AFF Chief Executive
Follow Catherine on Twitter @AFFChiefExec
DID YOU KNOW? AFF’s Big Debate 2014 takes place at London’s prestigious Institute of Education on 21 October.
Pic
ture
: N
icci
Sh
ayl
er
FAMILIES have faced
unprecedented
change through
redundancy,
restructuring and the
rebasing of troops from
Germany back to the UK.
Servicemen and women
have faced long working
hours and the impact on
families has been immense.
Our June Big Survey,
which many of you
answered online and
through our Co-ordinators,
gives us a good idea of
your main areas of concern.
Housing, schools and
healthcare are the top
issues over rebasing,
with childcare and
spousal employment not
far behind.
l 35% of those who
answered have been an
Army family for more than
10 years
l 47% told us that they
are worse off financially
than two years ago and the
majority agree that the pay
freeze, cuts to allowances
and non-serving partner’s
inability to work are factors
l 76% say that the soldier’s
unpredictable working
hours affect them getting
a job
l 47% are considering a
house purchase in the next
three years
l 71% of those living in
their own home do not feel
part of the Armed Forces
family
l 65% know nothing about
the New Employment
Model
l 40% do not know
what the Armed Forces
Covenant is
l 43% say that the
number of schools or
childcare settings their child
has attended has had a
negative effect
l 31% of families have
moved three times in the
last five years
l 72% have had to buy a
second car.
There’s clearly work
to be done to improve
communications with
families and help more
people understand the
changes happening to the
Army and the measures
which have been put
in place to aid partner
employment, house
purchase and money
management.
AFF will report all the
survey’s findings to the
chain of command and
policy makers. Keep an eye
on the AFF website (www.
aff.org.uk) for the full report.
ANOTHER CHANCE TO
HAVE YOUR SAY
AFF’s Big Debate on 21
October in London gives
you a unique opportunity to
put your burning questions
directly to people that can
make a difference.
Traditionally, your top
concerns have been
housing, education,
deployment and childcare
but these are joined by new
emerging issues due to
defence cuts.
The list is in no way
exhaustive – you can
feed in your questions at
As well as the debate, we’ll
also give you a free lunch
and a chance to enjoy a
wide range of exhibitors,
including many with training
and job opportunities across
the UK.
We look forward to seeing
you there! n
What matters to you
The amount of those living in their own home do not feel part of the Armed
Forces family
71%
www.doyrms.com [email protected]
Tel: 01304 245073
PRIDE • SELF-DISCIPLINE • CHARACTER • SPIRITUALITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • LEADERSHIP • RESPECT FOR OTHERS
An independent school style education at an affordable priceThe Duke of York’s Royal Military School is a full state boarding academy for children aged 11 to 18.
Historically established for military families, we now welcome applications from any student who wants to study at our unique school with its strong military ethos and traditions. The School has recently been graded Good in all areas by Ofsted.
Why study with us?• We are in the top 100 non-selective state schools for GCSE
results. DfE 2013/14
• Every student is actively encouraged to achieve the very best they can - developing their self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills while living and studying in a friendly and supportive community.
• Our military ethos, ceremonial parades and Combined Cadet Force will help your child to develop essential life skills including character and resilience.
• They will enjoy an active independent school lifestyle with sport, music, drama and activities all playing a key role while studying for their GCSEs and A Levels.
• Our £24.9 million School refurbishment will be completed by September 2014. Your child will benefit from purpose-built classrooms, a new Sports Centre, new and refurbished boarding houses, and a drama studio.
For 2014/15 our fees are £3,665 per term. We are competitively priced because you only pay boarding fees. Please call us to arrange a hosted tour of the School.
“One of the strongest parts of the Dukie community is having your friends around you all the time.One of my proudest moments of being a Dukie was watching the school marching band play the anthem for the England rugby team at Twickenham.”
Bryony Y13
Open Day, 4 OctoberContact us for details
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 11
AFF IN ACTION
BIG DEBATE GET INVOLVEDFor more information and the latest news on the Big Debate, go to aff.org.uk/bigdebate
ARE you full of questions about the
future and whether changes to the
Army will affect your family? Are
you enjoying or enduring being part
of the military community?
However you feel about Armed Forces
life, the Big Debate on Tuesday 21
October is for you. Register for your
free place via the AFF website and
come armed with your opinions,
ideas and burning issues!
Answering questions on the
day will be the British Army’s
most senior officers,
including the new Chief
of the General Staff,
Lt Gen Sir Nicholas
Carter.
The Minister
for Defence
Personnel, Welfare
and Veterans Anna
Soubry [pictured left]
and many other
experts will also
be on hand, ready
to answer queries
and give advice.
ASK AFF
If you have a
specific problem
affecting your
Army family, AFF
can help. The Big Debate is a great opportunity
to see one of our many experts and talk face-
to-face about any issues affecting you and
your loved ones.
AFF Specialists can offer guidance
on housing, education, childcare,
employment, training, allowances
and money, health, additional needs
and immigration for foreign and
commonwealth families.
Join us at the Big Debate and tell us your
concerns. n
Come armed with your opinions and burningquestions
❝❞
What’s your question?
TIRED of taking any old
job just because you’re
an Army spouse? Want to
improve your skills?
Get yourself to AFF’s
Big Debate on 21 October.
Bring your CV for a power
hour of employment related
opportunities throughout
the day.
AFF is hosting a range of
exhibitors – from employers
and training providers
to higher education
representatives – to help
boost your confidence and
get the job you want!
We’re putting the
employment spotlight on
you – the Army spouse.
In the meantime, check
out our online employment
portal, Jobs&You at www.
armyandyou/jobs
What? AFF’s Big Debate
When? Tuesday 21 October, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Where? 20 Bedford Way,
London WC1H 0AL
AFF works for you...
OUR SILVER SPONSORS
OUR GOLD SPONSOR
DID YOU KNOW? As well as the Big Debate, we hold local AFF Roadshows. Visit www.aff.org.uk for details.
GRAPEVINE
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 13
GRAPEVINEReally useful bits about Army life
GET INVOLVED
✎Have you got a story you would like to share with Army&You? If so, contact the Editor at [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW? Firepower museum’s artefacts cover a 700-year period of artillery history, including weapons, medals, drawings and diaries.
Top tweets What you’ve been saying about Army life on Twitter.
Follow us @ArmyandYou and @The_AFF...
@old_chap
I just cannot understand how wife, kids and me got through 25 years of service without an AFF
@StefanLukeDone
Why has a convoy of British Army trucks just gone past me in town? Artillery pieces and the lot! Making me feel proud to be #British
@daddyisasoldier
@ArmyandYou a support from day one and continue to believe in us and little troopers, thank you.
A GROUP of Army
families stationed
at Bovington
Camp have been
working with The Tank
Museum to produce a new
display on what life is like for
Army families.
Members of the Coffee &
Chat group, who meet to
socialise and support each
other, got together as part
of the museum’s outreach
programme to come up with
ideas to represent their way
of life.
This new exhibition gives
visitors an insight into what
it’s really like to be married
to a soldier.
Army wife, military life is
divided into three sections:
Home, which focuses on the
challenges associated with
moving every few years;
Operational Tours, dealing
with one of the hardest
times for a military family;
and Experiences, looking at
the many opportunities that
being married to a soldier
can give you.
Felicity Wood, Education
officer at The Tank Museum,
said: “The Museum contains
a huge amount about tanks
and the lives of tank crews
and it’s fantastic to enrich
that story by including the
experiences of their spouses
and families.”
l www.tankmuseum.org
Museum’s family attraction Story tellers: The Coffee & Chat members responsible for Army wife, military life
DEFENCE DAYS OUT
MUSEUM OF ARMY FLYING
MIDDLE WALLOP
Admission: Adults £9, children
over 5 £6.50
Open: 10am-4.30pm
Military discount: Free to serving
personnel
www.armyflying.com
NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Admission: Adults £9.60-£16,
under-5s free (castle entry)
Open: 9.45am-4.45pm
Military discount: Free for
serving personnel
www.nms.ac.uk
FIREPOWER
WOOLWICH, LONDON
Admission: Adults £5.30,
children 5-15 £2.50, under-5s free
Open: 10am-5pm Tue to Sat
(closed Sun/Mon)
Military discount: Entry £1.30 for
serving personnel
www.firepower.org.uk
EDEN CAMP
MALTON, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Admission: Adults £6.50,
children £5.50
Open: 10am-5pm
Military discount: £1 off per
person for serving personnel
and family
www.edencamp.co.uk
ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS
MUSEUM
CAERNARFON CASTLE
Admission: Family £20.25, adults
£6.75, children under 16 £5.10
(castle entry)
Open: 9.30am-5pm
Military discount: Free to serving
members of Royal Welch Fusiliers
www.rwfmuseum.org.uk
Army&You’s guide to some of
Britain’s best military museums...
SERVICE SNAPSHOT: One of
the displays on show at The
Tank Museum’s Army wife,
military life exhibition
@ArmyandYou14 Army&You autumn 2014
Snap shotOur selection of the best images
we have come across during the
production of Army&You...
1. Change of scenery
The Royal Scots bid farewell to
Lothian ahead of their move to
Belfast – via @BritishArmy
2. Celebrity reader
TV’s Dan Snow engrossed in A&Y
while visiting the Army Air Corps
©HQ Army Aviation Centre
3. Royal encounter
Prince Harry pictured during a
visit to Estonia with 1 LANCS –
via @BritishArmy
4. Service songstresses
Portsmouth Military Wives Choir
members before a D-Day concert
– via @Primusprotect
W HAT IS the
best car
seat for
your little
one? The Royal Society
for the Prevention of
Accidents’ revamped
website offers advice
on the safest way for
children to travel.
Properly-fitted car
seats are effective in
protecting children in a
crash, but it’s essential that
it’s suitable for your child’s
weight and size.
The site provides up-to-
date information on the
types of seats available,
how to use them, the law
and things you ought to
know if you carry other
people’s children in
your car.
It’s easy to navigate
and mobile-friendly,
which could come in
handy if you’re out
shopping for a child
car seat.
Find out more by visiting
www.childcarseats.org.uk
EARLIER this year, the
Queen’s Speech set out
legislation for the creation
of a Service complaints
ombudsman to protect
and support our UK
Armed Forces.
It will
give the
ombudsman
the ability to
investigate
concerns
from
Service
personnel
who feel
that their cases have not
been dealt with properly.
This new right, which
will enable all Service
personnel to appeal
directly to the
ombudsman,
will cut down
on what can be
a lengthy and
anxious appeal
period under the
current system.
For more
information,
log on to
www.gov.uk
DID YOU KNOW? You can put your own photos forward to appear in Snap shot! Tweet your snaps to @ArmyandYou
IF you live in SFA or SSFA
(hiring), you need to ask
your Housing Service
Allocations Centre for
permission to keep a
domestic pet.
You can do this when
applying for your quarter
using the e-1132, or by
emailing or writing to the
HASC.
There’s advice on your
responsibilities as a pet
owner in DIO’s customer
guide Pets in your home,
which can be found at
www.gov.uk
Paws outdoorsWITH miles of paths to explore, there’s no need to
leave your four-legged friend at home next time
you’re planning a family day out or a holiday.
The Forestry Commission has sniffed out some
useful canine health tips, some great events and
many dog-friendly places to eat and stay including
motorway stops.
Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or energetic
dash the “Ruff Guide to the Forest” makes sure you
have everything you need.
Click www.forestry.gov.uk to find out more.
Permissionfor your poochDID YOU KNOW?
Safety site’s seating plan
GRAPEVINE
Pic
ture
: P
at
Sp
en
cer
THE THIRD VOLUME OF MICHAEL PALIN’S CELEBRATED DIARIESOUT NOW IN HARDBACK, EBOOK AND ON AUDIO
www.orionbooks.co.uk
Untitled-3 1 15/08/2014 16:05
YOUR HOME
THE new contract is
scheduled to roll
out in Scotland and
Northern Ireland in
November and in the rest of
the UK the following month.
Although you may still see
some of the same workmen
around the patch, the
method of working is set to
change with a new ethos to
encourage a “first-time fix”
on repairs and a proactive
approach.
The biggest change will be
that CarillionAmey will now
deal with both allocations
and repairs.
HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT
FAMILIES?
✔ A single, free phone
number for all issues (repairs
and allocations)
✔ More ways to contact the
helpdesk including online
where repairs can be
reported and tracked
✔ Enhanced repair times
✔ Texts 24 hours before all
appointments and a call an
hour before if required
✔ Improved web page
✔ More Customer Access
Points (CAPs) covering repair
and allocation issues
✔ Easy-to-use guides for
move appointments
✔ Faster turnaround of SFA
after move-out
✔ You will be able to submit
and track complaints online
✔ Improved satisfaction
surveys
AFF is encouraged by the new
contract and we are hoping
that it will lead to an improved
level of service for families
applying for and living in SFA.
As with any change, there’s
the risk of issues and we will
be monitoring the roll out of
the contract closely.
We will be a part of the
working groups to help ensure
that all goes as smoothly as
possible. Look out for further
information in the next
edition of Army&You.
Remember that until the
new contract goes live you
should continue to report
repairs, apply for SFA and
register complaints in the
normal way. n
Business as usual... for nowFor those of us living in Service Families Accommodation in the UK, it’s business as usual for any maintenance and repairs needed. However, later this year CarillionAmey will take over the contact. Cat Calder, AFF Housing Specialist, tells us what to expect…
IN BRIEF
Call MHS on 0800 707 6000 for repairs.
For allocations, call the HASC on 0800 169 6322
AFF has received enquiries
from many of you concerned
about fly-tipping in your
area. Here, AFF’s Housing
Specialist Cat Calder reminds
us all about the importance
of keeping our housing areas
free from litter…
FLY-TIPPING is illegal, an
eyesore, encourages vermin
and is potentially dangerous
to children, local wildlife and
the environment.
The money and time DIO
spends on clearing rubbish
would be much better spent
on our houses and improving
the local infrastructure.
So if you have large pieces
of rubbish, unwanted
household items or garden
waste that you want to get
rid of, take it to your local
recycling centre or ring the
council and ask for a bulk
refuse collection.
There are also companies
who will come and take away
rubbish for you, but do check
that they are a certified waste
carrier – if they fly-tip your
rubbish you could be liable for
a fine of up to £5,000. To find
a validated carrier, go to www.
environment-agency.gov.uk
If you are having issues with
fly-tipping in your area, report
it to your local council or email
The method of working is set to change with a new ethos to encourage a “first-time fix” on repairs
❝❞
Keep itclean
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 17
YOUR HOME
Where the heart is?
18 Army&You autumn 2014 @ArmyandYou
AFF recently commissioned a report
by researcher Anna Verey to help us
understand more about geographically
dispersed Army families.
We specifically wanted to know the reasons you
choose to live unaccompanied in your own home
instead of in Service Families Accommodation
(SFA), and the challenges or benefits this brings.
The families included in the report had all made
the move from SFA and therefore were ideally
placed to compare the support available.
