the

Voice of Innsworth Station imjinSummer 2019

On the ball Our Girl at Gloucester-Hartpury page 10 COMARRC’S INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the summer edition of the imjin magazine.

As I look through this latest edition, I’m reminded what a really busy and interesting place Imjin Barracks is to live and work.

There is currently a renewed interest in NATO, not least because the Alliance is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Meanwhile, the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps will also be marking two other significant dates – it’s 75 years since ‘D-Day’ at Normandy, where our forebears, in 1st British Corps, commanded the Allied landings at Sword and Juno beaches, and it’s now 20 years since the ARRC led the intervention in Kosovo in June 1999.

So, with this rich heritage and long association with NATO, the ARRC remains as relevant as ever to the Alliance, particularly as we prepare to become the first NATO warfighting corps to be held at readiness since the Cold War.

This magazine includes news from Imjin Barracks and beyond. Importantly, it also offers plenty of suggestions as to what to explore in the local area.

Lieutenant General Tim Radford CB DSO OBE Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

CONNECT WITH WORDS FROM THE EDITOR THE ARRC ON Salut, les amis! SOCIAL MEDIA I love working for NATO. After two decades serving across the world with the For the latest on the Allied Rapid , I find myself feeling very at home here Reaction Corps visit our website in Gloucester. It must be the camaraderie. www.arrc.nato.int Where else can a British Army officer, on their way For staff and families posted to Imjin to work in the morning, receive a cheery ‘hello’ in Barracks, there is a private Facebook at least a dozen European languages? Or enjoy sharing a joke about the group. Search for ARRC Community German army – with the Bundeswehr? and ask to join the group. But despite the exposure to new military cultures, I am yet to unravel some of the great mysteries of Imjin Barracks. Such as, is there really a secret Italian café within the NATO headquarters serving real espresso coffee? And who planted the fluorescent-pink plastic plant by the pedestrian entrance to camp? In this edition of the imjin we invite you to discover new things about the area. So, we’ve sent the French to taste our most famous local product – www.arrc.nato.int Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Double Gloucester cheese. And we tempt you all to explore the west of England, as our travel feature takes us the furthest you can travel in one day by bus from Gloucester’s new bus station. We’d like to thank our readers for your patience as we have taken the time to redesign the magazine. We hope you enjoy the result. Cordialmente

@HQARRC Allied Rapid Major Laurence Roche Reaction Corps

EDITOR’S NOTES Cover image: Lance Corporal Anabelle The publication of an advert, article or photo Whitecross of the in the imjin does not necessarily reflect the British Army, with team views of the ARRC, Partner nations or UK mates from Gloucester- (MoD). The editor reserves the right to omit, Hartpury Women’s Allied Rapid Groups amend or edit any advert, article or photo at Rugby Football Club. Reaction Corps ARRC Community the discretion of the HQ without liability. Taken by Sergeant Should you wish to include an article or photo Jon Bevan RLC. in future editions, please contact the Public the imjin is designed Email: Affairs Office on 01452 718007 or email [email protected] and printed by Manor [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)1452 718007 Printing Services The next edition of the imjin will be issued www.manorprinting. in July 2019. co.uk

2 SUMMER 2019 the imjin @HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the

Voice of Innsworth Station imjinSummer 2019

CONTENTS

NEWS

4 Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

10-11 COVER STORY Keeping in Touch – The Royal Signaller playing Premier 15s rugby

12 ARRC Support Battalion

13 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade

14 MOD Defence Business Services

OUT AND ABOUT

16-17 What’s on

18-19 TRAVEL Naval Gazing – Exploring ’s military heritage

20-21 ARRC International Club

WELFARE

22-23 Welfare news

24-25 Housing

26-27 Medical

31 Useful telephone numbers Gold Standard Olympian leads charge at Italian army ski contest – page 9

the imjin SUMMER 2019 3 Grand Alliance UK Defence Secretary hails NATO as ‘cornerstone’ of security

The British Defence Secretary, The “It’s great to have such an important Right Honourable Gavin Williamson MP, part of the NATO architecture here It’s great to have has expressed his ‘ambition and pride’ in the U.K.” for the vital role of NATO’s Allied Rapid such an important Reaction Corps in Gloucestershire. VALUE He continued: “What makes During his first visit to the alliance’s part of the NATO the strength of the ARRC as an base in the west of England, the organisation, a structure that so architecture here Minister praised our multinational many nations look to with envy, is the staff for their contribution to the fusion that we have with personnel in the U.K. ‘cornerstone’ of security. from all different nations bringing He met with senior commanders, their knowledge, their expertise, their as well as addressing the passion, and their commitment. headquarters staff, telling them: “We know that your capabilities, your “NATO is the absolute cornerstone, will, and your expertise that you bring not just of our security here in the is second to none, so thank you very United Kingdom, but the cornerstone much for your work. It is great to of the security of every European see you and to have a much better nation and the United States understanding of the value of what and Canada. you bring.” TOP BRASS PICKS UP The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps’ next Smyth-Osbourne enlisted in the Army commander has been announced as and joined The Life Guards in West Major General Sir Edward Alexander in 1983, and has served on Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE from the operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, British Army. and Afghanistan. General Smyth-Osbourne (pictured Before the general’s most recent right), is currently serving as Deputy appointment serving with NATO Commander at NATO Rapid Deployable in Italy, he was General Officer Corps – Italy (NRDC-IT), our sister Commanding Headquarters London headquarters in Milan. District. But he is perhaps best The cavalryman, who will be promoted known for his role as Prince Harry’s to Lieutenant General on appointment, Commanding Officer when the is expected to take over as ‘COMARRC’ prince undertook active service in in the summer. Afghanistan.

4 SUMMER 2019 the imjin ARRC NEWS British sailors meet the Spanish Armada Naval staff officers serving with the ARRC have enjoyed a free flow of information – after meeting with their Guernsey honours Spanish counterparts at Naval Station Rota, in Andalucía, ARRC’s German soldiers southern Spain.

NEWS IN BRIEF The two-day exercise aimed The Channel island of Guernsey has to strengthen ties between thanked the Allied Rapid Reaction the maritime personnel from Corps’ German contingent – with a the Gloucester-based NATO commemorative plaque to mark work HQ and Spanish Maritime done by the NATO troops on the island Forces (SPMARFOR). last summer. British Commander The memorial was unveiled by John Payne explained: “It’s Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor Vice important for us, now, to build Admiral Sir Ian Corder and the ARRC’s those relationships so we Captain Erik Winter of the Bundeswehr can understand the maritime during a simple ceremony held at Fort world now, and all nations should be perspective of any operation.” George military cemetery. together to try and maintain peace.” “We’ll be able to afford much better advice to the COMMON BOND WELCOME commander of the ARRC In July 2018, British and German German Captain Sebastian Kühne a and the staff on what the soldiers came together to work on staff officer serving with HQ ARRC capabilities and limitations the unique project to restore the war added: “When we arrived on Guernsey are of that maritime force.” graves of military personnel who had we had a very warm reaction – so many died on the island during the Second people supporting us and they offered World War. their spare time to help us with our The NATO soldiers spent two weeks endeavours, providing us with tools, pressure washing and repairing the and showing us around the island. headstones under the supervision of “I feel very touched to have worked experts from the Commonwealth War on the graveyard and see the names Graves Commission. of the British and German soldiers It was the first time the German military that died here because they are very Ocean Wave – The ARRC’s maritime had returned to Guernsey in uniform young, most younger than me.” staff met with fellow sailors from the since the Nazi occupation of the The small military cemetery at Fort United States, , Portugal and Spain Channel Islands that lasted until 1945. George on Guernsey’s east coast Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, said includes 111 German war graves, as well at the unveiling: “It is a very different as those of British airmen. ARRC boffins win U.S. award Academics working at Headquarters ARRC have received a rare award from the U.S. Army in recognition of their innovative analytical work. It is a very The Operational Analysis and Research Branch (OARB) different received the accolade from the for its world now, efforts “to help organise the thinking of a modern Corps and all Headquarters”. nations The citation praised the Gloucester-based boffins should be for their attempt to mitigate so-called ‘group-think’, as well together as adopting the ‘Bayesian probability model’ – a set of to try and logic that allows for reasoning while adopting certain maintain hypotheses. peace. Major Jens Petersen of the Danish army said: “This is a rare distinction for a non-U.S. analytical organisation, and is testimony to the hard work of the OARB staff at the ARRC.”

@HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin SUMMER 2019 5 Key NATO and Allied exercises in 2019 Information supplied by NATO Public Diplomacy Division

In addition to military exercises, the defense, logistics, communications Alliance organises civilian and political and medical. training events as well. Allies also train together in national and multi-national TRANSPARENCY exercises. The Alliance respects all its international obligations with regard NATO AND ALLIED to military exercises. Under the OSCE EXERCISES IN NUMBERS Vienna Document, exercises must be In 2018, NATO conducted 103 exercises notified by their host nations to OSCE NATO Allies and partners conduct with 51 NATO exercises open to member states 42 days in advance if exercises to test procedures and partners. In addition, Allies separately exceeding 9,000 troops. Observation tactics, develop best practices and held 183 national and multinational is required starting at 13,000 troops. identify areas for improvement. exercises. In line with these requirements, Exercises are designed to ensure NATO military exercises are open to that NATO forces are trained, able international observers. to operate together and ready to Many NATO exercises are open respond to any threat from any to partners beyond the Alliance. direction. International organisations, including the European Union, are also invited to observe or participate in NATO exercises. As part of this commitment to transparency, NATO exercises are announced months in advance and For 2019, a total of 102 NATO exercises published at: www.shape.nato.int/ are planned; 39 of them are open to exercises partner participation. Allies reported All of this highlights the defensive that they will conduct 208 national and transparent nature of our training and multinational exercises. The activities. exercises led by NATO and Allies this NATO exercises vary in scope, year include around 25 exercises duration and form. Live exercises can primarily focused on the land domain, involve thousands of troops; they 27 exercises focused on the air aim to demonstrate and develop the domain, and 12 exercises focused extensive military capabilities that mainly on maritime operations. Many NATO Allies need to keep our nations other exercises train specific functions safe. Computer-assisted exercises or skills such as cyber defence, crisis take place in a classroom and focus response decision-making, Chemical, on procedures. Biological, Radiological Nuclear EXERCISE DATE LOCATION RAMSTEIN GUARD Every Month Different locations

DYNAMIC MANTA 25 February – 9 March Italy / Mediterranean Sea

POSEIDON 1 – 8 March Black Sea

NATO-GEORGIA EXERCISE 18 – 29 March Georgia

LOCKED SHIELDS 9 – 11 April Estonia

RAMSTEIN ALLOY 1, 2 and 3 15 – 17 April / 24 – 26 June / 17 – 19 September Baltic States

JOINT WARRIOR 22 April – 5 May United Kingdom

SPRING STORM 29 April – 10 May Estonia

NOBLE JUMP 19 24 May – 14 June NATO HQs / Poland

SUMMER SHIELD 2 – 15 June Latvia

BALTOPS 3 – 22 June Poland and Baltic Sea

SABER GUARDIAN 3 – 24 June Bulgaria / Romania / Hungary

TOBRUQ LEGACY 19 3 – 19 June Poland

DYNAMIC MONGOOSE 22 June – 11 July Norway

TRIDENT JACKAL 19 23 September – 10 October Norway / Spain

STEADFAST FLOW 19 23 – 27 September Turkey

CYBER COALITION 18 – 23 November Estonia

6 SUMMER 2019 the imjin @HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps GOODBYE GERMANY Change of pace NEWS IN BRIEF

The senior soldier in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Command Sergeant Major Allan Ridler (left), has handed over the pace stick to his successor, Stuart Davison. On his final day at Imjin Barracks, Command Sergeant Major Ridler said: “It’s been a true honour to serve in the UK’s only deployable Corps headquarters. “As the ‘ARRC’ prepares to become the first NATO warfighting Corps HQ at readiness since the Cold War, I am proud to have helped raise awareness, at NCO level, of the Alliance’s work within the British Army. “I wish Command Sergeant Major Stuart Davison all the best in the role as the Corps’ ‘senior enlisted leader’.”

On the pull

Staff branches from HQ ARRC have competed in the annual Tug of War competition, held at their NATO barracks at Gloucester. The event saw the multinational staff compete for the coveted ‘Imjin Cup’. The team from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps’ Engineer Civil Military Interaction (ECMI) Branch (pictured) were eventually crowned champions.

To view the full gallery Images from the inauguration of the ACE Rapid Reaction Corps at Bielefeld, of images visit the Germany in 1992. An exhibition celebrating the presence of British forces in Allied Rapid Reaction Germany is to be mounted at London’s National Army Museum – with exhibits Corps Facebook site on loan from the ARRC. More to follow later in the year.

the imjin SUMMER 2019 7 Fjord Focus SPECIALISTS “But this has been a great experience NATO logisticians for me and my team. The real The ARRC team spent one month advantage of being here (at Stavanger) bring know-how to on exercise inside the Land Warfare is that we can train and simulate Centre’s impressive mountain cave different activities that we just can’t massive Norway complex, located on the edge of achieve in a live exercise scenario. exercise Gandsfjorden, just outside the city of Stavanger in southwestern Norway. “And while there’s much that is specific Headquarters staff from the Allied to this operation and the defence The cell of 35 staff were bolstered Rapid Reaction Corps have been of Norway, a lot of the skills that we by logistic specialists from the in Norway supporting one of the are learning we can carry across to Canadian armed forces, the 1st largest NATO exercises to be held for different roles. You could perhaps German/Netherlands Corps, and the decades. call them ‘eternal truths’ of working NATO Support and Procurement in a really complex and high tempo Based at the Joint Warfare Centre in Agency (NSPA). Stavanger, the ARRC team provided environment.” their logistical expertise to test the Captain Annie Kerr, a transportation NATO troops being assessed during staff officer from 4 Canadian Forces the ‘CPX’ (command post exercise) Movement Control Unit (4 CFMCU) phase of Exercise ‘Trident Juncture’. based in Montreal, was attached to the ARRC for the duration of the The staff from our HQ’s ‘Enabling exercise. She said: “It’s my first time Command’ branch played the role of working with NATO. a NATO joint logistics support group, to help replicate the vast challenges “It’s been challenging at times, as we presented by the deployment of tens normally have little exposure to the of thousands of troops. Alliance. But It’s just a case of getting used to some different arrangements. Colonel Mark Comer (pictured right) And it’s been great to get the explained: “We’re providing that key experience of different countries.” logistic function to stimulate the joint headquarters and the other components that are being evaluated COMPLEX as part of this enormous milestone ENVIRONMENT exercise.” The ‘CPX’ evaluation phase of The advantage of Exercise Trident Juncture at Stavanger ran alongside the enormous being here is that real-life exercise, which saw the actual deployment to Norway of around we can simulate 50,000 troops from 31 NATO and partner countries. different activities Colonel Comer continued: “There are that we just can’t two very different elements of ‘Trident Juncture’, one element is the live achieve in a exercise – an enormous undertaking in itself and NATO’s biggest exercise live exercise in terms of personnel in decades. scenario.

8 SUMMER 2019 the imjin ARRC NEWS Gold Standard Olympian leads charge at military ski contest in Italian Alps

Top skiers from the Allied Rapid Despite a highly credible individual explained: “Our aim was to come here Reaction Corps have been competing 4th place against some of NATO’s best and be competitive. at the Italian army’s winter competition athletes, she joked: “I certainly won’t “We’ve been invited to enter a team in the Alps – boosted by the presence be entering the Winter Olympics in here for the past two decades – and of our double Olympic and world this sport.” this year has been a great success champion. CHALLENGE for us.” Major Heather Stanning (pictured The remainder of the week-long To watch the video from San below), who twice won Olympic and competition saw the ARRC’s team Candido visit www.arrc.nato.int World titles – for rowing – now serves as enjoy near-perfect racing conditions in a Royal Artillery staff officer within the the stunning, but unforgiving terrain of NATO headquarters. She is a member the Italian Alps. of the ARRC ski team that attended the ‘CaSTA 2019’ championships held They were in competition with their at San Candido in South Tyrol. NATO counterparts, including ‘Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum’ and Speaking to the imjin ahead of ‘NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy’, her ‘Sci alpino’ (alpine skiing) event, for the coveted ‘Trofeo Dell’Amicizia’ Heather said: “I wasn’t a cross country (Friendship Trophy). skier in the past and my background is rowing. But it’s an endurance race And by the end of the week, our ARRC really, and I’ll give it a good go.” athletes were only narrowly pushed into second place by the specialists She was one of three athletes from from Slovenia’s ‘Mountain Warfare the ARRC to enter the night-time race, Centre of Excellence’. where competitors complete two laps of the mountain course with its 400 Lieutenant Colonel Stefano Saccocci, metres uphill climb followed by a ‘red an Italian carabinieri police officer run’ downhill slope, while carrying working at HQ ARRC, was pleased weight and lit only by head torch. with his team’s achievements. He

I certainly won’t be entering the Winter Olympics in this sport.

@HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin SUMMER 2019 9 Keeping in Touch Royal Signaller playing Premier 15s rugby at Gloucester- Hartpury

Anabelle Whitecross is a GO WEST of 22nd Signal Regiment. As a talented rugby player with her There’s no doubting the soldier’s member of the I.T. service desk eye on the ball. commitment to her sport. She within Headquarters Allied Rapid The 23-year-old lance corporal requested a posting to Imjin Reaction Corps, she is a well- has risen through the ranks of her Barracks just so she could train known member of the Royal adopted sport, and in just three more regularly with her club, Signals team, regularly seen seasons already earned her first Gloucester-Hartpury. fixing computers across the Imjin Barracks site. Army cap. She has now set her “After work I run from here to get sights on a place in the Scottish straight into my car to Hartpury to She credits her Army discipline for national team. train. And I’ll often not get back till her success on the rugby pitch. “It’d be an honour to play for my 9, 9.30pm,” continues Whitecross. “They complement each other,” she explains. “It’s good being in the country – that’s the ambition,” she “I used to be posted to Bulford Army as we’re big into sport. admits during a conversation with (on Salisbury Plain), so coming to the imjin. Gloucestershire has completely “And what you find with rugby is “I’d like to establish myself in the cut my travel times down. The that you get a certain discipline Army team, and eventually see if I two-hour journey from Bulford just from the Army, and then you get can get recognised by Scotland. I wasn’t working. I was travelling up a different aspect from playing know they’re keen to develop new to 400 miles per week.” rugby. I think it ties in very well. players.” I.T. GIRL “In rugby you put your body on the Lance Corporal Whitecross line for someone, it’s instinctive as currently serves as a member a soldier. You just don’t think about of 252 Signal Squadron, part it, you’re part of the team.”

10 SUMMER 2019 the imjin @HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps COVER STORY

PRIDE Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s Rugby Football Club (WRFC) is the unified women’s team of Gloucester Rugby and Hartpury College, founded in 2014.

“Hartpury College has a reputation for sporting excellence. We’ve got all the facilities there, we’ve got the gym, the physio facilities,” continues Whitecross.

“For the first two seasons at least, I was the only military person in the team. There’d been a few times when the university girls had a game on a Wednesday and I’ve been able to go up and support. I’d come straight from work in uniform and they’re all say ‘ooo look at you!’. They’re quite interested in I might get to play at my home my military role, and I get asked a ground.” lot of questions.” “I’ve played at Kingsholm a few In rugby you put “It’s just nice to get involved, and times and it’s a great stadium to I know they’re quite keen that play in. But to be putting on an your body on the they’ve got a serving soldier in Army shirt with the Gloucester girls line for someone, the set-up. watching me play there would be a real experience. it’s instinctive as “And with the Army versus RAF game at Gloucester, fingers “It’s something I’d like to work a soldier. crossed I’ll play and work my way towards. If I could get there, I’d be into the Inter-Service squad. And so proud of it.

the imjin SUMMER 2019 11 Southern Comfort

The ARRC Support Battalion has been training in the United States alongside

ARRC SUPPORT BATTALION ARRC SUPPORT BATTALION NATO allies during a major combat exercise in Louisiana. Troops from the Battalion’s 14 Squadron Group have been exercising with the U.S. 101st Airborne Division on Silver Lining Exercise ‘Rattlesnake’ held at Fort Polk. At the time this edition of the imjin Prestigious win in Wales despite went to print, a platoon of Royal Gurkha Rifles, a troop of Royal the rainclouds Engineers, and a troop of Royal Logistic Corps drivers had integrated into the A team from the ARRC Support Lieutenant Halliday credits their famous U.S. division for the final two- Battalion has won a coveted silver success due to “good training, good week test phase of the exercise. medal at the international ‘Cambrian preparation, and good teammates.” Patrol’ competition held in Brecon, It was his second time entering the ON THE BAYOU Wales – despite enduring “some of competition, and his second silver This training has been conducted by a the worst weather conditions in medal. His simple advice to future few British units since 2016, but never recent decades”. competitors is to “prepare early, and by anyone other than light role infantry. The exercise is the premier patrolling seek advice as to what to expect”. It is also believed to be one of the event of the British Army, with largest deployments of British Gurkha competitors from 37 international soldiers to exercise in the USA. armies coming to test their military And the Gurkha troops have been skills in the Brecon Beacons. currying favour in Louisiana by holding MEDAL a ‘Messing’ event (pictured), where they served authentic Nepalese cuisine to The Support Battalion’s team was their U.S. hosts. led by Lieutenant Nathan Halliday For the full report from Exercise (pictured second from right). He told Rattlesnake see the next edition the imjin: “It was exhausting, but of the Imjin – or visit the ARRC absolutely phenomenal.” Support Battalion on Facebook.

On the run Fight Night Three members of the Support The Support Battalion boxing team Battalion have represented the are the reigning 1st (UK) Signal Brigade Royal Logistic Corps at the British boxing champions, after success at Army Cross-Country championships the Inter-Unit tournament held held at Tidworth. in Stafford. The runners were selected to run Captain Sammie Evans said: “It was an for the RLC team by the Junior epic show of courage, determination, Cross-Country team manager, discipline, and controlled aggression – Capt Blair Thomson. all qualities essential in soldiering.” Lance Corporal Ashley Kinnen and Champ – Private Max Tripe RLC in the ring Private Umesh Magar ran for the senior male team, and Private Bikash Rai ran for the Junior RLC team. ARRC Support Battalion The Support Battalion of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) is a high A number of other Battalion athletes readiness, expeditionary, all arms unit that provides close support to had qualified for the Logistic Corps Headquarters ARRC. The Battalion is a multi-capbadge unit consisting of team, but were unable to compete infanty, Royal Engineers, Pioneers, and logisticians, combined with the full due to exercise commitments. range of supporting arms. Captain Thomson said: “Although The primary role of the Battalion is to deliver force projection, protection the RLC team were not victorious, all and sustainment to deployed elements of HQ ARRC. In peacetime, the the runners should be congratulated Battalion delivers force preparation for all elements of the HQ and wider on their efforts in some arduous ARRC Group, and for all NATO participating nations. conditions.”

