Norfolk in the Lightning Spotlight RAF Marham Welcomes the Royal Navy Queen Victoria School Raising to Distinction

The Naval Families Federation’s Magazine for RN &RMFamilies

Autumn 2018 | www.nff.org.uk Military Kids prove good Whatwe sports did this summer

RM Condor Norfolk in the Lightning spotlight RAF Marham welcomes the Royal Navy Queen Victoria School Raising to Distinction

Admissions Deadline 15 Jan "&#$!"&%

QueenVictoria School in Dunblane is aco-educational boarding school for the children of UK Armed Forces personnel who areScottish, or who have served in Scotland or who have been members of aScottish regiment.

The QVS experience encourages and develops well-rounded, confident individuals in an environment of stability and continuity.

The main entry point is into Primary 7and all places arefully funded for tuition and boarding by the Ministry of Defence.

Families arewelcome to find out morebycontacting Admissions on +44 (0) 131 310 2927 to arrange avisit. Queen Victoria School Dunblane Perthshire FK15 0JY www.qvs.org.uk AUTUMN 18 | CONTENTS 17

23 33

FRONT COVER: LPT Reggie Cawley and two young helpers lead the warm-up at the Pompey’s Military Kids fun sports day,hosted and run by the Royal Navy at HMS Te meraire in Portsmouth. See pages 12-13. 47 56 Picture: LPhot Ben Corbett

Feature Your Questions Sports day for military children Answered 50-51 12-13 Your Life Navy settles in to RAF Marham Olive Oyl –Homecoming then 17-20 and now 24-25 Welcome to RM Condor To mfinds his voice 26-27 33-36 Surviving Further Education Navy Life 38-39 HM ships Duncan and Enterprise Marina –the ‘military village’ 42-43 FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS return 8-9 The Naval Families Federation relies on Te rm-time leave 44-45 Units and Establishments to distribute Planning for Tr ansition 30-31 copies to all families as quickly as possible. Children’s Commissioner Pastoral support at HQ of HQs If you are not in aposition to obtain a reports 48 copy through the usual Naval Service 46 channels, e-mail: [email protected] with Royal Marines Band Service 56 Reader Offers 64-65 your postal address to make sure you receive YOUR copy of HOMEPORT.

Views expressed in HOMEPORT,unless otherwise stated, Contact: Chris Cappie, Te l: 01463 732223 are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect E-mail: [email protected] the official opinion of the Naval Families Federation orof the Ministry of Defence. HOMEPORT welcomes articles No responsibility for the quality of goods or services The NavalFamilies Federation’s from readers. Contributions are included at the NFF advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the Magazine forRoyalNaval &Royal Director’s discretion. Anonymous contributions are not Publishers, Printers or by the Ministry of Defence. Marines families accepted. Advertisements are accepted on the express condition that HOMEPORT is distributed free by the Royal Information correct at time of press. the advertiser warrants that they in no way contravene the Navy and Royal Marines to Naval families Design and Ty pography: ©Method Publishing 2018 provisions of the Tr ades Descriptions Act 1968 or any other throughout the world and is published prevailing legislation in the United Kingdom. quarterly by Method Publishing, adivision of Editorial Matter and Illustrations: ©Crown Copyright 2018 Scottish Provincial Press Ltd. unless otherwise stated. Articles are not to be reproduced The Publishers reserve the right to refuse acceptance of without permission from the Editor. Editorial Office: Editor: Mike Gray any advertisement, either before or after receipt of copy, Naval Families Federation, Building 25, The Naval Families Federation is aregistered charity in without stating areason. England and Wales (1177107). HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8ER HOMEPORT Editorial Deadlines: Te l: 023 9265 4374 Advertisement Office(UK) E-mail: [email protected] Method Publishing, 64 Main St, Golspie, Spring edition: 14th January 2019 Website: www.nff.org.uk Sutherland, Scotland KW10 6TG Summer edition: 12th April 2019

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 3 News and Views

Service Pupil Premium amount increase, Your voice, our priority would be for it to be extended to early years and up to 18 years, because there were gaps at either end in terms of pastoral support. As aresult, the Committee have recommended that: HEARD “Wecall on the Government to review Message from Anna Wright, CEO NFF the Service Pupil Premium for England, with particular reference to whether it We’renot sureexactly howmany should be increased and whether its bottoms have satinour giant range should be extended to under-5s deckchair this summer but I and to all Service children, including would hazardaguessit’srather a those aged 16-18 years across the UK. lot. We have lovedbeing out on We also call upon the Government the road at families days talking to provide target guidance to help to youand aregrateful foryou schools use the Service Pupil Premium telling us ‘likeitis’ (page 23). It appropriately.” is your feedback which allows us We continue to engage with the devolved to inform decision makers… administrations regarding educational NFF evidence has contributed to the support offered to the children of Armed introduction of anew compensation Forces families. scheme for Royal Navy and Royal Whilst we have met lots of families during Marines personnel serving in Scotland which will ensure their lovely summer holidays together we know that many that they are not out of pocket due to paying the increased were without their loved ones due to deployments. I rate of Scottish Income Tax. was very heartened to hear the CO’s view about the And our input has encouraged the Government to extend importance of families. Commander Ben Keith, the the Education Support Fund (ESF). Introduced in 2011 to Commanding Officer of HMS Diamond said: “While many mitigate the adverse effects of family mobility and parental families are enjoying their summer holidays, my ship’s absence on the children of Service personnel, this was due company are working hard at sea to keep Britain safe and to stop at the end of the 2017-18 financial year.Itwill now will continue to do so for as long as we are required. be extended for two years, amounting to £3 million this “I would like to thank the families of my crew whose year and £2 million in 2019-20. support is vital while we carry out our duty to the nation.” We told the House of Commons Defence Select Committee that, whilst we would like to see the