Army&You chatted to those who have made the
leap out of SFA and into their
own homes about what
support they would like to
see.
Vicki, who lives in her own
house in Hampshire, told
us: “I don’t have any direct
contact from my husband’s
unit but if there was a real
emergency I’ve got one of
those JCCC cards.
“A business card or contact
details of someone in the
welfare office would be
good.
“I do go to the social events on the base still,
which is a nice way to keep in touch with the
‘best bits’ of Army life.”
Claire, who lives in Oxfordshire added: “I
receive a monthly list of events that have been
scheduled or are going on in the area close to my
husband’s camp.
“I am quite self-sufficient – I don’t need any
help but would tap into the system if I needed it.”
“Whether you live in SFA or your own house, it
is important to have friends who know how it is
[in the Army] and who don’t mind being leant on.
“Friendships are more quickly formed when
living in SFA so if you choose to live in your own
home, make a point of
getting the details for
your soldier’s unit welfare
team. That way you
have the reassurance of
knowing that they’re at
hand to provide support if it
is needed.”
The full report is available
at www.aff.org.uk
AFF is here to support all
Army families no matter
where you are living, so
if you have an issue, do
get in touch with us at
[email protected] or come to AFF’s Big Debate on 21
October – see page 11. n
Proud purchase: Vicki and her Army family moved into their own home last year
Whether you live in SFA or your own house, it’s important to have friends who don’t mind being leant on
❝❞
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
l Developing a “Contact Pack” which could be sent to each newly-housed military spouse/family containing
useful information of relevant support networks
l More invitations for the spouse to attend events on base
l Standardising the military welfaresupport system
Keep calm and HypnoBirth!Inspired by her calm third labour, Army wife Louise Harris (pictured below) wanted to share her experience…
DID your ancestor fight alongside Wellington, Nelson,
Kitchener, Harris or Monty? Forces War Records (FWR) may
hold the answer.
The website contains records of Service personnel from
medieval times right through to the present day and has also
compiled a library of more than 1,000 publications, some more
than 100 years old.
To coincide with the centenary of WW1, Forces War Records
has acquired the hospital admissions and discharge registers
of more than one million casualties.
From field ambulance to stationary and general hospitals,
users can trace their ancestor’s journey from the fields of
Flanders back to the British mainland. It comprises just a
fraction of the original number of records, the vast majority of
which were destroyed or have been lost.
For more details, log on to www.forces-war-records.co.uk
Find your Forces forefathers
@ArmyandYou20 Army&You autumn 2014
I HAVE three sons –
Edward (5), Albert (2) and
Henry (1) – and I am a real
advocate of home and
HypnoBirthing.
As soon as I found out I
was pregnant the first time, I
started looking into methods
of natural childbirth.
It was almost as if I
instinctively knew that there
must be a way to have an easy
and comfortable birth.
It was then that I discovered
HypnoBirthing – a complete
education programme
designed to bring the art of
birthing back to the mother
allowing her to summon her
natural instincts to have her
baby with ease.
After our third son Henry was
born in our Army quarters last
year, I trained to become a
HypnoBirthing practitioner.
The practice revolves
around mastering relaxation,
visualisation and breathing
techniques.
Through HypnoBirthing, my
second and third sons were
both born at home following a
C-section with my first birth.
HypnoBirthing will transform
the way you view and
experience birth. n
✔ Fill pool and monitor temperature
✔ Get drinking water ready
✔ Ensure HypnoBirthing CD is in
the room✔ Keep birthing scripts
close by✔ Have refreshments
handy✔ Prepare candles/
aromatherapy✔ Make birthing room
comfortable and intimate
✔ Have atomiser, wet flannels and ice ready✔ Make up hot water bottle, wrap baby’s clothes around it
✔ Share your HypnoBirthing book and
birth preferences with your midwife
HYPNOBIRTHING CHECKLIST
To find out more about HypnoBirthing, visitwww.hypnobubbas.co.uk
YOUR FAMILY
Calling all poetsPublished author Sally Blackmore (pictured) explains how you can help with her latest project...
MY most important role in life is as a
mum – and more than that, as an Army
mum. I am also a poet and publisher.
I am working to publish an anthology
of 21st century voices alongside those of
the poetry of the First World War and I’m
looking for your help.
I can think of no better way to mark
the importance of the centenary socially
and in the literary world than by seeing
WW1 poetry alongside responses from
today’s Servicemen and women and
their families.
Responses may be poetry or prose,
art work, photographs, paragraphs from
letters; emails; Facebook comments;
tweets from the front or artwork such as
as a picture your child has painted. That way as
many people as possible can take part.
I have taught children of serving
personnel so understand that they
too have a voice alongside spouses,
parents, siblings, relatives, friends and
neighbours.
Once I have gathered some people
who want to contribute, I will set up a
Facebook group so we can all chat.
If anyone in your Army family is
interested in helping me with this project,
contact me by email at sally.blackmore@
gmail.com
l Sally’s collections of poetry, Random
and Deployed, are currently for sale at
www.behindthehighstreet.co.uk with
proceeds going to Help for Heroes and SSAFA n
THE Government can help with
your legal costs if you are eligible
for Legal Aid.
In some cases, it is free. In
others, you may have to pay
towards the cost.
Legal Aid covers legal
advice, family mediation and
representation in court and
some tribunals.
You may be entitled to help
for housing, debt, family,
education problems
and assistance if
you are accused
of a crime. You
will not receive
assistance with
work-related
problems
unless you
have been
discriminated
against.
You cannot
receive Legal Aid for most private
family law cases such as divorce
or disputes about children and
finances unless you're a victim of
domestic violence or abuse.
This covers psychological,
physical, sexual, financial or
emotional abuse.
To see if you are eligible, call
the Civil Legal Advice helpline on
0845 345 4345 or visit the Legal
Aid eligibility calculator at
www.gov.uk (search for
Legal Aid).
To find “Qualifying
for Legal Aid”,
visit www.
adviceguide.org.
uk and choose
from one of
Northern
Ireland,
Scotland,
England or
Wales.
Legal Aid – are you eligible?Mandeep Gill, Consultant Solicitor, discusses your options…
Beauty&YouMake-up artist and Army wife Grace
Brown’s top tips on getting ready in a rush…
autumn 2014 Army&You 35www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 21
TRYING to put your make-up on when you’re in a hurry?
Now this is a skill we all wish we had! You can’t do a full
face of glamorous make up in minutes but here are a
few tips for when you’re running late!
Stila One Step Correct is a great way to achieve
flawless skin without foundation. The cream has a mix
of peach tones to eliminate dark areas and blue tones
to banish unpleasant red tones. I love this product – it’s
a must for those busy mornings when you’ve overslept!
Foundation can be tricky to blend in a hurry and how
you apply it makes all the difference. It’s best to invest
in a “buffer brush”. Not only will it give you a natural
finish but it can be done neatly no matter how quickly
you apply it.
If you want to make a statement, a bright lipstick is
the quickest way to change up your look. Finally, spray
some hairspray on a clean mascara wand and comb
your eyebrows to keep them neat all day.
Add a lick of mascara and voilà! Who would have
guessed that took just minutes to do?
@ArmyandYou22 Army&You autumn 2014
Making senseof maternity
AFF has received a number of queries from spouses posted overseas who feel they have been disadvantaged when applying for Maternity Allowance (MA) due to lack of information, poor advice or
because a posting during pregnancy has cut short the qualifying period. Caroline Mayne, AFF Employment and Training Specialist, looks at the process...
PREGNANT AND POSTED –
CAN I GET MA?
Yes – you can get MA in a
European Economic Area
(EEA) country as long as you
satisfy the rules. These are just
the same as if you were living
in the UK (you must have been
employed or self-employed
for at least 26 of the 66 weeks
before the week your baby
is due). EEA countries have
reciprocal agreements for
certain benefits which means
you are entitled to MA if you
fall pregnant overseas or, if
you move overseas whilst you
are claiming.
KEY MESSAGE
To continue your entitlement
to MA if you are posted
overseas within the EEA, the
last place you worked and
paid National Insurance (NI)
must be in the UK.
I’M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY
(SMP) BUT THINK I CAN GET
MA. HOW?
If you’re working in the UK, fall
pregnant and are due to move
overseas, notify the job centre
as soon as you know as they
will manage your MA claim.
If you’re already overseas
when you need to make
the claim, contact the DWP
International Pension Centre.
WE ARE OFF TO GERMANY
SOON AND I’M PREGNANT. I
WON’T BE ABLE TO RETURN
TO WORK AFTER THE BABY
IS BORN. WILL I HAVE TO
PAY THE SMP BACK?
If you resign during your
maternity leave, this does
not affect your entitlement
to SMP from your former
employer. The company will
still be required to pay. There’s
no requirement for you to
have to repay any SMP or a
requirement for you to return
to work for six weeks after
the end of your maternity
leave. If you have Contractual
Maternity Pay (such as a
company scheme) then you
may have to pay this back.
I WORK FOR A LOCAL
COMPANY IN SHAPE AND
HAVE FALLEN PREGNANT.
CAN I CLAIM?
If you have been working
in another EEA country, you
may be insured for sickness.
If you are, you could claim
maternity benefit under that
country’s scheme and your UK
insurance may help you get it.
The authorities there will ask
the HMRC NI Contributions
Office for details of your UK
insurance record.
HMRC will send the E104
form on to them. They will
usually need to get in touch
with your previous employer
in the UK. The authorities
who run the foreign maternity
scheme will then decide using
their own rules.
I RUN MY OWN BUSINESS –
CAN I CLAIM MA?
You must have been paying
Class 2 NI contributions,
have been self-employed for
at least 26 weeks in the 66
weeks before the week your
baby is due and have earned
at least £30 a week over any
13-week period.
WE LIVE IN BATUS – CAN I
CLAIM MA?
If you’re accompanying your
soldier overseas to countries
outside the EEA and fall
pregnant, you may be entitled
to an MOD Ex-Gratia Payment
in lieu of Maternity Allowance.
Information is available on the
AFF website – www.aff.org.uk
CONTACT AFF
We would love to hear your
experiences of claiming MA
or benefits whilst overseas.
We will work with the MOD,
Armed Forces Covenant and
DWP to improve the processes
and policy for you. Email me at
MORE INFORMATION
l International Pension
Centre +44 (0)191 218 7777
l DWP guide: click on
“overseas enquiries and
benefits” at www.dwp.gov.uk
l www.gov.uk/benefits-if-
you-are-abroad
l Benefits and entitlements
www.moneyadviceservice.
org.uk
MA DEMYSTIFIED
There are two Maternity Allowances available. Both
types of payment are intended to help you take time off work both before and after the date your baby is due. You cannot
get both at the same time.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)If you’ve been employed by
a UK employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due and you’re
earning an average of at least £102 a week (before tax)
Maternity Allowance (MA)If you’re unable to get SMP,
you may be able to get MA to help you take time off work
when you’re pregnant or have a new baby. To qualify, you
must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due and have earned an average of
£30 in any 13 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week your
baby is due.
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 23
INSPIRING CONFIDENCE
LIFEWORKS Families will also be
at AFF’s Big Debate, helping you
get the job you want.
The service is available to all
spouses and partners of any
serving member of the Armed
Forces including Reserves.
Take Army wife Gail Wilman,
who signed up for a LifeWorks
course when she experienced a
crisis of confidence after taking
up a teaching post in Chatham.
With a view to making a career
change, Gail was encouraged to
write a new CV that didn’t focus
on teaching, and the process
proved to be inspiring and
surprising.
She explained: “The course
was fantastic. It’s helped me
to re-evaluate my life and has
shown me that, far from losing
my skills, I actually have lots of
skills I haven’t been using.”
l To find out more, go to www.
rblilifeworksfamilies.co.uk or
come to AFF’s Big Debate.
✔ Settle on your business idea – something that
fits your skills, experience, goals and most of all
passion!
✔ Know your customer – who is your product/
service for?
✔ Check out the competition – think of creative
ways to make your business stand out
✔ Manage your time – be realistic about what you
can achieve with a new baby
✔ Create your brand – name, logos and marketing
materials
✔ Research business regulations, tax and finances
✔ Don’t forget to ask permission from Defence
Infrastructure Organisation if you’re planning to
run your business from your quarter
✔ Find out more information at www.gov.uk,
www.startupdonut.co.uk, www.mumplusbusiness.
co.uk, www.startups.co.uk and x-forces.com
HELP WITH THE HUNT
Finding the perfect job is never
easy but AFF’s Big Debate (21
October) will have a focus on
employment and training.
Organisations offering jobs,
courses and advice will be
there, so bring your CV. Visit
stands from HSBC, Serco,
Sodexo, CarillionAmey, Cranfield
University and recruitment
specialist Brook Street and get
equipped for work with Career
Transition Partnership, SORTED!
and RBLI Lifeworks.
A special Q&A session will
focus on overcoming some of
the barriers to finding great jobs
– come and hear our panel’s
views and feel inspired. Visit
www. aff.org.uk/bigdebate or
turn to page 11 for more info.
IN BRIEF
Making maternity countGot a business idea? Your time on maternity leave might be the perfect chance to get the ball rolling! Army wife Rebecca Stokes-Whittaker tells us more...
THREE years ago, Rebecca
never dreamed that she
would be a stay-at-home
mum running her own
business that could easily fit
alongside her soldier’s career.
But when her new baby
came along before a posting
to Headley Court, she
decided to use her time on
maternity leave to get the
cogs turning again.
“I was all set to go back
to work, but after moving
it proved hard,” she told
Army&You.
“So I decided to use my
skills instead and start
planning my own business.”
The result of Rebecca’s
endeavours was Bespoke
Stokes, an engraving
business which is now
flourishing.
She added: “I am so pleased
that I [started the business],
as I can now take [it] with
me, whatever the future
holds for me and my little
family.
“With a little bit of
imagination you can be
successful in any area you
choose and potentially find
a satisfying career path which
fits perfectly with Army life.”
With a little bit of imagination, you can be successful
in any area you choose
❝❞
Proactive parent: Rebecca Stokes-Whittaker used her maternity leave to start an engraving business (www.bestokestokes.co.uk)
BALANCING BABY AND BUSINESS!
Three talented entrepreneurs have recently completed the first stage of the Armed Forces dependants’ business start-up programme at the University of Wolverhampton. They’re now driving their companies forward with help from “Supporting the Unsung Heroes”, tailored to meet Forces families’ needs. Here, they share their experiences with Army&You…
Tools for talent
PAULA FERRISPOSITIVE ENERJE
Paula has been running a
successful business as a
fitness instructor, personal
trainer and sports therapist for
more than ten years. But there
were areas that she struggled
with, such as accounts,
marketing and social media.
“I have always known
my weak points but have
never had the confidence to
face them until completing
the course. I now have the
knowledge, information and
understanding to take Positive
EnerJe to the next level.
“Fitting the course in to
my working week was
manageable as it was
designed to avoid problems
families face like childcare,
distance and cost. I would
encourage anyone thinking
about enrolling to do so!”