12 SUMMER 2019 the imjin @ARRCSpBn ARRC Support Battalion 1ST (UK) SIGNAL BRIGADE

Back to basics

Staffordshire battle camp tests troops’ mettle Lieutenant Alex Gale RLC

Brigade troops have conducted a The Royal Engineers of Power Troop testing ‘battle camp’ in Staffordshire led a series of lessons on methods and to hone their basic soldiering skills. types of demolition, as well as vehicle The camp, held at Swynnerton search and moving down a lane safely training area, was made up of using Vallon mine detectors. various training serials delivered to The Light Aid Detachment from the a total of 96 soldiers from the ARRC REME demonstrated how to recover Support Battalion. vehicles in arduous conditions, which The emphasis was on completing the troops enjoyed as they clambered through deep mud in the Cross- ‘back to basics’ training, with the The obstacle course was utilised Country Driving Area. Battle Craft Syllabus as the golden to diversify physical training, firstly thread throughout. The idea was to Corporal Dave Taylor (RLC) led the tackling each obstacle one by one draw upon the wealth of knowledge Cross-Country Driving stand, giving before then doing a best effort timed from SMEs within the diverse range troops from all capbadges the run through in webbing and helmet. of capbadges in the Battalion. It opportunity to practice their driving All sections competed against each also aimed to give the troops the skills in Land Rovers over rough other in the watermanship stand led opportunity to learn new things about terrain. The vehicles were also used by Sergeant Suman, building rafts trades and roles that they wouldn’t by Lance Corporal Tam Thapa and and racing against other sections in normally use in their everyday work. Private Bikash Rai (QOGLR) during the water training area, and observed the art of vehicle camouflage and the by both the Commanding Officer and TESTING importance of concealment. Signal Brigade Commander. Throughout the eight days, there was an element of competition requiring BATTLE DRILLS Finally, under Corporal Biju Gurung the commanders and junior soldiers Sergeant Suman Ghale (QGE) led (QOGLR), the troops were broken down from each section to enhance their the CBRN training, with an in-depth into pairs, where they then carried out own personal leadership skills. lesson culminating in a scenario a timed navigation exercise around Throughout this phase, there was where a chemical attack has occurred the training area, ensuring that they always the real-life support location, and a casualty evacuation needed used their map reading skills to the providing 24-hour maintenance which to take place. best of their ability. included a field kitchen to 217 Royal Signals Squadron. An Infantry SME conducted a ‘GPMG’ 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade machine gun familiarisation stand, The Signal Brigade is based at Imjin Barracks where it commands, prepares with Lance Corporal Jitan Rai (RGR) and generates forces which are held at high states of readiness, to support explaining the various parts of the current and future operations all over the world. The brigade units deliver weapon system and how it functions. Command Support (capabilities which assist commanders in the exercise Following this was the section attack of command), Communications Information Systems, and Real Life Support serial. First, receiving a lesson on the (accommodation, power, medical support, feeding) to formations including: phases of a section attack before NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), the Joint Rapid Reaction Force, doing a walk-through talk-through, the Vanguard Aviation Force, the Air Assault Task Force, the Vanguard before carrying out a full section Field Hospital, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). attack on an enemy position.

@comd1SigBde the imjin SUMMER 2019 13 DEFENCE BUSINESS SERVICES (DBS) DEFENCE BUSINESS SERVICES

There’s a great satisfaction in seeing the new Eye for detail medals go out.

Revealed: The careful behind-the-scenes work behind the issue of every medal

It is said behind every medal is the As well as its own distinct ‘air force point on they will always look and feel story of how it was earned. grey’ ribbon, the Shader medal is one the same.” of the first to have been introduced But just as fascinating is the detail with its own detailed specification. EMOTIONAL ISSUES behind how each British medal comes to be issued by the MOD Medal Office “It’s my job to ensure the correct “There’s a great satisfaction in seeing in the first place. weight, the correct material and finish,” the new medals go out,” adds Davies, continues James Davies, who works “especially when you’ve been involved And it is thanks to the meticulous as part of the Medal Office’s business from the early days. work of a small team of civil servants, development team. “If a new medal is going to be working at Imjin Barracks, that ensures introduced we will give design options everything is just right for every “Prior to 2018, the Ministry of Defence never had any technical specifications to the dress committees. We get to ARMY single medal worn by every British add our thoughts and say ‘that is serviceman. for medals. So, for instance, the World War Two medals that we’ve been possible’ or ‘that isn’t possible’. “When I had to get the precise ‘air issuing for the last seventy years have “The emotional value that gets force’ grey for the new Iraq and actually changed material, changed attached to the medals is huge. Syria medal ribbon,” reveals James size, changed colour over time. Because what we are effectively doing Davies, the man responsible for “But now we’ve placed the technical is supporting the moral component of medal specifications, “I contacted specification for each of the medals, the Armed Forces contingent.” the workshops at the RAF base in and we’ve been able to say from this St Athan – just to try and match the correct ‘pantone’ colour, for the ribbon fabric makers, of a Typhoon’s fuselage.” MOD Defence Business Services Defence Business Services (DBS) provide corporate support services GONG SHOW to businesses and individuals across Defence. It is only recently that such precise At Imjin Barracks, the DBS ‘Military Personnel’ pillar provides services descriptions have been laid down. through the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and the The ‘Operation Shader’ medal is the MOD Medal Office, supporting military personnel and their families, first campaign medal to be created veterans, and entitled civilian personnel. since 2003, awarded to personnel who Further information on DBS services can be found on the GOV.UK contributed to the campaign to defeat website, or intranet for service personnel. Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

14 SPRING 2019 the imjin @MODDBS SATURDAY KINGSHOLM, GLOUCESTER

27APRIL Inter Serv 2019 Rugbyice

ARMYRoyal Air Force

ARMY WOMEN V RAF WOMEN KO 1130 ARMY SENIOR XV V RAF SENIOR XV KO 1500 PLUS TICKETS ON SALE NOW ARMY MASTERS V RAF VULTURES TICKETS.GLOUCESTERRUGBY.CO.UK KO 1030 IMJIN BARRACKS What’s on DANCE WORLD PREMIERE 10 Soldiers Birmingham Hippodrome Tuesday 21 May

Ever stood on a parade square and thought that military drill is just a form of choreography? In 2008, dance director Rosie Kay spent time at a British Army barracks on Salisbury Plain. What came of these observations was the award- winning, contemporary dance ‘5 SOLDIERS’. Ten years on, she has expanded the work for the large stage with ‘10 Soldiers’. Now a full Army squad, 10 Soldiers takes a fresh look at life in 2019’s British Army. It is billed as “a thrilling and humane portrait of army life”, telling the stories of men and women serving in the modern military. incredible inner strength – current conversations about military unit. remains on the frontline equality and diversity. She The new piece will SUPER TROOPERS of war. also looks at the growing premiere at Birmingham Charged with Kay’s Building upon the number of women in the Hippodrome on Tuesday trademark intense athletic groundwork that 5 SOLDIERS Army and asks how this 21 May. Tickets (via www. dance theatre, 10 Soldiers laid, Kay has returned to shapes the community birminghamhippodrome. explores how the human the Army, conducting new among female soldiers and com) will no doubt sell out body – with both fragility and research, digging into how women are treated in a fast. Quick march!

Birmingham Half Army v RAF Rugby SPORT Marathon Kingsholm, Gloucester Sutton Park, Birmingham Saturday 27 April Sunday 14 April Inter Services The rugby Birmingham comes to Half Gloucester Marathon as the is aimed Army take at all on the RAF at the Kingsholm abilities, Stadium. and takes place within the stunning Sutton Park – The 2018 Inter Services was the largest urban parkland won by the RAF, after the air in Europe. force secured the narrowest of victories against the Army Covering 2,400 acres, the in the opening round of the Park provides the perfect Gloucestershire than the start of the cricket tournament. season? Gloucestershire’s setting for the race. The This year, the much-fancied Cricket first 4-day County event is on closed-to-traffic Army side will be looking to Championship match takes route on tarmac roads, The Brightside Ground, avenge that defeat – and place in Bristol. Alternatively through heathland and will be counting on the vocal Bristol from 11 April wait for the team to travel to ancient woodland, and also support of personnel from Cheltenham for the town’s includes a shorter 10k and nearby Imjin Barracks. popular cricket festival in 5k course. What could be more July. For tickets visit Entry costs £25 via 01270 See the advert on page 15 quintessentially English www.gloscricket.co.uk 842800. for more details.

16 SUMMER 2019 the imjin MUSIC DAYS OUT EXHIBITION the legendary British photographer Sir Don Don McCullin McCullin. Tate Britain, London Renowned as one of Until Monday 6 May Britain’s greatest living photojournalists, McCullin has captured images of conflict from around the world including Vietnam, Northern Ireland, Lebanon and Biafra. With over 250 photographs, all printed by the artist himself in his own darkroom, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to see the Tate Britain presents a scope and achievements of major retrospective of McCullin’s career.