Contact the NFF

NFF,Building 25, HMS Excelllent, Whale Island, Portsmouth. PO2 8ER Our telephone number is 023 9265 4374 For all enquiries, e-mail: [email protected]

Hello, howcan Communication Education Employment Health the NFF help you?

If you are looking for organisations that offer advice, support and assistance, then visit our website www.nff.org.uk

HousingMoney Relationships for some useful contact numbers.

4 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk In tr ays ur agenda: to whatisono –aquick guide rategy): The summer also brought a meeting with the Children’s idence and St (Director of Ev Commissioner (see page 48), but recent weeks have been Bridget Nicholson taken up with the NFF survey on the mental health of families, Bridget has been representing the particular needs of Naval launched in July, analysed by Bridget in August and now uploaded

Service families, including delivering a presentation at the Service as evidence to the House of Commons Defence Health cer for Service Education Relationships Children in State Schools (SCISS) national conference in Lincoln in Committee’s current inquiry on mental health. June, and meeting with the All Wales Project Offi Children in Education, outlining the experiences of families and gaining a better understanding of the Welsh system. Thompson) has been looking at various projects, including spouse Adviser): nd Covenant employment opportunities.Jenny, who also leads on health matters, ts of ard (Policya JennyW ’ was then invited to the ‘Step into Health’ national engagement event Although Jenny leads on policy and the Armed Forces Covenant, in Leeds, when she spoke to NHS employers about the benefi like her colleagues she also has a number of vital ‘secondary recruiting Service spouses. t in a review of NFF Employment duties.On Covenant business n Jennyding out has about attended local conferences support available in She also managed to also fi Communication Norwich, Lincoln and Hull, fi processes and procedures to ensure we comply with to Naval families and “talking about Naval Service life to anyone and the General Data Protection Regulation… everyone!”

Jenny (with Portsmouth-based Families Engagement colleague Nicola

e agency, but the remaining third often require “a real deep dive, liaising with te and Executiv oney other agencies on the family’s behalf,” said Mick. HousingM Mick Malone (Senior Family Advoca Complicated cases included housing licencing issues Assistant): Mick and his colleague Zoe Bellfield are usually the first point (particularly involving disability and adaptations), a failed

Relationships of contact at the NFF and thus deal with the entire range of queries and move for a Service person assigned to the Army and utility Health issues raised. bills in Service Family Accommodation. Mick – who is also the NFF’s housing specialist – said that two-thirds of calls can be dealt with quickly through advice or signposting to an appropriate -ordination in addition to making Families minister, requiring plenty of diary co ations and all the other arrangements. (Director of Oper Williams Jane also has a meeting soon with the Cabinet Secretary of Local Jane One of Jane’s current priorities is organising Engagement): Research, Government and Public Services in the Welsh Assembly, Alun Davies. the launch of a report, launch of the report, funded by Greenwich Then there were the families days – Relationships Communication Hospital and conducted by King’s Centre for Military Health and a giant deckchair to chauffeur around… into the effects of non-operational separation gures, on includingService children. a senior The event will feature top policy and political fi

Commissioner (OISC) syllabus and passing a competence test, Pete will be able to provide advice on immigration-related (West of England Families Pete Hawley Not only does Pete represent the issues to our families within the regulations of the OISC. Engagement Officer): That has meant months of study and a trip to London to sit

NFF in the West of the country, but he is also working towards the test – and all that alongside his standard case Relationships Communication qualifi cations that will enable him to be the NFF’s immigration workload and families engagement events. specialist. ce of the Immigration Services By completing the relevant Offi opportunities), family support (showing Plymouth families what Helensburgh has to offer) and spousal employment (Mark (Families Engagement Officer Scotland Mark Harris te’s counterpart in the north has reports promising initial conversations with Employment Pe Education and Northern Ireland): big companies in Glasgow). Mark has also Communication an in tray that reinforces the versatile nature of NFF staff. been doing the rounds of families days, Amongst the issues Mark is currently grappling with are student including those at Helensburgh, HMS Scotia Health funding in Scotland (highlighting examples where Service families in Rosyth and RM Condor in Arbroath. Relationships might be at a disadvantage), health (new links with local health and wellbeing practitioners yielding concerns and exciting

As Homeport went to press, Lucy was Education Relationships preparing to brief a cross-party Scottish Communication r (Transition specialist): Lucy Heave Government group at Holyrood on Naval

Lucy’s spring and summer has been focussed on her core families in transition. Health oney speciality, which has not only yielded a comprehensive HousingM families transition guide (see pages 30-31) but also the delivery of a report on the conclusion of a two-year study.