CLAIR HUGHES CALICOCLAIR
As a professional nurse it
became difficult for Clair to
maintain employment, often
moving home and trying to
juggle shift-work around family
demands and her husband’s
Service commitments.
“When I fell pregnant again
I wanted to stay at home
with my baby so I looked for
new interests. I made gifts
for family and friends and
received such good feedback
that I wondered if I could turn
my hobby into a business.
“The course has given me
the tools and confidence
to take my love for crafting
to another level. They have
helped me to approach my
business with a commercial
mindset, from understanding
my product value to managing
my time and marketing.”
JEN IVESGRIPPY LEADS
After several years of
developing the idea for a
multi-loop grip dog lead, Jen
took the opportunity to turn
the concept into a reality.
“It has given me the
opportunity to meet other
like-minded people, access
the support network and
make business connections.
“I have made a few sales to
delegates on the course, their
recommendations are great
for promoting my business
and I value their opinions.”
Grippy Leads has featured
at various events, including
Crufts 2014.
INTERESTED?ENROL NOW!
Supporting the Unsung Hero
is available to dependants
of serving Armed Forces
personnel, veterans and
Reservists at no cost.
Run by the University
of Wolverhampton, Black
Country Chamber of
Commerce and HIVE, the ten-
month programme includes
an introduction to self-
employment session, a four-
day business start-up course
and a seven-month individual
and group mentoring
programme.
There is a course in Cyprus
later this year and plans
to run one in Germany to
support families who are
rebasing.
Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/
supportingtheunsunghero for
more information.
?
@ArmyandYou24 Army&You autumn 2014
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 25
KRISTEN Smith has built up
a healthcare consultancy
recruiting nurses across
Europe to work in the UK. And
she does it all from the family
quarter in Tidworth.
“If you run your own
business, you set the rules;
you create your own dreams.
“There’s lots of help in
Wiltshire and if your partner’s
military job is under threat,
knowing there’s a second
income can really take the
pressure off.
“My advice for military
spouses who have a business
idea is to make the most of
the support available. There’s
nothing to lose in taking your
idea to the next stage!”
THE Enterprise Network’s
(see below) Castledown
Enterprise Centre proved to
be the ideal office base for
Stacy Ashton, who divides
her time between a busy
part-time job and looking
after her toddler.
Stacy left the Army after a
13-year career as a combat
medical technician.
She has set up a training
division from her new office:
“My son Archie’s nursery is
just five minutes down the
road, so I can drop him off on
the way to work,” she says.
“I really love my little office
– it feels like working from
home, but with none of the
distractions.”
Encouraging entrepreneurs
WILTSHIRE is already home for many of you, and, as Army basing
plans take effect, several thousand more families will be coming to
the area.
The Enterprise Network (TEN), led by Wiltshire Council, recognises
the entrepreneurial potential among military spouses and is offering
free, impartial, business start-up support, advice and grants.
Affordable office space, hot desks, meeting and training rooms and
“virtual office” services will be provided in and around the Salisbury
Plain super garrison area.
TEN is hosting a series of free networking events just for women
entrepreneurs which are proving extremely popular. See www.
theenterprisenetwork.co.uk for more details.
Army&You meets the Wiltshire women making waves in the world of business...
BRING OUT YOUR INNER INNOVATOR AT GROWING WOMEN’S NETWORK
@ArmyandYou26 Army&You autumn 2014
BEING born into a military family isn’t a
decision you make yourself. It’s one that
is pretty much made for you. Being a
“pad brat” is almost like its own brand;
only other children with military backgrounds will
empathise with your feelings and experiences.
My earliest memories of Army life were at
Sandhurst; being five years old and carefree. There
are certain elements of the house and estate that
I remember; paddling in the lake, military parades
and living on a street with lots of children my age.
For Harrison, his memory starts in Harrogate
when he was five, having recently learnt how to
ride a bike and starting school.
When you’re younger, being around the military
does have its difficulties, but generally it’s easier to
make friends and a new bedroom and new school
can be exciting.
Now, my brother and I are the oldest military
children still “serving” on our patch. Last month
we moved from Chester to Cardiff (move number
15). Most friends that we were brought up with in
our battalion of the Royal Welsh all stopped being
“active” military children some years ago. It’s a lot
harder to settle in to an area as older children.
POSITIVES TO ARMY LIFE
There are lots of positives we feel we have
benefitted from. Every new place is an opportunity
to start afresh with brand new people.
We have enjoyed exploring places we might
never have seen and grown in confidence as we
have to make friends and get involved as soon as
we arrive in our new area.
Going abroad and living in Cyprus for four years
is probably one of our most treasured experiences
We have enjoyed exploring places we might never have seen
❝❞
Georgia (21) and Harrison (18) Kent have spent their entire lives in a military family. It’s something that they’re both incredibly proud of – so much so that they’ve both decided to pursue careers that will give something back to the Forces community. Here, they share their story of what it’s like to grow up as military children…
Pad brat bulletin
Forces family: Georgia and Harrison Kent, who grew up around the military
SPOTLIGHT
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 27
and has given us memories for life.
A PLACE CALLED HOME
For us, “home” has always been
Swansea, where the majority of our
family is based. But I guess that’s not
really our family home.
Home is just wherever we put our
roots for a period of time. The house
seems to stay the same but the place
changes. As we have grown older,
we have started to notice more of the
difficult side of Army life.
We’ve seen the effect that dad going to
Afghanistan really has on our mum, and how
people view us as a “split” family.
Our dad has taken part in numerous tours to Iraq
and Afghanistan, each time harder than the last.
Whilst dad was away in Bosnia on a
peacekeeping mission, someone said to mum:
“You’ll be okay; he will come home on weekends.”
It shows that the hardest part of being a military
family is not being surrounded by people who are
aware of your circumstances – it’s making sure the
wider community understand what it’s like.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
Our advice to other young people living the
military life is simply to make the most of what life
throws at you.
Many people don’t get the chance to
travel or to visit places even within the
UK, let alone the world, so take every
opportunity you get, do as many things
as possible and embrace it. No posting is
ever going to be the same.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
My brother and I have been
overwhelmed at the work the military has
done. Our family is not only immensely
proud of my dad but also of other serving
military personnel.
Due to this inspiration, I hope to give back in
some small way by teaching in SCE schools
abroad. Harrison has always been interested in IT
and engineering, so hopes to develop this into a
career in the military.
Through the confidence we have gained from
travelling as military children, next year we are
going to teach English in schools in Madagascar
and travel to Borneo to work with the orphaned
Orangutan project.
We’ve talked about writing a book or starting
a blog for other military children; old or new. We
hope to share some of our experiences, the pitfalls
and laughs and maybe support those of you who
need it. n
SIBLING SELFIE: Georgia and Harrison Kent, pictured with their parents, are full of praise for the benefits of life as Army brats
MONMOUTH SCHOOLAND THE GRANGECurrently Archant Best British Boarding SchoolBOYS 7 - 18 with boarding from 9 Tel: 01600 710433
HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND INGLEFIELD HOUSE
GIRLS 7 - 18 with boarding from 7 Tel: 01600 711104
www.habs-monmouth.org
PAY ONLY 10% OF THE FEES, AROUND £850 PER TERM**This applies to Service Families who are eligible for the Continuity of Education Allowance, entering the School 2014/15. Additional means-tested support, subject to availability, may be offered to families who lose the CEA.
HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS
Preparing for life’s journey
@ArmyandYou28 Army&You autumn 2014
• 2 minutes from Oxford Street, Hyde Park and Marble Arch
• Modern, tastefully decorated bedrooms• Disabled friendly rooms• Rooms with air-conditioning• Free Wi-Fi throughout• Event Rooms for every occasion• Contemporary Lounge Bar for drinks,
afternoon tea or light bites• Club Restaurant, serving Modern European cuisine
with a range of British classics• Breakfast buffet with a wide range of healthy
and traditional options• Reading Room for a quiet escape
To book call us on 0207 616 8345 or email [email protected]
The Victory Services Club for Veterans, Serving Members of the Armed Forces, and their families.
All Ranks,Tri-Service members’ club in London’s West End.
Victory Services Club63-79 Seymour Street London | W2 2HF
YOURLONDONHOME
£42JOIN | EAT & DRINK | CELEBRATE | STAY
Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England
T: 01843 572931 E: [email protected]
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE www.slcuk.com
Junior School Open Day: 3 October 2014Senior School Open Day: 4 October 2014
Strong academic results
Outstanding modern facilities
Full weekend programme for boarders
Generous Forces Bursaries
B E PA RT O F T H E D I S C O V E R Y
O P E N D A YO P E N D A Y
Co-educational day & boarding: ages 13 –18 > telephone: 01823 328204
[email protected] > www.kings-taunton.co.uk
Saturday 4th October —10 am arrivalPlease contact us to reserve your place
SPOTLIGHT
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 29
IN THE summer of 2013,
a group of us started
training out on the sports
field with the Army PTIs.
As the season came to
an end, membership had
grown dramatically and the
pitches were taken over with
committed wives pushing out
sprints and burpees.
“Phys” may be a part of our
husbands’ jobs, but for us it
took everything we had to turn
up four nights a week.
BRINGING OUT OUR BEST
Out on the fields there’s no
rank, everyone’s troubles are
left at the door and for that
one hour, it was just about us.
Corporal Foster and his team
soon made us realise that we
had already begun quite a
journey just by turning up.
By Christmas, belief had
been born, confidence was
growing and it was then that
the gauntlet of the Shamrock
Half Marathon was laid in front
of us.
The commitment required
to train for a half marathon
is no secret, but this was a
military wives half marathon.
Training on dark nights with
head torches, battling wind,
rain and snow, was difficult
enough, but added to this
were our absentee husbands
who were in Worcester
helping with the floods or
deployed in Afghanistan. But,
we overcame it all; failure was
not an option.
FEELING PROUD
It was a proud and emotional
moment when lined up in
front of the battalion at the St
Patrick’s Day parade.
The Killaloo, our regimental
song, was piped and cheers
rang out as we began the long
run ahead.
As we ran, we worked
hard together; giving
encouragement when it was
needed to keep morale high.
As we crossed that finish
line with our husbands and
the battalion watching on,
we knew they were proud
but not nearly as proud as
we were of ourselves.
We raised more than £3,500
for the Royal Irish Welfare
team through this challenge.
We celebrate the
achievements of our soldiers
frequently, but just this once it
was about us, the silent ranks.
This is not a story of the
pain and endurance required
to complete a half marathon;
rather a story of how, when
a group of Army wives come
together, we can achieve
anything.
There is Army strong and
then there is Army wives
strong. n
Camaraderie took on a whole new meaning when the families of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment set themselves a half-marathon challenge. The team told Army&You more…
Army wives strong
There is Army strong and then
there is Army wives strong
❝❞
Proud moment: Royal Irish Regiment wives receive their Shamrock Half Marathon medals
YOUNG GENERATION
@ArmyandYou30 Army&You autumn 2014
I got more confident in my voice and myself
❝❞
MILITARY, wives and choir. Three
simple words, but when you
put them together they create
something incredible, writes
Chloe Livingstone.
I was 15 when I started my journey with the
Chivenor Military Wives Choir and was so
inspired by the strength of the women who I
was singing with that I started going to choir
every week.
Their courage was something I admired and
it was something I felt spurred on to do from
my own experience of being separated from
a loved one.
HAVING A ‘WEEKEND DAD’ WAS HARD
Being an Army kid can be tough and I’ve
had my fair share of dad being away from
home. For three years he worked away all week at
another base, only returning on the weekends.
He couldn’t help me with my homework, talk
about school or just eat dinner with us as a family.
When we moved to Chivenor everything
changed. My dad was living with us again and I
decided to join the choir with my mum, Carol.
At first I was nervous, being one of the
youngest members of a choir full of strong and
talented women.
I’d always loved singing but mainly in the shower,
my bedroom or where no one could hear me, so
the thought of singing alone in front of Gareth
Malone terrified me!
However, as I learnt the techniques I got more
confident in my voice and myself.
My first big performance was at the Royal
Albert Hall. I was so nervous but it was the
most amazing experience.
And it didn’t stop there. Within a week we
were in London recording Wherever You Are
which became the Christmas number one.
LIFE-CHANGING CONFIDENCE
Since then I have gone through school and
college but the choir has been a constant even
though my father is no longer serving.
It’s given me something positive to pursue,
something I love and I have another family who I
can laugh, cry and obviously sing with too!
The choir has helped me in ways I would never
have thought possible. My confidence has grown
and my insecurities have disappeared. I never
thought singing could change my life but it has.
I am so happy that I took that step and joined and
I would encourage all other young women with
parents in the Services to do the same. n
l To join your nearest Military Wives Choir, visit
www.militarywiveschoirs.org
Young inspiration
YOU can’t beat fun in
the great outdoors… but
convincing your kids to
sample some fresh air can be
a daunting task!
Now you can get a helping
hand by signing up to the
National Trust’s “50 things
to do before you’re 11 3/4” and
embarking on an awesome
adventure.
The scheme is free to join
and boasts activities ranging
from building a den and
making a daisy chain to the
more daring cave exploration
and rock climbing.
Get ready to hunt for bugs,
catch a fish, make a mud
pie and go on a walk in your
bare feet.
Record your escapades
online or in a young one’s
free scrapbook – available
from National Trust
properties.
The more activities your little
adventurer completes, the
closer they get to achieving
their Explorer badge.
Visit www.50things.org.uk
and get adventurous!
50 adventurous things...
24 businessmen 6 film makers 14 in security 45 IT managers
7 builders
30 in admin 11 pilots7 lawyers 8 models
24 in hospitality
16 actors
22 bar tenders 15 in logistics
9 doctors 36 in finance 9 armed forces
19 teachers
3 chefs
36 students 26 engineers
Men like you?We see sperm donors from all walks of life
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*
The pursuit of happinessM Y NAME is Liesa
and I am an Army
wife. I am also
infertile. That is
not all I am. But sometimes
I feel as though those two
things define me. They
shouldn’t, but they do.
It can be difficult to
concentrate on – or even
enjoy – other parts of your life
when you struggle to achieve
the one thing that other
women seem to be able to
conquer without issue –
having a baby.
While we were
posted in Scotland, it
became apparent that I
was experiencing fertility
problems. I didn’t have time
to waste. I was 38 and I still
hadn’t fallen pregnant, so
my doctor said we should go
straight to IVF due to my age.
I was (at that time) eligible
for three rounds on the NHS.
Great news! And then we
were posted to Catterick.
I told myself not to panic.
It would be okay. I would
just pick up where I left off
and start my treatment in
England. But North Yorkshire
PCT (Primary Care Trust, now
called Clinical Commissioning
Groups or CCGs) did not do
IVF for anyone at that time,
regardless of eligibility criteria.
I found myself still barren,
extremely disappointed in
the system and with no other
options, all because I was a
partner of a person serving
in the Armed Forces. It didn’t
seem fair.