For more info visit www.tewkesbury medievalfestival.org

To view the full programme or find out about the many ways to get involved, visit 3choirs.org

English cathedral cities of Three Choirs Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester. Festival Tewkesbury The event includes a re- It is the oldest non- enactment of the 1471 Battle Gloucester Cathedral Medieval Festival competitive classical of Tewkesbury, attracting 26 July - 3 August music festival in the world, Tewkesbury 13 – 14 July thousands of costumed celebrating its 300th enthusiasts. The Three Choirs Festival anniversary in 2015. Modern-day knights in It’s free to visit, but expect is a week-long programme This year’s programme shining armour will feel at to pay for car parking. Or you of choral and orchestral includes over 70 events in home in historic Tewkesbury could always mount your concerts, as well as solo and around Gloucester, with – as the Gloucestershire trusty steed. Tewkesbury and chamber music recitals, performers of all ages taking town welcomes visitors to its is just 9 miles from Imjin rotating each summer the stage alongside world- impressive Medieval Festival. Barracks. between the beautiful class orchestras.

superstars and the best For more info visit Cheltenham emerging talent from around www.cheltenham Jazz Festival the globe – as well as festivals.com/jazz over 90 free events in the Various locations streets, bars and clubs of 1 - 6 May Cheltenham. Gregory Porter (pictured), The Cheltenham Jazz Jamie Cullum, Katie Melua, Festival returns in 2019 Level 42, Sergio Mendes, with its trademark mix of Abdullah Ibrahim, Curtis the very best classic and Stigers, James Morrison, contemporary jazz, soul, Nubya Garcia, and Swing Out blues and pop. Sister are all expected to This year’s festival will host perform. an array of world premieres, And highlights will be exclusive UK concerts, broadcast on BBC Radio 2. debuts from international Nice.

@HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin SUMMER 2019 17 Homage to Naval Gazing Fromage

French troops give their verdict on our most famous regional product – Double Gloucester cheese

Smart’s Farm at Churcham, just 13 “Every country makes good cheese minutes’ drive from Innsworth, is home in its own right, so it’s down to the to award-winning Double Gloucester cheesemaker and if you put the cheese. detail in you’ll get a good cheese.” The farm provides the rounds of Double Gloucester for the infamous PAS MAL ‘cheese roll’ competition at Cooper’s Warrant Officers Jean Pierre Phileas Hill, where cheese-chasers race down from the French army (l’armée de the dangerously steep slope to win Terre) said: “For us, cheese is like a the cheese. religion. So, the imjin decided to send a group “And the Gloucester is not too bad. of French NATO troops and family I like it, for me it is a little like a members to taste test our most iconic French ‘Cantal’ cheese. local food stuff. “But it is really not TRADITION worth risking Cheesemaker Rod Smart explained your life what makes his cheese so special: “I over.” think it’s tradition, it’s handmade, and it’s matured on shelves which had cheeses matured on twenty, thirty years ago. “And we milk our own cows so we maintain the quality of the product On the Double – Cheesemaker coming in in the first place. It’s all Rod Smart of those details, I suppose. Smart’s Farm

Smart’s Farm at Old Ley Court, Churcham GL2 8AR can be visited by appointment. Telephone 01452 750225 for details.

18 SUMMER 2019 the imjin @HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps TRAVEL

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C Hotel e of Cornwall The following morning, I didn’t make I didn’t make morning, The following Circus, but the friendly it to Drakes staff at Plymouth tourist office had to point out to me that been keen many of the outlets in the shopping military generous centre offer discounts. it to Harbourside make I do however my catching Fish & Chips just before my Enjoying bus back to Gloucester. as I walk around The Royal takeaway Citadel I reflect that the only enemies in sight today are the ever-present up my chips. seagulls eyeing own trip to Plymouth your plan To www.visitplymouth.co.uk. details of buses from And for Gloucester to Plymouth visit www.nationalexpress.com Duk YMOUTH SOUND T PL STREE P A

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T RE T E ard Y Plymouth Royal William shops selling fudge, but a walk along a number of Southside Street reveals interesting art galleries and gift shops. miss the numerous can’t Plus, you with Navy historic pubs, festooned flags and wooden plaques. I was further reminded of the city’s long history with a visit to Plymouth Gin Distillery, the oldest working distillery in England. It is housed in said to be where the hall a medieval Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night sail to the setting in England before probably be they’d Today New World. in what is now a a long martini, offered relaxed cocktail bar. The food. I then head next door for Barbican Kitchen is situated inside and is run by the Tanner the distillery, brothers who are local celebrity chefs. Major Laurence Roche I began On a blustery weekend, my visit at Plymouth Hoe, with its to the Royal memorials impressive explorer – from the Elizabethan Navy to the larger Sir Francis Drake monuments to modern conflict. Then, to escape the wind, I climb lighthouse, a Tower old Smeaton’s the dog walkers good spot to observe as I enjoy being blown around below, 360-degree views of arguably the most picturesque part of the city. Plymouth is littered with proud past. memories of its illustrious naval During a brisk ten-minute walk along the seafront, I chance upon a sign commemorating Napoleon being kept and prisoner on a boat in the harbour, another marking the first sighting of the Spanish armada in 1588. military history is And Plymouth’s with today, from the surface far never large parts of the city hastily rebuilt after some mid-century Luftwaffe town-planning. , itself a William Yard I walk to Royal and the victualling yard, navy former largest collection of grade II listed buildings in Europe. docklands are now filled The attractive boutique with restaurants and a few shops, so is a good place to stop home of the former Even food. for Marines 1st Raiding Squadron Royal during the 1982 Falklands war has into a popular since been converted recommend the noodle restaurant. I’d ‘Ocean Studios’ which has a lovely bakery. For another district with eclectic, local shops head to the cobbled streets of The Barbican. Of course, there’s of the usual British seaside offering 24 hours in Plymouth – the furthest hours in 24 day by coach in one can travel you station new bus from Gloucester’s Naval Gazing Naval Home Base Lisa Hackstein

The ARRC International Club (AIC) is an inclusive club set up for the partners of everybody posted to – or attached to – NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Imjin Barracks (Headquarters ARRC, 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade and the ARRC Support Battalion). The AIC arranges events to bring together all nationalities represented Open Invitation ARRC INTERNATIONAL CLUB at the ARRC. These include monthly lunches and coffee mornings, hosted by different nations, which give a real Coffee mornings and lunches offer taste of each other’s customs, culture and cuisine! They are a wonderful opportunity to ‘meet and eat’ opportunity to meet new people and The ARRC International Club organises GRUB’S UP learn more about the different nations regular coffee mornings and lunches The AIC British lunch had a distinctly that make up the Imjin community. – each with their own distinct Irish flavour this year. As well as some international flavour, reflecting our Throughout the year the AIC organises traditional Irish food like ‘champ’ diverse military community here at trips to places like Blenheim Palace, (mashed potato and spring onions), Gloucester. the Houses of Parliament and Ascot there was a short presentation to give Races, as well as various other events The events are open to all members of guests a taste of what Northern Ireland and activities, ranging from tennis the ‘AIC’, and the latest programme is has to offer. It’s a part of the UK that coaching to family bingo. There is also listed below. can be overlooked for a weekend break, a walking club that meets regularly to so, in an attempt to change that, guests explore the local countryside. were shown some beautiful Northern If you would like to get regular Irish attractions, like the Giant’s updates about future AIC events, then Causeway, the Mourne Mountains and please e-mail me, the AIC Secretary the impressive Titanic museum. And ([email protected]), one lucky person won a two-night stay and also join our Facebook group in Belfast in the raffle! by searching for ‘The AIC (ARRC There was a strong apple theme too, International Club)’. with apples and cider at the centre of the table displays, and a delicious apple We look forward to seeing you soon! cake with custard sauce for dessert. A Hanna Dering, the organiser of the short UK quiz got people talking - it’s recent Polish coffee morning (pictured become a regular feature at the British centre), said: “They are a great way to lunch and always goes down well. meet in wonderful company, and get Everyone went home with a little jar of to know each other better.” homemade jam and a small bottle of She continued: “With the help of locally produced Willy’s cider vinegar. decorations and traditional home- made cakes such as apple pie, butter Club update cookies or cheesecakes, we brought Future Events a small part of Poland to the It’s been another busy period for the Community Centre. MONTHLY LUNCHES ‘AIC’, with some significant changes to “It was a great pleasure to welcome Held in the Officers’ Mess regular events run by the Club. you and present our culinary sweets. •• Monday 29 April - Turkey The earlier time for the monthly I hope you enjoyed the flavours, and •• Tuesday 21 May - Italy lunches - 11.30am for 12 noon - is we’ll be happy to share the recipes •• Tuesday 11 June - Latvia working well, and a new payment with you. COFFEE MORNINGS system has been introduced, as the “I would like to also thank all my Officers’ Mess can no longer take friends who baked such delicious Held in the Community centre reservations. Instead anyone who cakes, and for their support in the •• Tuesday 7 May - Canada would like to attend a lunch must sign organisation of the Polish coffee •• Tuesday 4 June - Greece up and pay at the Welfare office. morning. The monthly international coffee mornings have moved from the Officers’ Mess to the Community The Innsworth Military Wives Choir Centre. Poland was the first country ON SONG (MWC) is always looking to expand by to host in the new venue and there recruiting new members. was a great turnout. They’ve set Rehearsals take place on a Wednesday the bar high though, with the most evening, with regular concert amazing array of cakes! performances throughout the year. The recent AIC trip to the Houses For further details contact Becky of Parliament in London was a huge Chappell-King (e-mail Innsworth@ success and we’re looking forward to militarywiveschoirs.org) or visit more trips throughout the year. @mwc_innsworth on Twitter. Tracey Radford AIC Chair