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Hundreds of family members and friends ﬂocked to Portsmouth and Devonport to greet their loved ones when HM ships Duncan and Enterprise returned home from high-proﬁle deployments leading NATO task groups. The Ty pe 45 destroyer left the UK in January to lead Standing NATO Maritime Group 2inthe Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea, sailing thousands of miles to promote peace and stability in the region over her six-month deployment. She returned to cheering crowds of up to around 800 people eager to see their loved ones again. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “HMS Duncan and her crew have demonstrated why the Royal Navy is revered all over the world for its leadership, professionalism, and skill. “In taking charge of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 for the

we mean by Global Britain.”

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8 | | 18 www.nff.org.uk Navy Life

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Creative Media Design ADR003861 Your Life Junk cruise is no junket

Amorning in class or asun-drenched cruise “It was amazing today.The weather was lovely,and the kids have really around the harbour? No contest… enjoyed themselves. And they were really capable –they were not Children from Service families at aPortsmouth school were treated to afraid to try things like handling the ropes. There was no fear. atwo-hour trip on Boleh, aunique yacht which has the oriental lines of “This was the first time today,but if we get invited again we would ajunk or dhow. certainly take the opportunity –you just have to see how happy they The recently-restored Boleh –her name is Malay for ‘yes’ or ‘can are.” do’ –has been supporting the Pompey’s Military Kids (PMK) cluster Boleh was designed and built by Naval aviator Cdr Robin Kilroy – group after Henry Middleton, of the Boleh Tr ust, heard about the group Henry’s uncle –inSingapore in 1948, and sailed the 16,000 miles to through Portsmouth City Council. Devon so she could be used as afamily boat. Henry contacted Nicola Thompson, Families Engagement Officer with Some 30 years later she became asail training ship for young people, the Naval Families Federation and the driving force behind the cluster, then ahouseboat in Sussex before she was almost destroyed by fire. and Nicola organised trips for pupils of Service families who were keen Saved from the scrapyard by Roger Angel, who sailed her in the Med, to try their hand on asailing boat. Boleh was eventually bought by Henry and his brother George in 2008, The first PMK pupils to sail Boleh were from Years 7to10atMayfield and was restored in 2015 by ateam that included apprentices learning School, one of them being 15-year-old Ruby Hughes, whose father is a traditional boatbuilding skills. former sailor. The Boleh Tr ust has its own military links –Henry is an RAF veteran, “I really enjoyed it,” said Ruby.“It was the first time Ihave been on a while George, the chairman of the Tr ust, served in the Royal Navy,as ship like that –usually I’ve just been on board ships where my Dad did lead skipper Kevin Hood. Crew member William Barker-Wyatt, worked. now aCivil Servant, is aformer soldier. “Steering was the best part. We went up to the end of the harbour,and The Tr ust recently received agrant of almost £5,000 from the Armed Isteered it most of the way up. It was hard work –you have to fight Forces Covenant Fund Tr ust to support the PMK/Portsmouth City against the wind, but Igot the hang of it. Council initiative, which means by October more than 100 Service “I would definitely do it again. Ilearned about what kind of ship it was, children will have had the chance to sail on the yacht. and things like tacking and going against the wind. Doing the ropes was www.bolehproject.com good, too, but very confusing –it’s not as easy as it looks.” www.nff.org.uk/pompeys-military-kids-club/ Accompanying the groups was Ben Currier,Head of Languages at Mayfield, and himself aForces child. “My Dad is Navy,” said Ben. “He was in the Falklands –heused to be aLeading Chef,but he’s now retired. He deployed alot, and during my childhood he wasn’t about too often, so Ifeel an affinity for these pupils.

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 11 Feature SPORTS DAY togetherbrings Service children

Around 150 children from military families gathered in Portsmouth for afun sports day hosted by the Royal Navy. The children, from eight schools in the Pompey’s Military Kids (PMK) cluster,ranged from Reception to Year 6(ages 4 to 11) and were given the opportunity to take part in aseries of obstacle and relay races. Once all the pupils had arrived at HMS Te meraire, the Royal Navy’s sport and PE establishment, they were taken through awarm-up routine led by LPT ‘Reggie’ Cawley –helped by two enthusiastic volunteers. Then the children, grouped by age, dispersed around the Victory Stadium athletics track to compete in fun events, overseen by ateam of nine Navy physical training experts based at Te meraire. PMK cluster co-ordinator Nicola Thompson, aFamilies

Engagement Officer with the Naval Families Fed- eration, said: “Today was a fantastic opportunity to get the children together with their parents and experience sport in the Royal Navy. “A better understanding of where their Mums and Dads work helps the children as well as informing the school teaching staff who were learning the unique challenges associated with being achild from aService family.” The eight schools represented were St Paul’s RC Primary,Solent Infant and Junior, Craneswater Junior,Northern Parade, Cumberland Infant, St Jude’s CofEPrimary and Milton Park Primary.The PMK cluster currently covers 18 schools. Larissa Cunningham of Portsmouth City Council, an educational psychologist with arole for supporting Service families,