My doctor in Catterick put
forward a request to the MOD
for a review of my case. It
went before the Exceptional
Case Board and I was
granted funding for one
round of IVF. Relieved, we
met with the consultant
and he booked me in for
treatment. And then we
were told we were being
posted to Cyprus.
I experienced a horrible sort
of déjà vu. I was assured that
the military hospital in Cyprus
had experience in IVF, so I
allowed myself to breathe
again. After all, wouldn’t the
stress of IVF treatment be
lessened somewhat by an
endless supply of sunshine?
Upon arrival, however, we
found out that the hospital
had recently closed and the
MOD had a new contract with
one of the civilian hospitals
which did not include assisted
conception.
After much discussion, it
was finally deemed best to
fly me back to the UK for
MOD-funded treatment with
the consultant whom I had
originally seen. Result.
While I’m grateful that I
received funding for at least
one cycle, it was a long
process to get there and the
IVF was unsuccessful.
I have since undergone
another round of IVF in
Cyprus, which we have
funded ourselves. It was
successful, but ended in
miscarriage.
We are going for a third and
final round of self-funded IVF,
at the same clinic as last time,
in October this year.
I am hoping it will be third
time lucky. It can be difficult to
understand the emotional pain
associated with IVF.
The treatment itself is highly
invasive and sometimes
painful, not to mention
financially crippling.
I have been lucky enough
to get a job here in Cyprus,
which is the only way we have
been able to afford to save up
for the luxury of IVF.
I did a lot of online research,
made a myriad phone calls,
talked to dozens of medical
It can be difficult to understand the emotional
pain associated with IVF
❝❞
@ArmyandYou32 Army&You autumn 2014
Army&You chats to a Service wife about the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment...
UNITED KINGDOM
autumn 2014 Army&You 00
The pursuit of happiness
www.armyandyou.co.uk
professionals (in and out of
the Army) and met with as
many outside agencies as
possible to get info and help.
I found it incredibly
frustrating that we did not get
the same access to treatment
as our civilian counterparts.
I am pleased to hear that
the NHS has decided to
review some fertility treatment
policies for members of the
Armed Forces.
After all, it’s not our choice
where we are sent to live.
It is our job. If you are
experiencing fertility issues,
find out exactly what help the
CCG in your next possible
posting area will offer you.
Make sure you surround
yourself with friends (and
family, if you are lucky enough
to be posted near them) whilst
undergoing treatment. It’s an
emotional rollercoaster that
one should not ride alone!
And good luck to you. n
autumn 2014 Army&You 33
PARTNERS are often unsure whether they are entitled to NHS-funded IVF or what the criteria are for treatment where they are living.
Some people have been
accepted for NHS treatment in one clinical commissioning group but found they do not meet the new criteria when they move.
This postcode lottery has had a real impact on mobile Army families, creating added anxiety to an already difficult situation.
GOOD NEWS IN ENGLAND
NHS England has realised the impact of both mobility and the postcode lottery.
Last year, it released a policy which applies to Armed Forces couples who have fertility
problems, need particular
treatment or help to get
pregnant or are preparing for cancer treatment and wish to preserve fertility.
This means that wherever you live in England, if you meet the treatment criteria you will be
eligible for two cycles of NHS-funded IVF treatment.
To view the policy and read a full breakdown for IVF eligibility for Forces families living in UK and overseas, visit the health pages at www.aff.org.uk
The other issue that AFF is often asked about is being allowed to remain in an area once treatment has been agreed or commenced.
There is information on the Defence Intranet on this. Ask your soldier to download the Career Management of Serving Personnel who are accessing, or whose wife, civil partner or partner is accessing Assisted Conception Services DIN, which provides useful information.
Couples are encouraged to keep their chain of command informed so that consideration can be given where possible.
For more info or to give
feedback, email me at
Visit www.armyandyou.co.uk/ivf for a full breakdown of criteria.
NHS England has realised the impact of both mobility and the postcode lottery
❝❞
AFF continues to receive many enquiries about assisted conception, particularly In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Karen Ross, AFF’s Health & Additional Needs Specialist, looks at the criteria and entitlement for different areas and how it affects Army couples…
IVF AND ARMY LIFE
HEALTH
@ArmyandYou34 Army&You autumn 2014
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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 35
FAMILIES and schools alike often contact
AFF to ask us about the Service Premium
– the extra funding given to any state
school in England with military children.
To raise awareness of the scheme and celebrate
and share the great ways money is being spent,
we recently ran our Excellence for Forces Children
Award. Twenty six schools – across three
categories – made our shortlist but the worthy
winners were:
1-10 Service Pupils: Lee Common CE
School, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
11-20 Service Pupils: St Mary and St John
Church of England Voluntary Aided (CEVA)
Primary School, North Luffenham, Rutland
21+ Service Pupils: Carterton Primary
School, Oxfordshire
Overall winner: St Mary and St John CEVA
Primary School
Each of the category winners received
certificates and St Mary and St John Primary
Church of England Voluntary Aided School
scooped £500 from the award’s sponsors Sodexo.
The judges included the Adjutant General (AG) Lt
Gen Gerry Berragan, Joy O’Neill from the Service
Children’s Support Network and David Fugurally
from the Department for Education.
AG said: “I was struck by the level of ingenuity
and imagination applied to the use of the Service
Premium, and choosing a winner from each
category was difficult.”
David added: “It has given me a much deeper
understanding of issues faced by Service pupils
and how schools can help. We can and should use
elements of this as examples of good practice.”
Some great examples of support included
welcome films made by children, a Forces choir,
one-to-one sessions, deployment boards, photo
books, memory boxes and a combat club.
If you have questions about how your child’s
school is spending its Service Premium, why
not take this issue of Army&You into school
to show how the money is being used in
other areas.
THE WINNERS
The award-winning St Mary and St John
Primary Church of England Voluntary Aided
School impressed judges with what it offers
Service pupils.
Children can join in the Forces Choir and have
access to three bears, Cuddles, Snuggles and
Medals, who are there for youngsters when
their parents are away. The bears have become
symbols to all children in school – both Forces and
non-Forces.
Parents endorsed the school with comments
such as: “My children benefitted most from the
after-school clubs. As my husband has been
deployed for 12 months in a two-year period, I find
it very difficult to do weekend activities with three
young children.” n
CARING CURRICULUM
St Mary and St John CEVA Primary School’s Service Premium was spent on a range of great initiatives including:l Free after school sessions each week l TA led support groups and one-to-one sessionsl Forces Choir l Employed a Forces Support Assistant l Purchase of computer software to support the E-Blueys l Deployment board to help children understand where parents are working l Trip to celebrate the return of parents from Afghanistan l ‘Postcard to Afghanistan’ competition won by Forces children who were taken to the Military Tournament and enjoyed backstage passes l A quick guide containing information for families looking for school places.
Premium performanceOur salute to those state schools going the extra mile to embrace and accommodate Forces children
Cuddles for Cuddles: A pupil hugs one of St Mary and St John CEVA Primary School’s three bears
Our wish is that the children have
positive, enjoyable and lasting memories
St Mary & St John CEVA Primary School
❝❞
Warm welcome: Carterton Primary greets new Service pupil Abbie-May
@ArmyandYou36 Army&You autumn 2014
Geography examIf you are moving between devolved regions there’s specific educational information you need to know to help prepare your child for their new school. Swot up on the differences between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland using Army&You’s revision notes...
BIRTHDAYSChildren born between 1 September and 31 August will all be in the same school year
BIRTHDAYSThose born between 1 March and 31 August, will be in the year below their peers in England and Wales
BIRTHDAYSChildren with birthdays from 1 July until 31 August will go into the year below England and Wales
ACADEMIC YEARChildren usually return to school for the beginning of the academic year in the third week of August and break up for summer holidays in June
ACADEMIC YEARThe school year generally starts in early September and ends in the third week of July
ACADEMIC YEARThe school year generally starts in early September and ends in the third week of July
EXAMSGCSEs at the end of Year 11, AS Levels in Year 12 and A Levels in Year 13 EXAMS
In Scottish schools, students sit Standard Grades, Highers and Advanced HighersFUNDING
The MOD Education Support Fund for Service children in state schools is UK-wide. The Service Premium is available for schools with Service pupils
FUNDINGUniversity courses vary all over the UK, but in certain circumstances, it’s possible to apply for free Scottish University places. All other areas have fees to pay
INSPECTORSwww.ofsted.gov.uk
INSPECTORSwww.etini.gov.uk
INSPECTORSwww.educationscotland.gov.uk
TYPES AND
AUTHORITIESThere are no Grammar schools in Scotland
TYPES AND AUTHORITIESThe admissions authorities are called Education and Library Boards
TIME AT SCHOOLIt’s now compulsory to stay in some form of education or training for longer. Pupils who started in Year 11 or below in September 2013 will need to continue until at least their 18th birthday. There are UK-wide opportunities for further education, training or an apprenticeship post-16
TIME AT SCHOOLChildren can leave school at the end of Year 11, as young as 15 depending on when their birthday falls
ACADEMIC YEARThe school year generally starts in early September and ends in the third week of July
EXAMSGCSEs at the end of Year 11, AS Levels in Year 12 and A Levels in Year 13
FUNDINGExtra funding is available for schools with Service pupils
EXAMSAs England and Northern Ireland with the addition of the Welsh Baccalaureate, which combines personal development skills with existing qualifications to make one wider award
FUNDINGIn North Wales it’s possible to apply for funding from the MOD for independent day school fees so your children can have lessons in English
INSPECTORSwww.estyn.gov.uk
TYPES AND
AUTHORITIESThere are no Grammar schools in Wales
TIME AT SCHOOLChildren can leave school at the end of Year 11, as young as 15 depending on when their birthday falls.
TIME AT SCHOOLChildren can leave school at the end of Year 11, as young as 15 depending on when their birthday falls.
Some educational practises are the same throughout the UK: All schools are inspected, all children have a legal
right to a school place and all children work towards a public examination at the end of school. Service Children’s
Education schools abroad follow England’s education system. If you have any concerns or questions about
education, contact Lucy Scott, AFF Education Specialist at [email protected]
BIRTHDAYSFollows the same rules as England
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 37
STARTER FOR TEN...
The MOD has a Moving School pack. It comes
in three parts – a guide for parents, children’s
activity book and schooling history – and is hard
to miss thanks to its neon yellow and bright pink
colouring!
Pop into your local HIVE or email CEAS at
[email protected] to get a copy.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE?
Let Ofsted know what you think about your
child’s school at www.parentview.ofsted.
gov.uk
The site has a special section on boarding
and a chance to comment on how a school
helps your Service child.
SP & ESF = CONFUSED
There’s some confusion over the various pots
of money available for schools. Here’s a quick
reminder:
l The Service Premium (SP) is Department for
Education (DfE) money for Service children in
state schools in England
The Royal Hampstead Education Fund provides financial assistance to help with the education and training of the dependents (up to 25 years of age) of members or ex-members of the UK Armed Forces. For more than 150 years we have helped to provide betterment through education for thousands of the needy dependent children of members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. If you require assistance with fees for any school, college or university in the UK, please visit our website and follow the steps outlined to have your request considered by our grants committee.
Contact us through: www.rshtrust.com
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH FEES FOR ANY SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR
UNIVERSITY IN THE UK?
The Royal Hampstead Education Fund
Stumped by Service schooling?l SP in Northern Ireland comes from the
Department of Education Northern Ireland
l ESF – or Education Support Fund – is MOD
money for schools with Service children to bid
for, available for the whole of the UK.
NEED A SCAN?
Service Children’s Assessment of Need
(SCAN) is the new name for the assessment
that will take place instead of an Education,
Health and Care Plan in the UK for children
with special educational needs and/or
additional needs overseas.
AFF ASSEMBLY
So far this year, the AFF has voiced YOUR
views to the Department for Education; MPs;
The Directorate Children and Young People;
The Forces Pension Society; The Westminster
Education Forum; Local Authorities; charities
interested in Army families; head teachers and the
Ministry of Defence. If there is anyone you think
we’ve missed or would like us to meet on your
behalf, get in touch. n
None the wiser? If you need any
further info, email Lucy Scott [email protected]
54 Army&You spring 2014
D IPPING into the “real world” beyond the
wire can seem pointless, writes Kate
Viggers. If you’re posted for a year or
two at most, why go to the effort of
making civvy friends or joining local groups?
But as a result of rebasing – leading to
growing stability and increased home
ownership – more Army families are now in
a position to build a life in their community.
For those already doing so, the benefits
are clear.
Ex-Royal Signals Mel Amman has set up a
Scout group in Upavon and is also planning to
launch an archery club.
Mel explains: “We feel it’s important to mix
because we’ll probably want to settle [here]. Getting
to know the locals will make that easier. The Army
does a great job of providing services but there is
an equally fun and rewarding world outside your
camp gates.”
Fi Walker, an Army wife from Middle Wallop,
agrees that creating connections is key to a
happy posting. When she grew concerned
about the “disjointed relationship” between the
military community and her children’s school, she
volunteered to become an official liaison to help
families like hers interact with teachers.
“I know some tend to stick on camp but for those
who married into this life, integrating is a chance
to become part of a civilian community again,” she
says. “It widens your circle of friends and if you live
away from family, local people will be there for you.”
MILITARY CIVILIAN INTEGRATION TEAMS
While integration brings many advantages, it’s
important to remember the impact of a military
presence on the civilian population. “Having a
camp, large vehicles and troops running around is
sometimes not easy for locals,” says Fi.
The Community Covenant was drawn
up in 2011 to encourage a
positive relationship between
civvies and soldiers,
by improving public
awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces and
encouraging the serving population to help their
wider community.
In line with Covenant aims, MCI teams work
out of regional brigades to promote the military
and address disadvantages for Army families.
They support and inform local authorities on
education, employment, housing, health and
community schemes.
“Engaging with the community is not new;
personnel have done this for years through
homecoming parades and so on,” explains Dr
Sarah Wareing, SO2(A) Civilian Engagement.
“We are asking to co-ordinate and be consistent
in our requests for support from the authorities and
communities in which we work and live.
“By understanding issues [like] mobility, civilian
organisations can adapt their services accordingly.”
Hampshire County Council (HCC) was one of the
first to sign the Covenant.
Today, HCC is running a veterans’ mentoring
scheme, raising awareness of the experiences
of Forces children in schools and improving
opportunities for the area’s Nepali population.
Doug Gould, HCC’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer,
says: “Our work improves understanding from both
social groups on how the other lives. Forces families
make a major contribution to Hampshire’s economy
and quality of life; they are an integral part of [the]
community.”
Mel agrees. “Soldiers and their spouses bring a
valuable set of skills and experience that civilians do
not have, and vice versa.”
Life beyond the wireAs the Army heads for a settled future in the UK, military families are getting more involved in civilian life. A&Y investigates the benefits of creating connections with local communities...
Find your local authority online at gov.uk
Use community Facebook pages to find out what’s on
locally
There’s more info on Community Covenant initiatives at aff.org.uk
❝❞
FEATURE
A SUCCESS STORY
In order to achieve successful
integration between residents,
planning and commitment is
required from all involved.