20 SUMMER 2019 the imjin © AONB Water View

The latest in our series Train Station of ‘AIC walks’ is a route START MALVERN through the beautiful North Hill LINK Malvern Hills – an area known for its natural spring water and Malvern Hills Carola Aiva Area of Beacon stunning views of the Almström Kairiša Outstanding English countryside Natural Beauty For our walk, we had a record number of 43 ladies joining us! It was particularly nice to welcome a lot of new club members who had recently Upper Wyche moved to the area. The walk itself is quite hilly and fairly arduous, but it is N simple to navigate and clearly way-marked throughout.

The walk begins at North Quarry car park Roads Jubilee Hill (postcode WR14 4LT), close to Malvern Link. Path We walked south along the ridge towards the 1 km , continuing south to Black Hill Upper Wyche.

Some of the faster ladies made it up to Beacon and Hangman’s beyond to Hill . This section includes beautiful views westwards to Eastnor Obelisk Midsummer in Ledbury. Hill END HOLLYBUSH Village A438 The walk was long and hilly, but it was a good challenge for all of us. We were rewarded by lovely weather, gorgeous Malvern landscapes,

Chase and a fantastic meal in The Malvern Hill Hotel (postcode WR13 6DW) afterwards.

@HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin SUMMER 2019 21 ALL ABOUT THE BASE For furtherinformation contactWelfare Office01452362550 (extension4550)[email protected] Discounted tickets for local attractions for partiesandprivate events. available for hirebyservicepersonnel The CommunityCentreisalso 362564 (extension4564) or contacttheWelfare Office01452 com/groups/Imjinstationcommunity on theWelfare Facebookfacebook. the week,andthesewillbeadvertised Other events areorganisedduring 6 -8pm 9.30 -11am Thursday 9.30 -11am Wednesday Mornings  Tuesday 5.50 -8.45pm 9.30 -11am Monday COMMUNITY CENTRE INNSWORTH STATION week What’s onduringthe WELFARE NEWS 22 Check theattractionwebsite for theirlatestevents, aswellfor anyadditionalevent costsandotherinformation. (weekends andStandDowns),on themorningofyour visit, andreturnedtotheGuardroomthatevening. OVER THETELEPHONE. Tickets arebooked andpaidfor inadvance, throughtheWelfare Office.TICKETSCANNOTBERESERVED ORBOOKED Innsworth StationWelfare Officehasdiscountedtickets for theabove localattractions,at£10family ticket and£2.50individual. are heretohelp Your friendlyWelfare Officeteam www.bristolaquarium.co.uk SUMMER 2019 Bristol Aquarium Bristol, BT15TT Cubs Coffee Morning 07801 653862) Ellie Stafford Yoga (Contact (monthly) AIC Coffee Morning Beavers &Scouts Parents &Tots the imjin the Booked tickets arecollectedfromthe Welfare Office(Monday-Friday),orStationGuardroom www.bristolzoo.org.uk Clifton, BS83HA Bristol Zoo International Personnel… Calling all www.chepstowhive.blogspot.com information. Itcanbeaccessedat important officialServicecommunity the mostup-to-datenews,events and electronic noticeboard,andincludes The HIVEBLOGisaninternet-based community servingatImjinBarracks. from allmembersofthewiderservice community andwelcomesenquiries the chainofcommandtoService provides information on behalfof The HIVEInformation Service INNSWORTH HIVE CHEPSTOW AND • • • • • • limited to): These include(butarenot time intheUK. any issuesyou mayhave duringyour at HQARRC,isavailable tohelpwith The InternationalLiaisonOfficerbased • • • • • • Opening UKbankaccounts Service anddetailsoflocalsurgeries Access totheNationalHealth to schoolplaces) local schools&nurseriesandaccess Education (includinginformation on Tax Entitlements Utilities andlocalservices and regulations/insurance) Housing issues(includingSFA rules www.cattlecountry.co.uk Berkeley, GL139EW Adventure Park Cattle Country www.noahsarkzoofarm. Wraxall, Bristol,BS481PG Noah’s Ark ZooFarm co.uk Friday 8.30am-4pm Monday-Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm, HIVE OpeningHours www.army.mod.uk/hives Website [email protected] E-mail 01291 645354 Telephone HIVE Information SupportOfficer Sarah Stokes ‘About Us’then‘ParticipatingNations’. website: www.arrc.nato.int thenfollow licence) canbefound ontheHQARRC internet connectionorgettingaUKTV bringing your pet,installingahome (everything fromdrivingintheUK,to guidance onawiderangeofissues Alternatively, furtherinformation and [email protected] Email: Tel: 01452718000 HQ ARRC International LiaisonOfficer Fiona Traina contact: For adviceonanyoftheabove, please wwt.wwt.org.uk/wetlands- rus/ARRCCommunity / Groups centres/slimbridge the Welfare Office available from Slimbridge, GL27BT WWT Slimbridge Jingle Warfare Radio service launched for Gurkha soldiers at Gloucester

British Forces radio have launched WEST IS EAST their Nepalese language service for BFBS Gurkha radio provides a 24- Gurkha soldiers serving at our NATO hour service, with its breakfast show base in Gloucester. coming from here in the U.K. and other A new AM transmitter has been live programmes from Kathmandu. The installed at Imjin Barracks to expand station also re-transmits programmes the ‘BFBS Gurkha’ radio service to from the BBC World Service. the more than one hundred Gurkha The service is intended for serving personnel and their families who live soldiers and their families, but it is in the area. known that many Gurkha veterans The dedicated service broadcasts who have settled in the U.K. are also across Gloucester on 1278 AM from regular listeners. its studios in Kathmandu, Brunei, and Speaking to the imjin from the BFBS Folkestone in Kent. studios in Folkestone, Lal Shahi a former Gurkha soldier himself, said: HOME SERVICE “We have a wide listenership because Corporal Biju Gurung of the ARRC we have Nepalese people working Support Battalion said: “I’ve been here all over the world - and the service is for three years, and for the last two expanding. years we didn’t have a station. Now we “We are so privileged because we are have, and it feels more like at home. serving those who serve.” “I enjoy the music, the latest music. And Lal concluded with a direct appeal It’s 24 hours, and at night-time we can to his new listeners in Gloucester: hear the news from Nepal, but I think “I regularly ask my listeners, wherever most of us enjoy music while at work.” they are, to take part. And if they have EAST IS WEST stories to tell, just bring ‘em on! That’s what I want to say.” British Forces radio have been providing a Nepalese-language station for the Gurkha units serving with the British Army since it was first launched in Singapore in 1952. Today, BFBS Gurkha radio is available on AM at eleven locations across the UK, as well as broadcasting on the FM signal in Nepal, Brunei and Afghanistan. We can hear the The station manager for BFBS Gurkha news from Nepal, radio in the U.K., Lal Shahi, explained: “We decided to put the transmitter up but I think most at Imjin Barracks because the Brigade of Gurkhas thought that there was a of us enjoy music need for this service for the boys who are serving at the ARRC. while at work. “It’s important because of the language and the culture. When you are away from home, you like to hear something about your home.”