12 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Feature

said: “It’s away of promoting community engagement, because it breaks down barriers rather than it all being behind the wire. “The Royal Navy has been brilliant in getting this organised –senior offic- ers agreed to it, and the PTIs ran the Pictures by LPhot Ben Corbett event. “Every child here is in receipt of the the same position as they are –we Service Pupil Premium, and they are not are not the only ones.” just Royal Navy families –wehave ahand- The Commanding Officer of HMS ful from the Army and RAF as well.” Te meraire, Cdr Richard Bird, hand- Tw omothers at the event did not realise ed out individual trophies to three they shared amilitary background, even children –Jessica (St Jude’s), Mat- though their daughters are friends at thew (St Paul’s) and Sebby (Cum- school. berland), while every child received amedal for participating, thanks to Jemma Bennett said: “I think this idea is funding from the Royal Navy Royal brilliant. Alana came home and said ‘We’ve Marines Charity (RNRMC). been invited to asports day!’ Ididn’t know they did anything like this.” Refreshments were provided by the Royal Navy Sports Lottery –and were Liz Birch said: “A lana and Charlotte have well-received on awarm, sunny day. been in the same year at the same school since Year 1, but we didn’t know until Royal Navy Fitness Te sting Officer today that we both have aService con- CPOPT Helen Richardson, who was nection. The children didn’t say anything responsible for staging the event, was about it before. also one of the attending parents –her daughter Lily attends Cumberland school. “I think this is brilliant. There are so many Naval families in the city it makes sense “It has been good –areally good day,” to give military children the chance to said Helen. experience it, and from awellbeing point “Lily’s father is currently at sea in HMS of view,you build relationships by shared Mersey and has spent alot of time away experiences. over the last few years. “They will go back to school and talk “Events like today not only bring the about it together and there’s achance Service family community closer together for mutual support. And events like this but also promote the Navyfit ethos in afun are little perks and benefits which help to way. soften the hard times. It’s alittle treat.” “Lily had afantastic time which she Jemma added: “It’s nice for them to see couldn’t wait to tell her Dad about.” there are children from other schools in

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 13 Your Life INBRIEF Newman at helm of Navalcharity Military WivesChoir is A former Commander of British recruiting Forces in Gibraltar is taking the helm of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Military wives and partners in the North-East of England Charity (RNRMC) this autumn. have been invited to “make new friends, connect with their Adrian Bell (pictured left) spent local community and learn new skills in afun and supportive eight years as Chief Executive environment” –all through joining the Newcastle Military of the KeKent,nt, Surrey and Sussex Wives Choir. Air Ambulance following along Based at Albemarle Barracks, west of the city,the choir career with the Senior Service, rehearses Wednesday evenings in a“relaxed, welcoming during which he commanded three atmosphere” -noexperience or auditions necessary. warships. Like the other 70-plus choirs in the UK and abroad, membership is open not only to wives and partners of serving Outgoing Chief Executive Robert personnel, but also those with amilitary connection including Robson (pictured right) was Servicewomen, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters –see in the RNRMC hot seat for 10 www.militarywiveschoirs.org/ for details. years following two decades with Barclays, where he held anumber If Newcastle is abit too far for you the website will identify of high-level international executive your nearest choir -all are happy to welcome new members. roles including Global Head of Military Wives Choirs was formed as acharity in 2012 and Banking and Credit for Barclays has expanded rapidly,offering far more than just the chance Private Bank. to sing –italso forms asupport network for women in the Before that Robert served six years military community,welcoming new faces to the area and in the Royal Navy,inHMships helping people through tough times. Glasgow,Yarnton, Brazen and Fife. The RNRMC offers support to the Win the Military Wives Choirs’ latest CD 800,000 members of Britain’s wider ‘Remember’, marking the centenary of the end Naval community,whether serving, veteran or amember of a of World War1–see pages 64-65. Naval family,and over the past decade has distributed over £50 million. www.rnrmc.org.uk 2017 ActivityReport Trustpublishes Mental health cards distributed Activity Report The MOD has distributed more than 10,000 mental health awareness wallet cards to almost 400 Defence establishments and units around The Forces in Mind Tr ust (FiMT) the UK. has published its Activity Report for 2017, outlining the ways in The cards feature the ‘Five Signs’ associated with mental health, which the charitable trust has providing asimple self-check to help identify potential early signs of helped ex-Service personnel stress or poor mental and their families make a health. successful and sustainable transition to civilian life. The Combat Stress FiMT’s strategy,like that of the Naval Families Federation, helpline number for is to generate reliable evidence that will influence and serving personnel and underpin policymakers and service deliverers, and Chief their families is provided Executive RayLock says that the organisation is now on the reverse of the entering a‘Third Age’ in which it will “make an impact”. card –that number is An electronic version of the report is available at 0800 323 4444. www.ﬁm-trust.org/reports/