Rutland County Council
worked closely with welfare
and regimental teams to
minimise the impact of
rebasing and promote
healthy relationships between
incoming and existing
populations.
Visits to Cyprus and Germany
familiarised families with their
new home; advice was given
on schools, housing and
employment, along with a
welcome pack and discount
cards for amenities.
Following an in-barracks
community sports festival,
many serving personnel joined
local teams.
Others volunteer as
councillors, ensuring military
interests are represented at
county level.
Rutland’s employers have
also been proactively recruiting
soldiers’ dependants.
Feedback has been hugely
positive. “Our transformation
could not have moved along
any smoother.
“We in Kendrew Barracks truly
feel ‘joined up’ and completely
at home,” says Lt Col Lonnen.
Helen Briggs, Chief
Executive of RCC, adds: “I
have been proud of the way
England’s smallest county
embraced the challenges of
rebasing and supported our
Armed Forces to become part
of the Rutland community.”
BENEFITS OF BELONGING
Behind the wire, the way of
life and the neighbours are
comfortingly familiar.
But venturing beyond could
be the start of something
constructive and rewarding
for military families and
civvies alike.
Sarah says: “[Enabling]
personnel and families to be
more visible in the community
can only be a good thing, to
keep our profile high and our
unique needs in the forefront
of people’s minds.”
“Give it a go!” urges Fi. “To
mix with a person who has
no idea about life as a Forces
family is very refreshing.
“Civilians are supportive and
interested. I have amazing
friends all over the country
and their brief time in my
life has created wonderful
memories.” n
Local or parish councilwww.gov.uk
Scoutswww.scouts.org.uk
Guideswww.girlguiding.org.uk
Sports clubs
Church groups
Parent & baby/toddler groups
School PTA or Governor
Wildlife Trustwww.wildlifetrusts.org
Conservation groupswww.naturenet.net
Ramblers’ Associationswww.ramblers.org.uk
Book clubs
Arts societieswww.nadfas.org.uk
Theatre groups
Youth clubs
Neighbourhood Watch www.ourwatch.org.uk
Campaign for Real Alewww.camra.org.uk
Collectors clubswww.collectors-club-of-great-
britain.co.uk
Local events committees fetes/carnivals
Dog walking groups
Freecycling/Recycling/Upcycling
Historical societieswww.local-history.co.uk
Craft clubs
GET STUCK IN! HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN
YOUR COMMUNITY
Community connection: Fi Walker with youngsters from Middle Wallop Primary School
A day in the life
O NCE the usual
morning mayhem
is out of the way, I
make my way to a
mums-and-tots group.
I don’t go there each and
every week, but I like to pop in
once a month.
When I’m not at this location
– AFF Co-ordinators cover
large areas – there’s a
noticeboard with my contact
details and some other
information about AFF’s
current work.
There were lots of people
there, as it was a baby
weighing day, and although
it was hectic I managed to
chat to many Army mums
(and a dad), and welcome
some new people too.
I picked up a couple of
enquiries, one I could answer
straight away, and one more
complex issue.
I reassured the lady that
I would pass it on to the
appropriate AFF Specialist
who will be in touch.
On the way out I met up with
my new volunteer to show
him where to update the
noticeboard with information
about the latest edition of
Army&You and details of AFF’s
Big Debate – a conference for
all Army families being held in
London on 21 October.
INFORMAL CHATS
Always one to maximise
every opportunity when I
visit a unit, I managed to
catch the Unit Welfare Officer
for a quick chat and, although
we can’t discuss individual
issues without a family’s
permission, we discussed the
Army’s rebasing plan with
many families due to move to
the area.
We chatted through how the
units and brigade are liaising
with the local authority to
make sure there are enough
school places available.
I asked if rumours that the
local crèche will close are
true, and I was delighted to
discover they are not.
Before I left, I was able to
pop back in to the mums-and-
tots to reassure concerned
parents.
A newly-arrived mum took
a moment to ask me about
access to welfare support.
Some people prefer to ask
questions in private and I
always make sure I’m able to
take them somewhere quiet.
AFF Co-ordinators are based around the world and work directly with families, local command and service providers. By chatting to families face-to-face in the community, on the phone, via emails and through web-forums, AFF collects evidence and represents your views to the Army and policy makers. Here, we reflect on a typical day for Jenny, a member of the UK team…
Jenny works 15 hours each week
and covers an area of 300 square miles with around 10,000
Army families
❝❞
@ArmyandYou40 Army&You autumn 2014
UNITED KINGDOM
Pic
ture
s: L
iz R
ho
de
s
UNITED KINGDOM
FOLLOWING UP
Once back home I followed up
on the more complex enquiry
from earlier in the day with the
relevant AFF Specialist and
checked my emails.
I was delighted to see that
Mrs Jones, a lady who I met
last week, has had an offer
for an alternative quarter
following my advice. It’s always
nice to get good news. I also
had an invite to a housing
meeting; its excellent timing
as I’ve been receiving some
concerns about fly tipping in
the area and I want to find out
what’s being done.
I had a response from AFF’s
Education Specialist, who I
had asked to clarify a question
about education in France for
a family moving there soon.
I pinged an email to the
anxious mum before switching
off for the day and dashing out
to pick up the kids!
Find your local AFF Co-
ordinator on page 4 or visit
www.aff.org.uk for more
information. Co-ordinators
will use all your enquiries to
build up a picture of evidence
that AFF can use to lobby for
change and improvements to
Army family life. n
autumn 2014 Army&You 35
V I RT UA LS U P P O RT
If you don’t live in an area where there’s a Co-ordinator, then Hayley Walton, AFF’s Virtual Co-ordinator might be able to help…
THE Virtual Co-
ordinator is a new role
created in addition
to the local AFF Co-
ordinators.
The post involves
working at a local level,
reaching out to Army
and Reserve families
who live in isolated
areas with smaller
military populations
and locations that don’t
already have an existing
AFF Co-ordinator.
I have now been in
this post since April and
work 25 hours a week
from home.
So far it has been
challenging but
rewarding; one day can
be completely different
to the next and I never
know what to expect.
I work with families
to find solutions to issues
or signpost families in the
right direction.
I am building up contacts
and collecting enquiries via
telephone and email every
day, which are collected as
evidence and contribute to
our families’ concerns.
I also advertise AFF’s
campaigns and events.
Every email and
telephone call I
receive from a family is
treated with complete
confidentiality.
It isn’t easy being
married to somebody
in the Forces – whether
Regular or Reserve –
and it’s even harder
when faced with long-
term separation and
uncertainty of what’s
going to happen or
where your soldier will be
sent next.
I would love to hear
from you, so please get in
touch at [email protected] n
LIKE many AFF staff, Hayley has lots of
experience of Army family life.
“I started off Army life living in a tent as
we weren’t married and therefore couldn’t
move into our quarter straight away,” she
said. “It was only for two weeks whilst I
started a new job but it happened to be
the wettest summer in history!
“I realised just how difficult life can be for
an Army spouse when my husband, Alec,
deployed to Afghanistan. The constant
worry about Alec and the struggle to
juggle my career and my little girl, Sydney,
was hard.
“Before I met Alec, I thought the Army
was just a job rather than a way of life.
“Shortly after moving to Dorset, I joined
AFF as the South West Co-ordinator and I
started understanding this unique lifestyle.
I would talk to spouses who were all
professionals in their previous lives, trying
to work out how they can fit their careers
around frequent postings and their
soldier’s irregular hours.“I understand how important it is for
Army families to feel as though they have
a voice, to know that they are not alone
and that they are listened to.”
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 41
@ArmyandYou42 Army&You autumn 2014
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www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 43
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED KINGDOM
WHEN the move was announced,
Unit Welfare Officer Maj Stephen
Fox and HIVE Information Officer
Vanessa Newton paid several visits
to their new location.
She said: “We visited schools, quarters and
communal facilities; took lots of photos, spoke with
the local authority and worked closely with the
local HIVE and NHS.
“All the information was put into moving packs
that are issued to families as soon as they get their
new address so they’re able to see what’s there.”
MOVING MADE EASY
Their united approach has certainly been
appreciated by families with many of you telling
AFF that: “It was all very straightforward and easy,”
and “I found the information on local places and
facilities useful.”
Vanessa splits her time between HIVEs in
different areas, so when she’s not around in North
Luffenham, families can access the specially
created noticeboards with photos, maps and
details on schools and quarters.
Families can also pick up hand-outs on things
like local bus timetables,” she added.
OVERCOMING HURDLES
Maj Fox said the biggest constraint is that the
regiment is moving over a year-long period.
“It’s a trickle feed which makes it more difficult to
manage,” he said. “We’re not moving into an empty
camp, so we have to wait until SFA is vacated. The
main frustration is there’s a difference between
the number of families who are moving and the
number of houses available!”
The unit has tried to move families with school-
aged children over holiday periods where possible.
“Although we’ve warned the receiving local
authorities of exactly how many children to expect
for each year group, they’re unable to save any
places,” said Maj Fox. “They can only deal with
each family on a case by case basis. It would help
us if addresses could be allocated sooner.”
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Both Maj Fox and Vanessa agree that becoming
familiar with the new area is key.
Vanessa said: “I would urge any information
officer to visit the area that families are moving to –
it was a godsend.
“We’ve linked with UWOs and HIVEs in Germany
to prepare packs for when families arrive here
in North Luffenham too. Our transition blog is
really useful as families in BFG can log in and
find out what to expect.”
Katherine Bangurah and Alison Hunt, AFF’s
local Co-ordinators for the two areas have also
been involved.
Katherine says: “It’s great to see units and the
community support agencies such as HIVE, coming
together to make things work.” n
Families from 16 Regt RA are currently relocating from North Luffenham in Rutland to Thorney Island, Hampshire. We take a closer look at how the Unit Welfare Office and HIVE have worked together to keep those involved as well informed and supported as possible…
Managing moves
Concerned about rebasing? AFF is here
to help! Find your local Co-ordinator
or Specialist on page four
❝❞
Questions to the top
AFF: Why are injured soldiers
being failed so badly when
facing medical discharge in
Germany?
GOC BFG: It has been
recognised that not all soldiers
preparing for a medical
discharge have been afforded
the support they and their
families should have received;
steps have been taken to
ensure that this does not
happen again.
In Germany, all soldiers
who are sick at home are
placed on the Wounded
Injured and Sick Management
Information System.
This system is reviewed
by the Personnel Recovery
Unit every 28 days, which
then engages with units to
review all cases and provide
expert advice.
Can you look into driving
lessons for dependants?
The MOD can conduct military
driving tests in Germany but
unfortunately this does not
apply to dependants.
Dependants can take a
Theory Test in BFG, however
you will still have to complete
the practical training and test
in the UK.
If you wanted to obtain a
German National Licence
you could do this through
a German driving school at
your own expense. If you
pass, it can be exchanged for
a UK licence.
Can dependants be
employed in staff jobs in
BFG if they have the right
experience?
I am committed to offering
employment to dependants
where appropriate.
There will be opportunities to
secure civilian contracts until
particular stations close.
This will give opportunities
to those who wish to settle in
Germany to secure work in
their chosen location, albeit in
the short-term.
I understand that spousal
employment is important, but
unaccompanied service may
also be a lifestyle choice as
the future Army will be based
in the UK and the future
is geared towards greater
stability.
Can those who wish to
remain in Germany stay?
This is not that simple; there
must be a position for that
individual and they must have
Major General John Henderson, General Officer Commanding British Forces Germany, is responsible for all the services we use in Germany, similar to a UK local authority. Diane Weir, AFF Director Germany, was invited to Maj Gen Henderson’s office in Bielefeld and we asked families living in BFG for your questions. Here’s what she found out on your behalf…
Pic
ture
s: M
aj W
en
dy
Fa
ux,
Bri
tish
Cro
wn
co
pyr
igh
t
@ArmyandYou44 Army&You autumn 2014
GERMANY
I am committed to do all I can to improve
the lot of those serving in Germany, right up to the end
GOC BFG
❝❞
GERMANY
the right skill set.
If individuals express a
desire to continue to serve in
Germany the correct way to
do this is through a posting
preference proforma via their
chain of command.
There will be no guarantee
as there may be more than
one application for the
same post and a board will
identify the most appropriate
candidate.
All applications will be based
on their merits and where
possible will allow personnel
to remain in Germany.
A family of four is entitled to
three Get You Home journeys
per person. Would it be
possible for one person to
use more than three from the
twelve?
The aim of the allowance is to
reduce separation from close
family, friends and the UK
lifestyle that results from an
overseas posting.
It cannot be transferred to
family members, including
children at boarding school
in the UK, because it is
inconsistent with the aim of
the allowance.
A case has been put to the
MOD for a more flexible use
of GYH journeys to assist an
increased number of return
trips to the UK by personnel.
Once we have their decision
we will let you know.
If we sign to say it will be our
last move out of SFA, why
can’t we have the move to
our own home paid for?
Not everyone’s situation is the
same and the regulations do
not apply to all.
I advise you to seek advice
from your unit admin office.
The right to removals paid
for at public expense is
through an assignment
order, although we do
have instances in
which we can
move families earlier for
example medical, welfare or
compassionate circumstances
which can be at public
expense; at any other time it is
at your own expense.
Can we use our last fuel
coupons on the drive home
to the UK?
Fuel coupons may only be
used for BFG-registered
vehicles.
We have recently
improved the
service to the
BFG community, including
the ability to de-register your
vehicle and re-register for
UK use prior to departing
Germany.
I would argue that this is
more beneficial to families
than the use of fuel coupons
for their last trip.
My recommendation is to
fill your car up before you de-
register it. n
From the top: AFF Director Germany Diane Weir poses your questions to Maj Gen John Henderson, General Officer Commanding British Forces Germany
Pic
ture
: D
om
inic
Kin
g, B
ritis
h C
row
n C
op
yrig
ht
autumn 2014 Army&You 45
If you have a question on Army family life in BFG, do get in touch with AFF Germany at [email protected]
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www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 47
Adaptations – what you need to knowAre you moving back to the UK? Do you require additional needs adaptions to your Service Families Accommodation? If so, here’s what you need to know…
TO MAKE your
return as stress-
free as possible, it’s
important to follow
these steps so that DIO can
find the most suitable quarter
for your needs:
l Inform the HASC Manager
as soon as you can
l An occupational therapist
(OT) or medical report will
always be required and in
some instances will need
to be assessed in the SFA
you’re potentially moving to
l If moderate- to high-level
works are required, an OT
may need to assess you in
the new quarter. You could
be entitled to funding for the
return journey for this
l There are waiting lists for
local authority OTs, so you
may need to access one
through DIO/MHS; discuss
with the Housing Manager
l Don’t book your removals
or move-out unless you have a
confirmed date for move-in – it
can take some time
l A suitable quarter should
be identified within 15 days.
Once design is agreed and
finance approved, works
should be completed within
12 weeks
l If you need to move
before the move-in date,
speak to your Unit Welfare
Officer or chain of command.