BFBS Gurkha Radio broadcasts across Gloucester on 1278 AM

It is also available online at www.forces.net/radio and via the free BFBS smartphone app

the imjin SUMMER 2019 23 WELFARE – HOUSING

Post for previous occupant of SFA When you move into your new SFA, you may receive through the post system correspondence (i.e. letters, bills), addressed to the previous occupant. Please cross through the address and write on the envelope ‘NOT KNOWN AT THIS ADDRESS, RETURN TO SENDER’, and re-post through the post system. New Look Do not open the correspondence, as Change of name for housing contractor this is against the law. The contractor responsible for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) has Utility Bills changed to Amey Defence Services, known more simply as ‘AMEY’. If the correspondence is Formerly managed as a joint venture with Carillion, the new deal sees from a utility company – gas, AMEY take over responsibility for the repair and maintenance of service electricity, water, please bring family homes. the envelope and contents to the Welfare Office. We will The telephone number has remained the same – 0800 707 6000 notify the company of the – but their website and email addresses have changed. change of occupancy, and forward the correspondence to New AMEY contact details: the relevant DIO/ Carillion Amey Website www.ameydefenceservices.co.uk department for their action. Twitter @Ameyplc Royal Mail Housing Repairs [email protected] Keepsafe Housing Allocations [email protected] Are you concerned about Customer Care [email protected] post/mail piling up in your home, whilst you are away on holiday, or other long period? If so, the Royal Mail has a SFA occupants meeting service that holds onto your At the recent Occupants Meeting, various issues were discussed including post/mail for the period you – street lighting in the SFA area, the hedge reduction programme, are away. showers, house security, garage defenders, and the communication of The Service is called problems from residents to the Amey helpdesk to the workman. ‘Keepsafe’. You can ask for Please do come along to these meetings to raise your concerns, your post to be kept from problems and issues - both positive and negative - about your SFA 17 days to 66 days, at a or the SFA areas, with representatives from the Station, DIO, Amey, relevant cost. You can apply and the local police. for the service online, by post, or by phone. Details of the next meeting will be advertised on the Community Facebook site – and via e-mails to unit Full details are on the website: departments www.royalmail.com/ If you have a housing issue between meetings, do contact personal/receiving-msil/ the Housing Officer Paul Wheable at the Welfare Office keepsafe on 01452 362554 (extension 4554)

24 SUMMER 2019 the imjin Keep your home and yourself GLOUCESTER POLICE CONTACT NUMBERS safe in the summer months Should you see or hear anything suspicious in It’s summertime, and with longer light days, we spend your street, please report it more time outdoors in the garden, or out and about immediately to the Police: visiting places. Non-emergency 101 We’d like to remind residents to be extra vigilant and ensure the security of their home and items. Emergency 999

••Shut and lock doors and windows when you’re upstairs, in the garden or just popped next door. Don’t leave the key in the front & back doors.

••Keep your car and house keys away from windows and doors, in a secure place.

••Shut and lock gates into your back garden, and secure sheds & garages.

••Put away any items into your house, shed or garage.

••Keep your vehicle locked, and lock any valuables in the boot.

••If you have a key-less or proximity entry system, ensure that you store the keys out-of-range within your house.

••Don’t share your location and holidays on social media; upload your posts and photos after the event.

••Use time switches on lamps, downstairs and upstairs, at the front and back of the house.

Going away over the summer leave period If you are going away over the summer leave period, remember to:

••Cancel milk, papers, and other regular deliveries.

••Ensure sheds, garages, back/garden gates, windows and doors are securely locked.

••Use timer switches, upstairs and downstairs.

••Tell your neighbours that you will be away, Bicycle Safety and give them your contact number. To keep your bicycle safe, take a photograph of the There is lots of safety & security advice for bicycle and its features, your house/property, when on holiday, attending record the serial/frame festivals/events, keeping safe online, advice number and any accessories/ for children/vehicles/pets, on the Gloucestershire distinguishing features, Police website www.gloucestershire.police.uk mark it with a forensic kit, – Staying Safe. and keep it secured and locked inside a garage, shed or house. It is advisable to register your bicycle, and this can be done FOR FREE at www.bikeregister.com.

Groups / ARRC Community the imjin SUMMER 2019 25 WELFARE – MEDICAL

New extended visiting hours at our local hospitals From 5 July, NHS Gloucestershire Hospitals will be operating new extended visiting hours – from 9am to 9pm every day. The move, which is being timed to coincide with ‘NHS 70’ celebrations, is designed to allow families easier access to medical staff.

Health services in Gloucestershire When your doctor’s surgery is NHS 111 Service Gloucestershire Out of closed, there are other ways The NHS 111 Service is available 24 Hours Service of getting medical advice and hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s Doctors’ Surgeries are closed. The treatment. the NHS non-emergency number, Service is contacted by calling 111. There are the Advice ASAP, calls to 111 are free from landlines The Service operates: Mon-Fri NHS 111 and Gloucestershire and mobile phones. 1830hrs-0800hrs, Sat, Sun & Bank Out of Hours services. You should call 111 if : Holidays – 24hours. If you are unsure of the health •• You need medical help fast, but NB: The Out of Hours Service service you need for advice and/ it’s not a 999 life-threatening is only for urgent out of hours or treatment, the information emergency medical matters. & details of the services can •• You don’t know who to call for be found at the Advice ASAP It is important to remember medical help website and the NHS 111 Service. that Hospital Emergency •• You don’t think it can wait for an departments are there for Advice ASAP appointment with your doctor, or serious injuries and (App, Search, Ask, you don’t have a doctor. emergencies. Pharmacy) Advice ASAP is available at www.asapglos.nhs.uk and Registering with a doctor’s surgery also as an app. On the website, When you move into the area, you must register your spouse and family you can search and find details members with the nearest doctors’ surgery to your SFA. A list of surgeries nearest to the SFA area is noted in the SFA Area Information Booklet, for local health services – ie a included in the Welcome Pack. pharmacy, and to search by To register with a surgery, telephone or visit the surgery, medical condition. and the reception staff will explain and assist with the registering process. Further information is available on the surgery’s website. If you are having problems with registering with a surgery, contact/visit the HWLO at Innsworth Station Welfare Office, (tel no 01452 362553), for assistance.

26 SUMMER 2019 the imjin Groups / ARRC Community The Armed Forces Covenant The Armed Forces Covenant Champs •• Contributing to the initiation and is a promise from the nation implementation of change and These individuals are best placed to that those who serve or improvement to service and care understand the difficulties that Forces have served, and their delivery for local Armed Forces patients and their families encounter, families, are treated fairly. serving personnel, their families and and have experience of the challenges veterans. Gloucestershire Hospitals that can be faced in accessing and NHS Foundation Trust is working to receiving health care services. Deborah Lee, the Trust’s CEO embed the Armed Forces Covenant to said: “I am very proud to endorse The new role involves a host of things, improve health outcomes for serving Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS including: personnel, veterans and their families. Foundation Trust’s support for Britain’s • Promoting the needs of Armed The Trust has recruited six members • Armed Forces serving personnel, Forces serving personnel, their of staff who have volunteered to veterans, and their families. families, and veterans. become ‘Armed Forces Champions’ – “Our Champions each bring different many of whom have either previously •• Offering support and information experiences, knowledge and skills served in the military or have a link to to colleagues regarding issues which will help shape the support and the Armed Forces. pertinent to the Armed Forces. care we can offer.”