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ust the RAF living the fact there is lots going - j on. The base would have amazed the most famous of all and working there? Norfolk sailors, Lord Nelson, housing state-of-the-art equipment and the most technologically-advanced aircraft the Royal Navy has MS Queen Elizabeth left her home port of ever welcomed into its ranks. The site itself is imposing, with Portsmouth in the middle of August for her 15 acres given over to playing fi elds for cricket, hockey, rugby ﬁrst transatlantic crossing –nodoubt there and football alone – so for any family members that are keen will be many,many more during her career, runners, a perfect training venue too! Hwrites Jane Williams, NFF’s Director of What is also included at the site are some facilities that the Operations and Families Engagement. seafarers would not normally expect, such as a golf course and The buzz and excitement around this iconic ship joining Her cinema… Majesty’s fleet has been palpable, but of course there is akey Station facilities include: part of her capability that is building…. The arrival of the fast jets on board will complete her suite of ability to do her job in • The Blue Bell Café and Families Bar. Food is served daily and keeping us all safe. a coffee bar is open Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700. It is also open from 1000 to 1200 on Saturdays and Sundays. RNASCuldrose and RNASYeovilton are the recognised homes of the Fleet Air Arm, but with the fast jets and their crews and • Louis’ Bar for Junior Ranks families now starting to settle back in the UK after testing and • The station gym is equipped with a good selection of CV training ‘State-side’, RAF Marham is where they are heading. equipment and weights. Circuits and classes are held at For most of us, Marham does not spring automatically to mind lunchtimes and families can access the gym after completing when we think about ‘home ports’ for the Naval Service, but, an induction course having just come back from a visiting Marham, I can vouch for MARHAM

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 17 Feature

• Golf club Te am work hard to ensure that all arriving families are given as much information and support as possible. They run a monthly programme • Station library – it also doubles up as a meeting room as required of events and encourage families to link into all the information via their • Soft play area. There is no charge for entry but all users are Facebook group Marham Community. As SFA is behind the wire the expected to follow the published rules of use and clear up after Community Support Team also offer assistance if needed on matters themselves. The area is open Monday to Friday 0930 to 1630, regarding accommodation. Saturday and Sunday 1000 to 1200 Having had the pleasure of meeting some of the Community Support • The cinema is located next to the soft play area and shows all the Te am, it is abundantly clear that their focus is on making all families very latest fi lms, and doubles up as a briefi ng room if required. Opening welcome and ensuring that whatever they can do to support families, times are Sunday 1430 to 1700 and Monday 1930 to 2230. they will. The Community Support Hub is situated for easy access by families and Before visiting, I picked up the buzz that Marham is ‘out in the sticks’ or is adjacent to the community shop and includes the HIVE (Naval families a three-day camel hike to the supermarket! Being used to a ridiculously will know this as RNRM Welfare). The Community Support Hub busy M27 on my daily commute, I was very pleasantly surprised that provides anumber of additional consultancy services: a superb (and queue-free) out-of-town shopping centre was only a 10-minute drive from the main gate of Marham, and the very pretty and • Citizens Advice Bureau each Thursday from 1000 to 1600 (by historic town of King’s Lynn is only another 10 minutes further up the appointment only) road. Yes, a car, or a car share, is the ideal way of getting around, but • Solicitors are available on the second and last Wednesday of each the station is much closer to all the amenities and schools etc. than I had month from 0900 to 1200 (by appointment only) thought. • Financial Services – arranged via Community Support The options to explore days out at places like Her Majesty’s country retreat at Sandringham, or get to the open beaches on Norfolk’s • Mortgage Advisor –arranged via Community Support coastline are all within reach in less than an hour’s drive. Of course, • Housing Hub/SSFA – the Housing Hub is the focal point for all for the most devoted Royal Navy history buffs, Burnham Thorpe matters regarding Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and Substitute (birthplace of Lord Nelson) is amere 45-minute drive away! Service Families Accommodation. For any families thinking about buying a The Community Centre hosts all the main property in Norfolk it might be worth factoring in that, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the available for private hire. All the bookings are average property in the county handled via the Community Support Te am: sold for £222,610, which was 01760 337261 x7425. just under the UK average of £225,047. Service Families Accommodation (SFA) is situated at the station, and unusually Spousal employment for Naval Service families, is behind opportunities may the wire. The Community Support also need to be