You can find the ANA SFA
process at www.aff.org.uk n
IN BRIEF
WILL there be school places for my
children back in the UK? Why can’t
quarters be allocated sooner? Will
there be enough quality teachers
left in Germany? How will we
preserve community spirit in BFG?
Come to AFF’s Germany
Roadshows and get your questions
answered. Find one near you:
★ 30 Sep: Fallingbostel-
Hectors, St Barbara’s Barracks,
Fallingbostel
★ 30 Sep: Hohne-Bergen
Community Centre, Seymour,
Bergen
★ 1 Oct: Tigers Den, Barker
Barracks, Paderborn
★ 2 Oct: Club 47, Princess Royal
Barracks, Gütersloh
Go to www.aff.org.uk for timings
and more info.
IF you are in Germany, visit www.
patient-wise.de to get information
on accessing health services in
your area, 24/7.
Concerned? Contact housing@
aff.org.uk or additionalneeds@
aff.org.uk
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@ArmyandYou48 Army&You autumn 2014
The SHAPE of things to comeOVERSEAS
IT WAS really useful
to compare SHAPE
families’ views to those
of you in other locations
like Cyprus and Canada.
Many of your concerns
apply to anywhere
overseas and raising them
enables us to lobby for
change on your behalf.
MONEY MATTERS
Many families told us that their
Disturbance Allowance did
not cover the expense of their
move: “It might be sufficient
within the UK, but it is not if you
are leaving British shores.”
Those with children at
boarding school in the UK
said that three funded return
journeys per year were not
enough. Families can
be out of pocket if they
want to see their children
more than three times in
12 months. See Postbag,
page 66.
DOES THE COVENANT
COUNT?
We hear lots of talk
but not much action on
what the Armed Forces
Covenant can do if you’re
posted overseas. For example,
a spouse in SHAPE was refused
yearly travel insurance because
she lived overseas.
She quoted the
Covenant to the company
but it made no difference.
Another family were
refused a mobile phone
contract for their son at
boarding school because
they had a BFPO address.
These are disadvantages
that families would not
face in the UK. Our Covenant
Liaison, Julie Lowe, will raise
these issues with policy
makers, so let us know if
you’ve had similar problems at
FINDING WORK
Many spouses had given up
work or taken career breaks to
accompany their soldier. There
were jobs in SHAPE but they
were low-skilled; this echoes
other overseas postings.
DENTAL ISSUES
The lack of on-site
orthodontic treatment is a
frustration to many locations
where there is a relatively
small community. AFF’s
Health Specialist, Karen
Ross ([email protected].
uk) is monitoring this.
Wherever you are, contact
us about Army life abroad at
Many of you have made recommendations to AFF about how overseas postings can be made more attractive for families. We are working to help make improvements in these areas:
✔ Spousal employment and training support ✔ Get you home package – more than one per year for families in far-flung locations
✔ Disturbance Allowance – to be increased when families posted outside the UK ✔ Armed Forces Covenant – better understanding of how it applies overseas✔ Fair weighting – overseas posts add value to your soldier’s career as in the UK
✔ A minimum level of information available in all areas pre-posting ✔ Childcare – explore alternatives where there are no childcare settings
✔ Local Overseas Allowance – to ensure it genuinely covers the cost of living overseas
Earlier this year, AFF Overseas Director Phil Robertson and Germany Director Diane Weir visited SHAPE, NATO’s Europe headquarters in Belgium. A&Y chatted with Phil about the issues they encountered…
THE OVERSEAS OFFER
DID you know that some Cyprus
postings are to the island’s
capital Nicosia?
As well as the six-month op
tour known as OP TOSCA,
personnel and their families can
also be posted to UN BRITCON.
AFF and the HIVE held a couple
of forums with families recently
to get a feel for life in Nicosia.
Generally you told us that you
were enjoying your time there,
but you did raise some issues.
Concerns ranged from housing
repairs to a lack of transport
and confusion over claiming
allowances. Those of you with
children at boarding school
would like more help with getting
your child to an airport when
travelling to back to Cyprus.
CONNECTING FAMILIES
Although support in Nicosia is
good, the fact that there are
only a few families means
it can feel isolated. It’s
the perfect example
of why AFF has
recruited a
volunteer in this
area!
Rachel Rees-
Hughes can help
by keeping you
updated on AFF’s
work, reporting issues
to the AFF Cyprus team and
publicising our events.
With Army families spread all
over the world it can be difficult
to know where to go for support,
so if you’d like to become an
AFF volunteer in your overseas
location, contact us by email at
If you are in Nicosia and could
do with some support, contact
AFF Cyprus at [email protected]
IN BRIEF
IN THE LOOP
Picture: Sgt Emily Langer, DEU Army
OVERSEAS
FOLLOWING a successful trial in Canada, a new
counselling service has been launched to
support Army families, no matter where
you are.
Army spouse and qualified counsellor,
Cat Williams, offers support via
telephone or Skype.
So if you’re struggling to cope with
relationship problems, anxiety or the
challenges of living overseas, you can
chat to someone who’s had first-hand
experience of Army life.
Cat’s “Stay Calm and Content” service
has been endorsed for families living in
Ralston, Canada, where the medical centre
will cover the costs via a “prescription” for the
initial six sessions.
Her focus has been to help people recognise
their own achievements in coping with the
challenges of moving and living in BATUS.
She says: “Once a person’s confidence
increases they become more able to find
their own resources to cope with the
challenges they’re facing.”
UNIQUE LIFESTYLE
One of Cat’s clients said it helped
to talk to someone who is familiar
with military life: “At first I wasn’t too
sure about telling another person my
problems however, Cat understands.
“She’s aware of the challenges and
issues a lot of families experience
here and has helped build my
confidence back.”
Another added: “Having a counsellor
here in BATUS has been a lifeline in this remote
overseas posting.”
Contact Cat to see if funding might
be available in your area. Email cat@
staycalmandcontentcom, call 07799641347 or visit
www.staycalmandcontent.com n
Something on your mind?
HELPING HAND: Army spouse and qualified counsellor Cat Williams offers support online and by telephone
autumn 2014 Army&You 35www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 49
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www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 53
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
Gurkha get-together
WE ANSWERED lots of questions
about the new minimum income
requirement, how to apply for
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR),
citizenship and the options available when your
soldier leaves the Army.
Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) was a hot topic for
the Nepalese families based in Shorncliffe as many
of them were granted this visa on entry to the UK
from Brunei and were concerned they needed to
apply for ILR.
HELP FOR FAMILIES
Gurkha soldiers are not able to apply for
citizenship whilst they are still serving but as a
spouse, you’re eligible once you have ILR/E and
meet the requirements.
This includes taking the Life in the UK and English
Language test, as well as being in the UK on the
first day of the five-year qualifying period.
The good news is that children of Gurkha families
are now eligible to apply for citizenship once the
spouse has been granted.
STRONG FEELINGS
At Deepcut, one of your main concerns was the
minimum income
requirement,
which was
introduced in
December 2013
for soldiers
wishing to bring
dependants to the
UK or switch their
spouse onto a
dependant visa.
Many of you
were angry
about the level of
income required,
especially those
soldiers who had
enlisted before
the rules changed.
COMING TO A
TOWN NEAR YOU
We’re planning to visit more areas in the future, so
if you’d like us to give a presentation where you
live, speak to your local AFF Co-ordinator – www.
aff.org.uk – or your unit welfare officer.
Do we have to apply for ILR
once in the UK if we have ILE?
No. The guidance states
that “ILE carries the same
entitlement as Indefinite
Leave to Remain”. The
confusion arises because the
visa still has an expiry date,
which is a requirement for
visas issued overseas, but
you can ignore this.
Do I have to transfer the ILE
to my new passport?
No. You can carry both your
old and new passports when
travelling to or from the UK
instead. If you don’t wish to
do this or if you’re having
problems with employers
who do not understand
the rules, you can apply
for a Biometric Residence
Permit costing £104, which
will replace your visa. Go to
www.gov.uk/transfer-visa
What is the minimum income
requirement?
£18,600 if you don’t have
any children, £22,400 if you
have one child and an extra
£2,400 for each additional
child. It still applies if your
soldier is a British citizen.
Can we meet the
requirement in other ways?
Yes, you can include savings
and income from property or
investments, but you need to
have more than £16,000 in
savings.
What about Foreign and
Commonwealth soldiers who
are single parents?
If you have sole responsibility
for your child you don’t need
to meet the minimum income
requirement to bring them to
the UK.
What can you do if you don’t
meet the requirement?
Send your details to the F&C
team. We’re working with an
immigration solicitor about
the possibility of raising a
legal challenge to these
rules. Contact us via the F&C
pages on the AFF website or
email [email protected]
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Following changes to immigtation and nationality law, AFF has been on the road visiting camps around the country. With Shorncliffe in Kent among the many stops , F&C Specialist Katherine Houlston reveals that citizenship concerns topped families’ agendas...
Children of Gurkha families are now eligible to apply for citizenship
❝❞
@ArmyandYou54 Army&You autumn 2014
GIVEAWAYSGet set for autumn with this issue’s selection of cool competitions!
HOW TO ENTERClick the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk and follow the links. One entry per household per giveaway. Closing date for entries is 12
October 2014. See page four for competition rules.Your information will not be used for marketing purposes. Winners’ names are published on the Army&You website.
✎
EXTRA GRIP FOR YOUR LITTLE CRAWLER
CAITHNESS Glass, a division of
Dartington, is one of the
world’s premier names
in glass paperweights
and gifts.
Each and
every piece is a
unique work of
art individually
handcrafted by the
skilled makers in
the Crieff Factory in
Scotland.
To mark the centenary
of the First World War, this
stunning poppy paperweight has
been designed as part of a series of
remembrance pieces.
It’s crafted with black
and red powder colours
pushed up inside the
clear glass in the
shape of a poppy,
with rich heather
coloured glass
melted in behind.
Take a look at the
full range at www.
caithnessglass.co.uk
Enter our competition
to win a poppy paperweight,
worth £42.
CREATED by single dad-of-two and
serving soldier Matt Bolton, Crawlerz is an
innovative new UK brand.
Recently shortlisted for “Best New
Product to Market 2014”, its range of
rompers with incorporated anti-slip safety
grip support your baby’s development by
providing extra grip on slippy floors.
Visit www.crawlerz.co.uk and discover
what the expanding range
has to offer.
We have three
£30 vouchers up
for grabs.
Don’t let
this exciting
chance slip
away!
Crystal clear
WHETHER you’re a novice or
amateur enthusiast, Jessops
Academy offers a wide choice
of courses across the UK from
beginner to specialist levels to help
you get the best from your camera.
It’s a great gift idea as well as
the perfect way to
improve your own
photography skills.
Courses are run by Jessops’
highly-experienced team
of trainers, all outstanding
photographers in their own right.
Each course lasts a full day (10am-
4pm) and prices start from just
£119, or £79 when bought with any
camera, lens or flashgun.
For a full list of courses and
venues, go to www.jessops.com/
academy
You could win a photography
course to the value of £149
(excluding wedding photography)
with Army&You.
Become a photo pro
GIVEAWAYS
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 55
IF you love traditional toys then marble runs,
by Quercetti, are for you!
A favourite for generations, promoting
creativity and logical reasoning, now your
little ones can enjoy these fabulous sets.
There are eight different designs to
choose from, each offering hours of fun
experimenting with interlocking chutes,
bridges, pillars, and spinning wheels.
Visit www.
kindtoys.co.uk
today and get the
marbles rolling!
Army&You is
giving away a
marble run worth
£38 to one lucky
winner.
PERFECT for getting your youngster’s style and
imagination flowing; Skribbies customisable-footwear
can be drawn on over and over again thanks to their
unique wipe clean surface.
These trendy high-tops have a shiny white surface so
your child can alter the look of their shoes as often as
they like.
Create unique designs using the magic ink pens and
funky monster stickers included; simply draw-wipe-
draw to create a different pair of shoes every day!
Available in a selection of colours and sizes;
visit skribbies.com today and feed your little one’s
imagination.
Army&You has teamed up with Skribbies to
give away a pair of these cool shoes, worth
£39.95; enter for your chance to win these
creative kickers!
WHETHER you’re settling in for
a weekend breakfast, enjoying
a welcome coffee break from
shopping, dining with friends or
treating the little ones – giraffe is
the ideal destination.
Freshly-made and reasonably-
priced, giraffe’s menu has
something to suit every taste.
Dishes vary from comforting
classics and familiar sandwiches,
stir-fries and salads to around-the-world-plates with a ‘giraffe’ twist for
culinary explorers.
Service personnel can get 25 per cent off food all day Mondays to Fridays and
after 6pm Sundays at giraffe with a valid ID or Forces discount card. Find your
nearest restaurant at www.giraffe.net
You could dine out on Army&You as we have two £50 vouchers for giraffe to
give away.
Skribbies: inspired by little artists
MARVELLOUS MARBLESGet down to giraffe
LOOK at this gorgeous Stronger Together
bracelet from the Military Wives Choirs.
Designed by Claudia Bradby Jewellery
and made of cultured pearls and silk
ribbon, the bracelet features the MWC
logo on a sterling silver charm.
Five pounds from each sale is donated
to the Military Wives Choirs Foundation,
which provides funding and support
for individual choirs and national
projects. Order your bracelet,
priced £36, at www.
claudiabradby.com
Army&You has
two bracelets to
give away.
SYMBOL OF STRENGTH
FOR Exemplary Bravery, by Nick
Metcalfe MBE QGM, is the
only book about the Queen’s
Gallantry Medal (QGM) and its
recipients.
It gives a fascinating history
of the UK’s non-combatant
gallantry award, as well as the
design of the medal and how
it is made.
Filled with stories of extraordinary
bravery, every one of the 1,044
recipients are included along
with personal recollections and
some never-before-published
records. Read more about
this captivating book at www.
queensgallantrymedal.co.uk
For your chance to win one
of two copies of this thought-
provoking title, worth £55, don’t
miss out, enter today.
Brilliant bravery book
A&Y BOOK CLUB
@ArmyandYou56 Army&You autumn 2014
HOW IT WORKS
1. GET SOCIAL
It doesn’t matter whether you want to join an existing club, form your own or enlist family members – the first step in taking part in the A&Y Book Club is to gather fellow readers!
2. PICK YOUR BOOK
Once you’ve got your group together, decide
which of this quarter’s titles (right)you want to focus on.
You can pick one or read
them all – the choice is yours.
3. START THE DEBATE
When you have all finished reading, it’s time to start talking! Decide on a venue, get some drinks and nibbles in and turn up armed with your copy of the book and any questions or comments. Use the list of key themes to get you started, but try to let the discussion be led by your opinions.
4. SHARE
Whatever your group’s conclusions, we want to hear them! Contact us
via Twitter (@Armyand You), Facebook (Armyand
You) or email (books@
armyandyou.co.uk) and tell us what you thought. We will publish a selection of your comments online and in the next issue.