To contact Gloucestershire NHS Trust’s Armed Forces Champions e-mail [email protected]

HEALTH ADVICE – SEPSIS Bad Blood It claims 52,000 lives every year in the U.K. – and it has been called “the deadliest killer you’ve never heard of”. Sepsis, also called blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a potentially life-threatening condition, triggered by an infection or injury, which can affect babies, toddlers, children and adults. In Sepsis, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight an infection. This can reduce the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys. Without quick treatment, Sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Here are the early warning signs you need to know:

Sepsis symptoms in children under five years Sepsis symptoms in If your baby/young child has any of the symptoms noted below, you should older children (5 years+) take the baby/child straight to A&E (Gloucestershire Royal or Cheltenham and adults General Hospital) or call 999. If your child or an adult has any The symptoms may be: of the symptoms listed below, •• Looks mottled, bluish or pale seek immediate medical advice. •• Very lethargic or difficult to wake The symptoms may be: •• Feels abnormally cold to touch •• High or low temperature •• Breathing very fast •• Chills and shivering •• Has a fit or convulsion •• Fast heartbeat •• Rash that does not fade when you press it •• Fast breathing If your baby/child is getting worse or is sicker than you’d expect and has •• Feeling dizzy or faint any of the symptoms below, trust your instincts and seek medical advice •• Confused, disorientated, urgently from NHS 111, by ringing 111. slurred speech The symptoms may be: •• Diarrhoea, nausea,vomiting •• Temperature over 38°C (babies under 3 months) / temperature over 39°C •• Severe breathlessness (babies 3-6 months) •• Cold, clammy and pale/mottled •• Any high temperature, where child in not showing an interest in anything skin loss of consciousness •• Low temperature (below 36°C) •• Not passing much urine, ie for a full day •• Finding it harder to breathe, making grunting noises when breathing, breathing that pauses •• Not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours Treatment of Sepsis •• Baby or child has no interest in feeding, not drinking for more than If sepsis is detected early and 8 hours (when awake), hasn’t affected any vital organs, it •• Green, bloody or black vomit/sick. can be treated with antibiotics. But children/adults with severe sepsis and septic shock will require For further information, see the NHS website www.nhs.uk/condtiond/sepsis admission to hospital.

the imjin SUMMER 2019 27 IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

If you’re experiencing any of the following, talk to us:

Feeling cut off from life Losing your temper more often Finding it hard to sleep Feeling on edge and easily irritable Having nightmares or fl ashbacks

Our 24-hour mental health helpline provides confi dential advice – you can contact us anytime, day or night, for help. Family members can also call the helpline.

If you’re serving, call 0800 138 1619 If you’re a veteran, call 0800 323 4444

combatstress.org.uk

Combat Stress, Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002 (SC038828 in Scotland).

28 SUMMER 2019 the imjin 18JH154 Noah Way Padre Richard Smith’s first column for the imjin

Greetings from your new padre, it’s a the ‘ARK’ (as opposed to the ‘ARRC’ as pleasure to join you in Innsworth – and it should be). Noah would have been I look forward to meeting you all over so pleased. IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT the course of the next few months. So perhaps that is how we should Moving to a new position is always a consider ourselves, as voyagers on challenge and one many of you will the ARK. Gathered from far and wide know very well, I’m sure it is even more and travelling together to stay safe. It demanding when you are moving is a voyage of discovery and although countries and trying to find your way I’m sure the Commander has a plan YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, in a different culture. we are also at the mercy of factors Early in my time here I had the not yet known. Like with Noah we can occasion to visit the Chaplain General be assured that while we travel God in the Army HQ at Andover. He is the watches over us, guides our path and senior chaplain in our Army and I was leads us to a destination prepared in WE’RE HERE TO HELP. seeking his advice on guidance about advance. how to best support you. As I booked As we travel along, if I can help you in in at the gate and received my car any way, then please let me know. pass I was delighted to see that the clerk misunderstood where I’d come Every blessing, If you’re experiencing any of the following, talk to us: from and I’d been labelled chaplain to Padre Richard

Feeling cut off from life Places of Worship around Gloucester Losing your temper more often CHRISTIANITY Church of England St Johns Avenue, Churchdown St Johns Sunday Traditional style, with Finding it hard to sleep (at crossroads with Hare and Hounds) (Reverend Jacqui Hyde) 10am children’s work alongside www.stjohnschurchdown.co.uk St Andrews Modern style, with children’s Station Road, Churchdown Feeling on edge and easily irritable (Reverend Jonathan Sunday 10.30am work alongside new.standrewschurchdown.org.uk Perkin) Having nightmares or fl ashbacks Roman Catholic Our Ladys Mass, with children’s work 66 Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown Sunday 10.30am (Father Paul Brandon) alongside www.ourladyschurchdown.org.uk Methodist Our 24-hour mental health helpline provides confi dential Churchdown Rotation of Holy Communion, Chapel Hay Lane, Churchdown, GL3 2ET Methodist Sunday 10.30am All age worship, and normal www.churchdownmethodistchurch.org.uk advice – you can contact us anytime, day or night, for help. (Reverend Graham Miles) Sunday Worship Family members can also call the helpline. Baptist Kendal Road Baptist All age service, with Kendal Road, Longlevens, GL2 0NB Sunday 10.30am (Pastor – Steve Ayers) children’s work alongside krbc.org.uk

JEWISH If you’re serving, call 0800 138 1619 Gloucester Liberal Jewish Community www.gljc.org.uk If you’re a veteran, call 0800 323 4444 (Rabbi Anna Gerrard) MUSLIM 44-46 Ryecroft Street, Gloucester, GL1 4LY Masjid e Noor www.majidenoor.org.uk Khoja Shi’s Muslim Wainsbridge, 69 Bristol Road, Quedgely, GL2 Community 4NE

HINDUISM Gloucester Pillaiyar 7 days a week Babminton Road, Matson, GL4 6AY Temple 9am - midday, 6 - 9 pm www.gloucesterpillaiyartemple.org

GURKHA combatstress.org.uk Temple As required Imjin Barracks Combat Stress, Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002 (SC038828 in Scotland).

ARRC Padre the imjin SUMMER 2019 29 18JH154 FINA; WORD with asmile. good friends,”heexplains “They’ve gonefrombeingclients to of hisformer airforce customers. continues totrimthehairof many as ‘RAFInnsworth’.Today, he when thecampwasstillknown He firstsetupbusinessin1969, just yet. shows littlesignofstopping And theenergetic70-year-old Imjin Barracksfor halfacentury. haircuts fromhisbarbershopat institution –cuttingmilitary Alan GoodwinisanInnsworth 30 SUMMER 2019 the imjin the “And Imeetthe wives with the all ofthem. fantastic. Ilove having achatwith the FrenchandItalians, it’s the rugby. It’s thesame with morning andwaschatting about adds: “IhadaCanadianin this Grinning, theproudWelshman Gloucester areaagedten. Valleys inWales, Alancametothe Originally fromtheRhonda of themultinationalNATO troops.” – andeven moresonowbecause comes tositinmyseatisdifferent “I love itbecause everybody who at Innsworth celebrates 50years Military barber above Cut “I amjustgoing tomosey along.” The smilereturnsasheadds: too much.” to help,butIenjoy thebanter difficult. Imightgetsomebody in me thatlastnight.I’d finditvery to retirejustyet. “Mykidsasked After fiftyyears, hehasnoplans as well. translating for themum.Ilove that school for sixmonthsandhe’s But theirlittleboy hasbeenat often can’tspeakmuchEnglish. because someofthemothers children, whichisquitefunny @HQARRC Allied Rapid ReactionCorps ✂ USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

INNSWORTH STATION

Welfare Office 01452 362 550 Imjin Barracks Guardroom (24 hours) 01452 712612 extension 7089 Imjin Barracks Medical Centre 01452 712612 extension 5999 Imjin Barracks Dental 01452 712612 extension 5920 HQ ARRC Public Affairs Office 01452 718007 Station Staff Officer 01452 712612 extension 7848 Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre 01452 519951

Out of hours Emergencies: HQ ARRC Staff Duty Officer 07788 418577 ARRC Support Battalion Duty Officer 07733 014295 Padre 07721 866581 / 01452 718551

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade 999 Police Non-Emergency 101

HOUSING

Amey – Occupancy Service 0800 707 6000 Option 3, Option 1 (All SFA areas) (Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm) CUT OUT AND KEEP Amey – Maintenance Services Ashchurch, Churchdown, Innsworth and Quedgeley SFA areas 0800 707 6000 Option 1 (24 hours) Touchstone Maintenance Hucclecote, Kingsway and Tewkesbury SFA areas. 0800 9882433 (24 hours) MEARS Group 0800 0324547 Robin Horton Amey Housing (Innsworth) 01452 739223 Accommodation Stores (ASU) (Furniture for Quarters) 01452 712612 extension 7387

LOCAL AREA

Innsworth Barber Shop 01452 712612 extension 6033 Gloucester Tourist Information Centre 01452 396572 Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre 01242 522878 Gloucester City Council 01452 396396 Gloucestershire County Council 01452 425000 Tewkesbury Borough Council 01684 295010 Tewkesbury Community Centre 01684 294713 Kingsway Community Centre 01452 721552 Churchdown Community Centre 01452 712553

the imjin SUMMER 2019 31 the imjin Online

Never miss an issue with the imjin magazine now online. Visit the ARRC website and find the imjin located on the home page. www.arrc.nato.int