18 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Feature taken into consideration if your serving family member is assigned to FORCES ENTERPRISE NETWORK HUB (FEN HUB) Marham. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, the College Acollaboration between Forces Enterprise Network, Recruit of West Anglia, NHS West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, for Spouses and Evolution Forces Families for anew careers and Borough Council of King’s Lynn &West Norfolk and Freebridge enterprise company providing the first fully-integratedorganisation organisation Community Housing have created a website listing all vacancies within to transform the provision of careers and business support for the their respective organisations: www.workinginwestnorfolk.co.uk ‘whole’ Armed Forces Community. There are a range of agencies focused on employment/getting back into FEN Hub exists to provide members of the Armed Forces work for the Armed Forces community that are location-blind, so if you community with the skills, resources and practical tools needed to be are moving and have not had achance to familiarise yourself with what successful in whatever route to employment they choose, either by you can tap into, here is aquick summary: starting and maintaining abusiness or securing employment. They bring their passion for business, experience in recruitment, knowledge of fi financial nancial services services and expertiseand expertise in delivering in delivering training training RECRUIT FOR SPOUSES programmes and business networking to the defence communitycommunity, , Recruit for Spouses is an award-winning, independent social and together they are making aad differenceifference in the lives of tri-Service enterprise, run largely by people whose spouses are serving in the members, veterans, reservists, spouses and their families. Armed Forces. It is not just about finding ajob –it’s about spouses re-establishing their identity and independence, building afulfilling To fifind nd out out more more about about how they how can they help canyou helphead youto their head website to their website life that benefits them, their partners and their families. They exist www.forcesenterprisenetwork.co.uk/fen-hub-networking.forcesenterprisenetwork.co.uk/fen-hub-networking to help military spouses find ajob or start abusiness that works for them. THE MARINE SOCIETY To find out more visit their website and have alook or watch their In partnership with Greenwich Hospital, the Marine Society are promotional video, which can be found at offering a 50% discount to all Naval and Royal Marines spouses www.recruitforspouses.co.uk on education courses at GCSE, IGCSE, and AS and A-LevelA-Level for a variety of subjects including: Biology, Business Studies, ChemistryChemistry,, Economics, English, Geography, Geography,H History,istory,M Maths,aths, Physics, Law Law,, FORCES ENTERPRISE NETWORK Psychology, Religious Studies and Sociology. For more information, They offer complete business solutions for the Armed Forces head to their website Community.They provide an integrated business solutions agency for www.nff.org.uk/discount-education-courses/ any organisation, managed by their team of talented freelancers all with (For more information please email [email protected].) amilitary connection. The support they offer covers: • Marketing and campaign management RBLI –LIFEWORKSFAMILIES • Website design and development www.wearelifeworks.org.uk/families • Social media planning and management This programme offers free courses around the United Kingdom to • Public relations and press office management help Armed Forces spouses and partners get back into work and to guide them through aac changehange in situation or location. They will help • Graphic design you discover new opportunities, develop new skills, and build your • Copyright and content confidence. The courses offer the chance to: • Event planning. •identify potential career and training opportunities For more information head to their website ••u understandnderstand and manage the impact of aac changehange in location or www.forcesenterprisenetwork.co.uk situation ••i increasencrease confi confidence dence and and motivation motivation for future for future employment employment MARHAM •develop key skills and tools including job searching •develop CV writing, interview skills and completing application forms.

JOBCENTRE PLUS Job centres around the UK are there to help fi nd you a job. New to JobCentre Plus is an Armed Forces Champion in every Jobcentre Plus District. The Champion is there to make sure that Jobcentre Plus support, advice and guidance refl reflect ect the the needs of the Service community. The Champion focuses specifi cally on the Jobcentre Plus support available to: • Service leavers • Serving personnel currently within their resettlement period • Spouses/civil partners of currently serving and ex-Service personnel. www.jobcentre.uk.com

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 19 Feature

CHANGING SCHOOLS It’s important to contact your local schools and the admissions CV WRITING team of the Local Authority (LA) to find out where there are school Having agood CV to make you stand out from the crowd is essential places in your new area as soon as possible. in getting yourself ajob. There anumber of organisations out there that offer help and support with CV writing. Please follow head to Some schools manage their admissions themselves and some are the following websites: managed by the LA;the Schools Admissions Code 2012 refers to children of Armed Forces personnel. •www.whiteensign.co.uk/how-can-we-help/employment- services The Armed Forces Covenant also supports current serving personnel and their families as well as veterans. This is only a •www.militaryspousesrock.co.uk/back-to-work.html consideration for admissions authorities and does not guarantee you •www.sorted.org.uk – comprising seven-well established charities the school place of your choice. providing awide range of employment services to the Service The Moving Schools Pack has been designed to help you as aparent Community. support your child when moving schools. This can be found on the government’s website at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ moving-school-packs For information on finding schools in your local area there area couple of websites to help: When it comes to moving schools and the wellbeing of the younger •www.schoolsnet.com members of the family the Community Support TeamTe am at Marham adopt a proactive approach. They have compiled a comprehensive list of local •www.ﬁndmyschool.co.uk schools plus pre-schools and nurseries that are nearby.The information •www.gov.uk/ﬁnd-school-in-england also spans secondary schools, colleges and sixth forms as well as adult education options. To help smooth the path of starting at school or moving schools, the COMMON TRANSFER FILE –TRANSFERRING BETWEEN following information may be useful: AND FROM SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND A form called a Pupil Information Profile had been developed to enable CHILDREN’S EDUCATION ADVISORYSERVICE (CEAS) schools to pass on information, but in practice it is not always used. From CEAS provides a dedicated service exclusively for service and MOD September 2018, the Common Tr ansfer File (CTF), which is used by families providing professional advice about all aspect of children’s schools and local authorities to send pupil data whenever a pupil moves education both in the UK and overseas. from one school to another in England, is being updated. This will improve They offer advice and help on a wide range of education issues in all 4 the information being transferred and help to identify children who may need support as a result of their Service connection. It is not an extra form devolved governments and moving abroad, including moving schools, for schools to complete, but a normal part of their practice, and therefore appealing for school places, special educational needs, Continuous likely to be more consistently used. Education Allowance and Service Pupil Premium. It contains a ‘flag’ which is used to identify a child’s Service status. For more information visit their website at www.gov.uk/guidance/childrens-education-advisory-service It also asks for four data items for Service children: or to get in touch with them by email at [email protected] • “Does the school have any concerns about the child’s response to moving school?” All queries regarding CEA and Eligibility Certificates should be made by email to the address above. If you need to speak to • “Does the school have any concerns about the child’s response to someone, the parental deployment?” telephone • “Does the school have any concerns about the child’s response to number is parental separation?” (This field should be used to record concerns that 01980 618244 the school has about Service children being separated from their parents and there is an due to extended training periods or other forms of duty.) answerphone • “Details about concerns”: this is a free text box in which the school facility.facility. can include further details about their concerns. The school may wish to include, in this free text section, contact details to assist in the integration of the new pupils. The CTF system will be configured so that when a CTF is received by a school with the Service Child flag set to ‘Yes’, an alert will be automatically raised asking that a) the head teacher or appropriate member of staff should be informed of the identity of the Service child joining the school; and b) where the “concerns” section (described above) has not been completed, that the appropriate member of staff be informed and advised to contact the CTF sending school for clarification. CEAS and HIVE have ‘moving schools’ packs for primary-aged children which can be sent out to you. The pack comprises three booklets; a children’s activity book, one for parents and asa schoolchool history book. For afa fullull overview of community support and local information contact the Community TeTeam:am: [email protected] or give them a call on 01760 337261 x7x 7425.425. We would encourage any families either MARHAMthinking about moving, or who know they are moving to contact the team – you will be getting the gold standard of service!