KE
Y T
HE
ME
S
It’s very rare for women to
become solicitors in the 1920s
and Evelyn Gifford is one
of only a handful. A clever,
talented and intelligent woman,
she takes on intriguing cases in
the face of relentless sexism.
Independent women with more
opportunities than women
pre-First World War; morality
and defending those without a
voice; sexism in the workplace;
love – balancing ambition with
expectation.
According to the author,
Evelyn’s “understanding
of every issue provides
rich territory and embroils
the reader in a tumultuous
interweaving of the various
strands of her life”.
From brothels to banquet
rooms, The Fair Fight is a
raucous and intoxicating
tale of courage, revenge and
female boxing set in Bristol in
1799. This is historical fiction
at its very best.
Women trapped by
circumstance and society’s
rules who strive to find
independence; ownership;
wealth – men with money
vs the men and women
beholden to them.
This story takes the reader
straight to the sounds and
smells of the Bristol streets.
As the author puts it “women
were out there beating each
other up on stage whilst Jane
Austen was sipping tea”.
Set in Northern Ireland, this
acclaimed debut novel by
Michele Forbes tells the story
of Katharine, who is caught
between the steady, reliable
love of George and the
passion of Tom.
The power of loss and
absence; motherhood and
maternal love; the Belfast
Troubles.
Ghost Moth has been hailed
by Sebastian Barry as “a
stellar debut” and “triumphant
story”, and described by
Roddy Doyle as “clever,
unpredictable, beautifully-
written and crafted”.
SY
NO
PS
ISW
HY
TH
IS?
Words with friendsWelcome to the A&Y Book Club. Each quarter we will be suggesting
three titles for you to read and discuss. You can take part with an existing group, start a new one with military or civilian friends or even
make this a family activity. Pick a book from the selection below and follow the step-by-step guide on the left.
TITLE:
The Woman in the Picture
AUTHOR:
Katharine McMahon
PUBLISHER
Weidenfeld & Nicolson
TITLE:
The Fair Fight
AUTHOR:
Anna Freeman
PUBLISHER
Weidenfeld & Nicolson
TITLE:
Ghost Moth
AUTHOR:
Michéle Forbes
PUBLISHER
Phoenix
DE
TA
ILS
Readers of Army&You can order copies of The Woman in the Picture for the special price of £10.99
(rrp £12.99) by calling 01903 828503 and quoting ref no: PB107; The Fair Fight for £10.99 (rrp £12.99)
by quoting ref no: PB106; and Ghost Moth for £6.99 (rrp £7.99) by quoting ref no: PB108. UK postage
and packing is free, for overseas add £1.60.
ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
HAVING been given
a warm welcome
from the owners,
I approached our
“Frills tent” with trepidation,
following in the wake of my
galloping children.
I was delighted to find beds
already made up with billowing
duvets and crisp white linen,
fluffy towels, running water, a
WC and, best of all, hot water
shower and hot tub.
I was impressed by my
husband’s prowess in building
a fire outside the Safari tent
with a glorious view over the
lake and lighting the stove
inside while the boys decided
which of the beds they were
going to have.
All tents come with a double,
a set of bunk beds and the fun
cupboard bed, suitable for one
adult or two children.
After slinging up the
hammock found in the
Discovery tent and having a
meal, we sat relaxed around
the campfire, fresh air filling
our lungs, listening to the
sheep and cows in the fields
as the sun set over the trees
and we planned our adventure
for the following day.
After an exquisitely restful
sleep, the morning cuppa took
a little longer than usual on
the stove (all logs and kindling
are provided), but we used the
time collecting pine cones and
watching geese on the lake
before walking to hire a boat
for a day on the water and an
adventure in the woods.
A trip up to the manor house
to the Apple Store café during
your stay is an absolute
must for handsome cake
portions, afternoon tea or their
doorstop cheese on toast with
homemade chutney. Cakes
are baked by the lady of the
manor and there is a large
area for the kids to play.
If you want to get “off
garrison” and back-to-basics
with some home comforts, this
is the place for you. I am fully
converted – sign me up for the
next trip! n
l www.featherdown.co.uk
IF the thought of sleeping on lumpy ground in the outdoors fills you with dread, Army spouse Carla Glynn has a clever solution; Feather Down Farms “Glamping”. Army&You’s guest reviewer stayed at the Country Retreat Wyresdale in Lancashire with her husband, Wayne, and two young sons…
Happy glampers
GET INVOLVED! Want to write a review for Army&You? Send an email to [email protected] for more details.
GLAMPING ESSENTIALS
This light source is ideal for camping, caravaning and more.
LED Storm Lantern
The stove’s powerful Xcelerate technology ensures high performace and fast boiling and
also features two burners and an additional infrared grill that is perfect for toasting.
Campingaz 400 ST Stove
Everything you need for civilised alfresco dining! The
Summerhouse Picnic Pack has a built-in coolbag, detachable bottle holder, blanket, cutlery and crockery.
Summerhouse Four-Person Picnic Pack
This classy hammock has easy-folding steel frames and strong polyester fabric. It also
comes with a carrybag for easy storage and portability.
Perfect for camping, a garden party or day out at the beach.
Outwell MiramarSummer Hammock
One of the easiest SoulPad tents to pitch, it holds its
shape well and looks great every time.
Outwell MiramarSoulPad 4000-Ease Tent
All items available from Cotswold Outdoor (www.
cotswoldoutdoor.com) with a 15 per cent Armed
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*NO
T T
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www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 57
WHAT connections do you
have with the Army?
My father and mother met
when they were both serving
with the Army Medical Corps
in Burma and that meant there
was always an appreciation of
the military in our household.
When you are growing up,
your view of the Army can
be considerably tainted or
strengthened by your parents
and mine appreciated it
enormously. I personally found
the mixture of discipline and
creativity very interesting.
I was then in charge of the
Cadet Corps at my school.
When CCF loomed, half of your
friends spent an age thinking
how they could get out of it,
but I just took it seriously and
thought how I could get the
most out of it. I enjoyed my
time, although I did once aim
a pistol at a visiting general on
the bluffs at Canterbury where
we did a lot of our training!
My brother was in the
Coldstream Guards and served
for three tours in Northern
Ireland. He is still in contact
with them now and uses them
with youth clubs he is involved
with. He finds that if he can
get the RSM to give the kids
a day of hard yakka it can be
amazing how many of them it
can have a positive effect on.
How did you get into the
world of wine?
I fell into it – as much as
anything it was a desire to find
sex! I went to university with
very few shillings in my pocket,
but having read too much
Evelyn Waugh I was convinced
that the life of gilded youth was
mine for the taking.
I thought music and acting
might be an option, but there
was also a wine society which
was subsidised.
For £2 per term I
could go to four
tastings and take
a guest to each
one and I thought
that being
sophisticated
about wine
would be a
great way
to attract
women.
My first
date was with a girl
called Francesca. I
put on my best t-shirt and jeans
and she turned up with green
clothes, green sequins on her
face and green body paint on
pretty much all of the rest of
her. We arrived at the tasting to
be met by a man in a pinstriped
suit and a room full of more
people in suits and Francesca
probably thought she had
been set up.
I didn’t get a second
date from any of
my first four
tastings,
but I can
still recall
the first
evening
when
they
brought the
last wine out.
EXPECTATIONSGRAPE
Army&You talks cadets, courting and Chianti with world-renowned wine expert Oz Clarke
@ArmyandYou58 Army&You autumn 2014
It was a Bordeaux from 1962
and to this day I can remember
the flavours. There was this
amazing smell of cigar boxes
and blackcurrant and I found
myself thinking that I should
take this seriously.
It was from there that I met my
good friend Charles Metcalfe
and between us we tried to get
all of the “hoorays” out of the
wine tasting society.
I had played county cricket,
and Oxford hockey, but there
was always someone better
than me. I eventually decided
that becoming an expert wine
taster was the way to go.
Did you ever think of working
for a wine producer?
People were asking if I wanted
to join the wine trade, but it
didn’t appeal to me. It was
badly paid, old-fashioned and
filled with the sons of the minor
gentry. Instead, I went off and
became an actor and singer.
It was while I was doing a
performance of Dracula in
Sheffield that Charles got in
touch and said there was an
English wine-tasting team
and that I should join up. I
had to ask the director for an
afternoon off from rehearsals
so that I could travel down to
London and taste wine. It was
probably the only time he has
ever had that request!
I got in to the team and we
threw out a challenge that
we would go around the
world, competing in different
countries and tasting their own
wines. We went to Germany,
France, Italy the USA – and we
kept winning.
Because I was acting at the
time, the newspapers loved it
and there were always front
pages of me celebrating our
wins in whichever role I was
in. There was one picture of
me holding a glass of wine
as General Perón in Evita –
probably the last time I wore a
military uniform!
Can anyone be a wine
connoisseur?
Most of us can do it if we are
able to tell the difference
between a good cup of tea
and a bad one or a Costa and
a Starbucks coffee. You could
even do it if you can tell the
difference between a banana
and a haddock!
Some people have bad
palates and will find it difficult,
but that’s not the case with the
majority. If you have an interest
in flavours you can have a go
at wine tasting.
The real ability is to be able to
put it all into words – that isn’t
easy and it’s something that
some of the best wine tasters
struggle with.
Does a higher price guarantee
a higher-quality wine?
It’s not a case of the more you
spend, the better the wine.
You should be able to get
good stuff at low-end prices –
supermarkets do own-brand
bottles for around £5, so it’s
worth looking at Beaujolais and
Temperanillos.
If I can make one plea to
your readers it would be to
avoid the half-price offers that
supermarkets run where a
bottle will be sold for £5 rather
than £10. They might suggest
that the prices have been
dropped down, but in reality
they are artificial.
You’re better off going for an
own-label wine that doesn’t
have the marketing costs
associated with it.
How can you make the most
of your wine-buying buck?
I suggest looking at areas that
perhaps aren’t as popular as
the likes of Italy and France.
Consider a Hungarian or
Romanian wine and you might
find that the grapes are better
and you don’t have to pay extra
pounds because of where in
the world it is from.
Portugal is also not as popular
as it should be – the flavours
are excellent. A single-vineyard
Vinho Verde can be sharp,
snappy and tip-top.
If you buy a cheap bottle, you
might find that it’s a bit rough
– a £5 bottle of Chianti might
be thin, for example. But from
Spain you can get offers for
Riojas which, if you like it, you
can start trading up from a £6
to an £8 to a £12 bottle.
If you like sherry, it is one
of the cheapest wines on the
market despite being difficult
to produce. A proper one can
contain wine that is 10-15 years
old and cost as little as £10.
Tell us about the Three Wine
Men tour.
What we try to do is give the
public the kind of opportunity
that the three of us get several
times a week – to go into a
room full of wine producers
and taste an entire range of
wines with no pressure.
There are wines from every
corner of the world and the
people there are ordinary
drinkers who are used to going
to a supermarket or wine
merchant, getting a choice
of 10-12 wines and feeling
pressured into buying.
We offer 2-300 wines
from Romania, Croatia
and Macedonia through to
Australia, Chile, France and
Italy. All we ask is that you
come with a open mind and
overcome any prejudices by
trying something you perhaps
had never thought of before.
There’s an air of social
pretension and nervousness
about wine and I have always
tried to stop that. With Three
Wine Men, you can go in
unthreatened and try any wine
you want – that is the reason
people are there. I haven’t
come across a single person
who felt out of their depth and
it’s really like being invited to a
big party.
What is your favourite tipple?
Right now I might say a Bloody
Mary, but another time it could
be a New Zealand Sauvignon
Blanc or a juicy Rhone Valley
red. There is an astoundingly
good selection of ales available
at the moment and cider is
catching up too. It all depends
on lots of factors from your
mood to the weather. The
unpredictability of wine life is
what continues to thrill me –
life’s too interesting to always
tread the same path. n
THREE WINE MEN:
Oz Clarke (far left),
Tim Atkin and Olly
Smith are on a mission
to bring wine tasting
to the masses with
their popular tour.
WIN: A DATE WITHTHE THREE WINE MEN
Fancy a festive tipple? Come and join the Three Wine Men this November and December for a sensational wine-tasting
experience.Oz, Olly and Tim are on a
mission to get us enjoying new wines alongside delicious food.
Whether you’re an expert, enthusiast or just enjoy the
occasional slurp – grab a glass and get tasting from the hundreds of
wines exhibited at the show.Visit www.threewinemen.co.uk for dates, venues and prices.
l Army&You has a pair of tickets worth £50 for the Christmas tasting taking place in either
Manchester or London.To be in with a chance of
winning, follow the instructions on page 54 stating your preferred venue or log on to the Army&You
website at www.armyandyou.co.ukEntrants must be 18 or over and
usual rules apply.
ARMY&ME
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 59
At Cotswold Outdoor we know that time with the family is precious.
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and equipment. Whether you are heading off to
the forest for a family walking trip or out to the lakes for the day, we have everything you need for your
next adventure.
Planning a day trip? We have some great
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Reflective jacket for children is a fully
waterproof and breathable jacket, perfect for helping the kids carry on enjoying
themselves even in the rain.
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www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 61
MOTORING REVIEW: CALIFORNIA SE
'Army&You took to the wheel of the California 2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion Techology 140 PS pictured below.
Design
Performance
Value
Overall rating
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WRITING objectively is
rarely easy but when
your subject matter
spares you the strife of
pitching a tent, provides a comfortable
seat in the sun and serves up a chilled
beer, it is nigh on impossible.
In short, those looking for a rounded
review of Volkswagen’s California SE
campervan should avert their gaze.
Easily influenced? Perhaps, but in
defence of this reluctant camper, there
is very little not to like about this next-
generation recreational vehicle.
Yes, the California’s squared
exterior lacks the charm of its classic
predecessor and its price tag of circa
£45,000 may leave some wincing, but
the act of sliding open the campervan’s
side door reveals an Aladdin’s cave of
design ingenuity.
While the most noticeable features
are those which set the California apart
from your average family runaround –
namely a kitchen complete with fridge,
gas cooker and sink; two double beds
and an electronically-powered pop-up
roof – it is the attention to detail and
hidden extras that really impress.
Volkswagen has utilised every inch
of space to deliver a practical and
comfortable vehicle in which to explore
the great outdoors. Integral window
blinds, deckchairs stowed in the rear
tailgate, cleverly-concealed tables
and cavernous cupboards combine to
create a clutter-free living area without
compromising on the necessities for a
weekend away.
Further enhancing the campervan’s
“glamping” credentials are a raft of hi-
tech extras. Spotlights and a striplight
provide illumination at night while
a programmable heating system –
running off its own battery – ensures
none of the California’s inhabitants will
be left shivering in their sleeping bags.
There is also an AC inverter with a
230V socket that can power electrical
equipment up to 150W without the
need to connect to the external mains
hook-up.
Those accustomed to the rigmarole
of roll mats and the risk of relationship
rifts that comes with unpacking and
repacking a tent will immediately
recognise the principal benefits of the
California as being the ease and speed
in which you can set up camp.
Within minutes of pulling on the
handbrake, the roof can be raised,
awning deployed and beds made.
Quite simply superb stationary,
the California is not short on quality
when it comes to hitting the road
either. Economical and surprisingly
maneuverable, it certainly beats taking
a “walk on a winter’s day”.
California dreamin’
MOTORING
@ArmyandYou62 Army&You autumn 2014
DID YOU KNOW? Army&You’s Twitter feed – @ArmyandYou – is a great place to access the latest news from across the military family.
RETAIL THERAPY
VIEWERS of Dragon’s Den may recognise the cute line-up of cuddly creatures below as the BoBo Buddies. Aside from their obvious good looks, each of the adorable animals is actually a
children’s backpack containing a cosy blanket for your little one to wrap up in.
From Raffy the giraffe to Mungo the monkey, each BoBo Buddy is fitted with elastic straps to make them easily wearable on your young one’s back, while the soft tummy can be used as a
pillow when sleep comes calling.
Buddys costs £24.95 and the range also includes toddler backpacks with reins (£19.95) and BoBo Blankies (£11.95). Find out more at bobobuddies.com
BEST BUDDIES
BRITISH brand Cuties and Pals’
colourful suitcases and backpacks
provide the perfect solution for
coordination-conscious children.
The Cuties in question, including
Cazbi the Bee, Pupster the
Dalmation and Chico the Chick
(pictured below), adorn options
such as hard-shell suitcases and
school backpacks. Prices range
from £5.99 for a string bag to
£69.99 for a hard-shell.
l www.cutiesandpals.co.uk
COOL CARRIERS
Sleep in styleFED up with battling flat-pack furniture
that comes with nonsense instructions,
missing pieces and assembly techniques
that would put an engineer to the test?
If so, Legare’s new range of Easy Fit
Kids’ Beds may be the just the ticket.
Available in fun themes including surfing,
princesses and frogs, each of the beds
can be put together in just three minutes
– and best of all, no tools are required!
The incredibly-strong tab/slot design
is the secret behind the quick assembly,
while the lack of screws means the beds
can be disassembled with just as little fuss
– perfect for Army families on the move.
l For more information, visit
www.cuckooland.com
£279£279£299
RECIPES
METHOD
Place the meat in a hot pan and
brown all over, then add flour, mix
well and add the sliced onion and
carrot. Cook for five minutes
then add the beer, chicken
stock and fresh thyme.
Place in an ovenproof
dish and lay sliced
potatoes on the top
until all the meat
is covered with
potatoes. Place in
a hot oven – 180°C
– for about 15
minutes or until
the potatoes turn
golden brown.
Reduce oven
temperature to
120°C and continue
cooking for 60 to
90 minutes or until
the meat is tender
and the potatoes are
cooked through.
For the braised red
cabbage, mix all the
ingredients together and
marinate for six hours. Place in a
pan and cook with the lid on until
soft and tender.
FOR THE HOTPOT
B 1kg lamb neck
and shoulder, diced
B 1 onion, finely
sliced
B 2 carrots, peeled
and finely sliced
B 1 can ale,
preferably
Lancashire brewed
B 1 litre chicken
stock
B 3 tbsp flour to
coat meat
B Sprig of thyme
B 5 large peeled
and sliced potatoes
SERVES: 6 l PREP TIME: 2 HOURS
FOR THE
RED CABBAGE
B 300g red
cabbage,
finely sliced
B 90g water
B 80g balsamic
vinegar
B 6 tbsp
red wine
B 12 cloves
B 1 onion,
finely sliced
B 2 bay leaves
B 80g sugar
Lancashire hotpot with braised red cabbage
autumn 2014 Army&You 63www.armyandyou.co.uk
Recipe by Michael Caines and
courtesy of Uniform Foodies
App, available now on iOS.
HOW many organisations does it take to
replace a fence panel? Apparently more
than the two currently involved – MHS
and DIO!
Various fence panels came down in
my garden over the winter storms. They
remain strewn across the lawn and the
ones at the front are particularly attractive
enhanced by the barbed wire keeping
them together. Without AFF, I would have
no idea where we are at with repairs as
neither DIO or MHS have bothered to
give me any updates.
Having chased MHS after 28 days had
come and gone, I was told they don’t
deal with storm damage and the request
for funding had been passed to DIO.
After another 28 days I contacted MHS
who looked at my file and noted that DIO
had refused funding. When I asked why,
they told me that my only access to that
information was by raising a stage one
complaint. Apparently DIO don’t talk to
customers about repair issues!
Thanks to AFF I was able to ascertain
that DIO and MHS are arguing about
whether my fence was in such a state
of disrepair that it would have fallen
down anyway. That argument has been
going on for almost five months! No one
has officially bothered to contact me to
update me. This is my home – even if it is
for a short while.
The lack of communication regarding
this whole issue is hugely disrespectful.
Name & address supplied
Response from Ann Marie Wilsdon,
Service Family Accommodation
Regional Manager (South East): There
were a number of incidents of major
damage to our estate last winter, some
of which severely affected properties and
caused potential risks to public safety.
While we were lucky to have been free
of the severe flooding that affected many
areas outside of the military estate, the
storms meant that we lost many trees
and damage was suffered to roofs and
buildings. This generated an increase in
requests for maintenance and repairs,
the majority of which were associated
with fences. Our staff on the ground and
on the helpdesks worked hard to absorb
the extra work caused by the storms
and we apologise to those who suffered
delays while we recovered from the
effects of the additional workload.
STAR LETTER
POSTBAG
On the fence
Get in touch – you don’t need to worry that it will affect your soldier’s career. Please include your name and address. They will not be published or revealed to anyone outside AFF without your permission.
The writer of this letter wins a £30 bouquet from Nursery Fresh Postal Flowers, to give or receive anywhere in mainland Britain. Nursery Fresh
offers discounts to Army personnel and their families.Beautiful presentation bouquets can be sent anywhere in the UK by overnight carrier via our secure online shop www.loveflower.co.uk
Log on to www.nurseryfresh.com to place your order or find out more.
CONTACT US
✎To have your say on the issues affecting you, send your letters to the Editor at [email protected]
Pic
ture
: A
fric
a S
tud
io
@ArmyandYou64 Army&You autumn 2014
A FRIEND of mine is now a Reservist
having previously been a Regular soldier.
I understand the Army’s need to reduce
manning costs, but having heard her
description of her most-recent training
weekend I am unconvinced that Reserve
soldiers will be trained to the same level
as Regular soldiers.
This concerns me as surely it must
affect the safety of all our soldiers not
just Reservists? Their three days training
consisted of meeting at 8pm on a
Friday evening, driving to the training
destination, having a run on the Saturday
followed by a unit dinner and leaving by
10am on Sunday.
She told me that they had to be let
home in time for Sunday lunch or “they
won’t come back again”.
Does the MOD seriously expect me
to believe that Reservist soldiers will be
trained to the same level as Regulars
and will be able to competently support
Regular soldiers if this is the case?
Name and address supplied
Response from Directorate Training
(Army): It is difficult to counter specific
comments without knowing the full
circumstances. However, as a matter
of general policy, Army Reserve unit
commanding officers are responsible
for meeting their unit’s mandated
military outputs.
Army Reservists’ individual
performance levels are measured
through the conduct of Military Annual
Training Tests (MATTs).
Failure to attend key training events
could both inhibit unit effectiveness
and lead to Reservists failing their
MATTs, thereby failing to qualify for the
Commanding Officer’s Certificate of
Efficiency.
When preparing to deploy, all
Reservists conduct additional – usually
Regular Army-led – mission-specific
training, which is validated before they
mobilise at RTMC, Chilwell.
During the last decade or so of
operations, particularly in Iraq and
Afghanistan, some 27,000 Reservists
have mobilised successfully to
serve alongside their Regular Army
counterparts – many for multiple tours
– performing their duties professionally
and effectively whilst sharing equally all
associated risks and dangers.
In the future, Army Reserve units will
integrate with Regular units, both in
the conduct of increasingly demanding
collective training and, when necessary,
in preparation for operations.
IS ARMY RESERVEUP TO SCRATCH?
VOTING ISN’T EASY
I’M grateful that the summer edition of
Army&You highlighted the need for people
to inform the electoral register if they
wish to vote in the upcoming Scottish
Referendum.
As a Scot married to a serving member
of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, I am
frustrated and disappointed by how difficult
the Scottish Government has made it for
me to have a vote.
We currently live in Shrivenham, but we’re
lucky that we have an address to nominate
in Scotland and I’m in the process of
changing my vote to a postal address using
our Scottish home address.
However, after more than ten years living
in Fallingbostel, some of my husband’s
colleagues no longer have an address they
could nominate in Scotland – they have
been too busy serving their country, but are
no less Scottish for it – and so will lose the
right to vote in September.
Please continue to highlight that people
can have a vote – postal, proxy or “Service
voter” – but that it might not be an easy
process.
Name and address supplied
Response from the Electoral
Commission: The rules around members
of the Armed Forces, or their spouse or
civil partner, registering to vote in Scotland
have not changed for the referendum and
you can register as an ordinary voter or a
Service voter in the usual way.
The way someone chooses to register
to vote will depend on their personal
circumstances but to register as an
ordinary voter they would need to be
resident at an address in Scotland.
They can register in Scotland as a
Service voter if they are resident at an
address in Scotland or they would have
been resident at an address in Scotland if
they or their spouse or civil partner were
not posted abroad.
As the voting age for the referendum
is 16 years old, special rules have been
put in place to enable 16- and 17-year-
olds to register to vote if they would be
living in Scotland if not for their parent or
guardian’s Service.
This registration is only valid for the
referendum. The deadline to register is
2 September.
Go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk for
more information.
www.armyandyou.co.uk autumn 2014 Army&You 65
POSTBAG
SAFE AND SECURE
WE live in married quarters where
there have been a significant number
of break-ins recently, especially in
garages and sheds.
This morning we found that the lock
on the back door to our garage is no
longer working and this means that
the door cannot be locked and won’t
stay shut.
When I reported the problem to MHS
I was offered an appointment in two
days’ time.
When I pointed out that this would
leave our garage unsecured, I was
told that we should only keep a car
or motorbike in the garage and if we
chose to keep other possessions in
there, that was our choice.
While I understand that repairs have
to be prioritised, surely it is unrealistic
to say that garages should only be
used for a car or motorbike.
Where else are we to store a
lawnmower or garden tools?
Name & address supplied
Reply from DIO: We’re sorry to hear
of this problem. Though it may seem
like a long time to wait, this work has
been classed as an urgent repair
and maintenance providers have
responded well within the required
timescale for this category of work.
Lawnmowers and other equipment
may be stored in garages but doing so
is at the owner’s risk.
Cause for concern?: A Reservist during training at Middle Wallop
Pic
ture
: P
ete
r D
avi
es,
Mo
D
X-FACTOR, the additional element
of a soldier’s pay provided for the
inconveniences of Service life, is a
magician’s hat – with many things
seemingly included. I would be grateful for
answers to the following questions:
l What percentage of X-Factor is
accounted for by spousal employment?
Has this percentage increased between
1990-2014? Is a married person paid more
X-Factor than a single person?
l The Navy and RAF do not have directed
postings, the Army does – does this mean
that we receive more X-Factor for this
considerably greater inconvenience?
A decent spousal income is a necessity.
It’s time to make the X-Factor a separate
allowance, with significantly more being
paid to those posted overseas. There
seems to be too many inconsistencies to
make its calculation believable.
Name & address supplied
Response from PS10 (Army): The
X-Factor is a percentage increase to
the military salary of Service personnel,
intended to reflect the differences
experienced by members of the Armed
Forces over a full career and in civilian
life, which cannot be taken directly into
account in assessing pay comparability.
X-Factor is reviewed by the Armed
Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) every
five years, comparing the conditions for
Forces personnel and civilians.
The last review was conducted in 2012
and resulted in an increase from 14 per
cent to 14.5 per cent for Regular (and
mobilised Reserve) personnel.
Current factors include: Turbulence,
danger, separation from home and
family, job satisfaction, job security, hours
of work, stress at work, leave, support
to personnel and families, training,
promotion and early responsibility,
autonomy/management control/flexibility,
divorce, health and education, individual
rights, adventure and travel, trade union
membership and industrial action and
travel to work. The AFPRB tends to
place most emphasis on the turbulence,
danger and separation elements. It
traditionally reviews the impact of
spousal employment challenges within
the turbulence element. However, in their
2014 report it recommended that the next
review considers spousal employment as
a separate component, thus emphasising
their understanding of the growing impact
of this issue.
PS10 (Army) has no visibility of Royal
Navy or Royal Air Force direct posting
policy and cannot comment on your
specific second question.
Have you got the X-Factor?
DISUNITED STATE... AGAIN!I WRITE regarding the response by Lt Col Steve Bostock to a
letter titled Disunited State, where he refers to Europe-based
personnel being able to “nip back for half-terms and key events”
and wondered whether he had actually calculated the price!
As Europe-based parents of two 10-and-under age children, I
can assure him that it is not a “relatively small cost”.
There are 18 return journeys to be accounted for, not including
those all-important key events referred to of which three come
under the SCV policy. Even by hunting for the best deals, the
cost per return trip is a minimum of £223 (£3,345 per year) if
travel is undertaken at anti-social hours. Due to the frequency of
travel, spousal employment has also had to be forgone.
Added to this is the bizarre ruling in respect of SCV that
no fuel can be claimed for within Europe, so our 50-mile
contribution does not start until we hit Folkestone (we are not
in receipt of fuel coupons). When we asked why this was, we
were advised that it is because travelling via either the ferries
or Channel Tunnel was not the preferred route of choice; we
should apparently be flying our children back and forth.
Due to the location of their school, the airport has to be
Southampton where flights are more expensive. Because of
their age there is the unaccompanied minor surcharge as well
as an escort to the airport which is not provided by the school.
The cost – a mere £490 versus £223 for one of their non-CRB
checked parents to collect them.
Whilst we appreciate that there are limits to the funding
available, are grateful for that which there is and appreciate that
we chose to go the CEA route; we regret the platitudes of Lt Col
Bostock fall a little short. Some things just can’t be polished!
Name & address supplied
Reply from AFF Chief Executive, Catherine Spencer: The
additional expense and challenge of assignments outside of
the UK is a key focus for AFF’s Overseas Branch – to further
explore the inequality families face abroad. I accept that the
MOD faces financial challenges, but current policy leaves
families bankrolling the MOD’s need to have personnel
overseas. The family is likely to have no second income and
funding travel to meet with modern boarding school holidays
and weekend leave is financially punitive.
Boarding school is now based around frequent contact with
parents and thus the MOD must support the overseas offer
to ensure that children do not miss out on vital family time
because their parents cannot afford the travel costs to see
them. It is draconian to think that three contact visits per year
is sufficient. Unless progress is made on this, it is my intention
to ask for comment from the Children’s Commissioner.
@ArmyandYou66 Army&You autumn 2014
POSTBAG
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