20 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk All For Freedom Freedoml For All

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It hasn’t ALL been about the giant deckchair occasionally getting out of the office. –but boy, did the NavalFamilies Federation’s “I’ve been out talking to families at outsizegarden furnitureprove popular when Portsmouth Naval Base and on board it toured families days around the country. HMS Kent,” said Bridget. “Both NFF attendance at Naval gatherings is an essential part of what we do days were scorching hot, but it was –welisten to your views, your concerns and your hopes, and one of great to talk about what is working the best ways of doing that is to meet families at these events. well and to hear about some of the challenges.” Although we didn’t get the deckchair everywhere –ships would have proved tricky (and our insurance people would have had kittens), Jane Williams, NFF Director and some of the dates clashed –itdrew crowds, put smiles on faces of Operations and Families and allowed the NFF team to chat informally with the people we are Engagement, joined the Federation’s there to support. Norfolk-based Policy and Covenant Adviser Jenny Ward at RAF The chair made it to Arbroath for their first Families ,wDay here the Marham’s Families Day. sun shone and hundreds turned out to look around RM Condor,the Charlie enjoys an ice cream at home of 45 Cdo (see pages 33-36 for more on Condor). Jane said: “The deckchair and Idid RM Condor over 1,000 miles in the hire van as Sunshine was apleasant change for Mark Harris, our Families part of our ‘summer season’ Engagement Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland, whose busy summer programme began in the rain at the Fair in the Square in “A ll Ihave to do now is teach it to drive itself and arrive at the correct Helensburgh. Welly-wanging seemed location on time…” an appropriate part of proceedings… Marham is welcoming increasing numbers of Senior Service There was always more formal personnel, so we were keen to find out how things are going in East business to attend to –Mark Anglia –see Jane’s report on pages 17-20. had discussions with the Scottish Jenny also attended the Families Day at RAF Cranwell, which started Government Defence Policy Unit and life as RN Air Service Tr aining Establishment Cranwell back in April the Cross Party Group for Armed 1916. Forces and Veterans Communities Other events attended by the NFF team included HMS Collingwood’s –but there was also time for aroyal Open Day (including the RN Field Gun competition –our Senior garden party at Holyrood Palace, Family Advocate and Executive Assistant Mick Malone, aformer when he aired NFF matters with Portsmouth Command field gunner,was the obvious choice…), and senior military and civic figures (but those at HMS Raleigh, frigate HMS Northumberland (in Devonport) sadly,not Her Majesty…) and Collingwood’s charity band concert. NFF Director of Evidence and Other team members involved included South-West England Families Strategy Bridget Nicholson also Engagement Officer Pete Hawley,Portsmouth-based colleague Nicola Chloe and Ruby prepare for the had abusy schedule, grappling Thompson and Marketing and Communications Manager Cinmi climbing wall at RM Condor with policy issues (see page 5) but Walker.

Alexandra and Steven with their sons Eythan and Ruben

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 23 Your Life

yl, The crazed ramblings OliveO of awife of a Navy Wife Royal Navy Sailor Homecoming: pre and post parenthood

And now I have to also factor in getting I know most of you reading this will the kids ready too. Trying to keep two either be about to start, or in the small balls of boundless energy and middle of, or at the end of the Dreaded specialist skills in spilling and smearing eployment. ‘big D’ - D -clean and presentable- for the time I’ve already written a soppy post all it takes to walk from Gunwharf to the about homecoming, complete with The dockside is surprisingl ydifficult. First Kiss and fabulous hair and makeup I have been known to completely cover and romance and gushy gushy loved-up my ten-month-old in head-to-toe bibs moments. during this oh-so precarious time, only Now I want to talk about how whipping the coveralls off when I see the parenthood has affected my homecoming ship coming past the Spinnaker Tower. experience. The good, the bad and the (Top tip: on the morning of homecoming toddler. only give your kids snacks and treats would spend Pre-babies I could and that will (a) brush off, or (b) match tgrime hours getting myself polished and the colour of their outfit so tha .You’re buffed and waxed and sand-blasted and marks can be camouflaged whatnot. Since being blessed with two welcome.) small humans to keep alive on my tod Another thing that has gone out the for six to nine months I have had to cut window since having our brood is my this shameful self-preening regime down motivation to go onto the ship. somewhat. I literally can’t stomach the thought of Homecoming beauty regime post-having the girls running around on the decks. kids involves shaving my legs and using So many raised edges. So many hard abyproofing. those at-home bikini waxes which I surfaces.Pointy things .Nob have to hide in the bathroom bin so my NowIremember (I’m actually getting palpitations writing kids don’t find them. this) to pluck my eyebrows the morning of When they’re older, sure. It will be homecoming and chuck on something magical to see daddy’s pit. And the vaguely smartish that is easy to remove galley. And that small boat hatch thing Weetabix from with wet wipes. And I on the side of the ship. But crammed in wear sensible shoes. narrow child-unfriendly passages with Not so glamorous.

24 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Life

just serve as concrete evidence that she is the one round the bend, aNaval wife who started ablog to Olive Oyl is apseudonym for and every other Naval wife is apillar of strength and sanity! express her thoughts on the day-to-day frustrations, general hilarity, aLeading Hand, known as Popeye. They ‘Olive Oyl’ is married to Pea’, ayoung chaos, sadness and happiness that goes hand-in-hand with being a have ayoung daughter ,affectionately called ‘Sweet Wife. The other aim of the blog is to bring some reassurance Naval ,oritmight baby known as ‘Sproglet’, and aWestie. to other Naval wives that they are not completely loopy

not my idea together is worth all the wet hundreds of other people is wipes stashed in your mum bag. of a fun homecoming. I’ll be by the bar Seeing your children put on y, please and thanks. and soft pla their sailor’s hat and squeal with I also have a huge admiration for ‘the happiness makes you forget about youfind time to banner makers’. How do the mad dash from home to make them before homecoming? the car park to the bus to the I barely have time to clean the bathroom dockside. Seeing your sailor do a and put Popeye’s clothes back in the double take as they see you in wardrobe before homecoming, let alone the background makes the pre- make beautiful high-vis declarations of baby stresses of homecoming love! How do these other people manage outfits seem trivial. to shepherd stroppy teens, large banners, Flippant and irrelevant. a buggy and mum bags down to the Youlock eyes and, dockside? And in heels???? just like that, your family is complete Massive, massive respect to you guys. I’ve again. only ever had my hands to wave and they are usually holding a wriggling sprog who Muchos love is high on (outfit matching) sugar treats. Olive x Some things are the same though. The rush when you see the ship. The feeling ay and all of a sudden it’s PS *disclaimer*: that it’s far aw don’t throw there. The way the time goes so so so so Popeye’s clothes slowly when they are farting around with away when they ropes and ramps and things. The awkward deploy or anything - I just use the pause after you spot your sailor and you opportunity to wave and then you don’t know what to put his clothes do. So you vacillate between staring at in a storage them in a stalkery way, wondering what cupboard so I can use all they are saying to the person next to the room them and playing it cool whilst opening a in the by who has packet of Quavers for the ba wardrobe. decided to do a poo in their nappy at the You’re welcome. crucial homecoming moment. Thepure joyand adrenaline of the first kiss is still there. And now you share that moment with the suddenly unstroppy teen, or the suddenly shy toddler, or by. They get their the suddenly asleep ba dy If you would like to read more about Olive Oyl, homecoming hug with mummy or dad and iting your visit her website www.oliveoylnavywife.com Whilst youstand back. Wa first. you can reach her on Tw itter @OliveOylNW. turn with your sailor. And strangely, it’s ok. Seeing them

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 25 Your Life

probably would have joined in. “This, however,was probably the first taste I’d have of the isolation and self-hate that having a To mfinds stutter brings with it.” To m said physical manifestations –sound repetition, facial contortion –are usually plain to see, but no one sees the damage beneath the his true surface. Feelings of isolation, self-hate, fear, panic and denial may arise, with far-reaching effects, holding children back at school or causing them to shun company. To m relied on tricks and avoidance strategies, using substitutes for difficult words or prefacing voice them with ‘fillers’. He hated being asked his name “Names are loaded with fear for most stutterers,” he said. TomEdgar has alwaysbeen, in his words, a “I would answer ‘it’s ehhh, ehhh, To mEdgar’, or quiet guy –but therewas areason forthat. Tom something equally awful. had “a secret shame”. “That was abetter option than stuttering my To mstammered. name. Appear as afluent speaker at all costs. In essence Iwas hiding who Ireally was.” As achild, he would do everything he could to fit in with his peers by appearing to be afluent speaker,but there were lapses, such as the But it was not an easy option. occasion he struggled with the name Arlene. “It’s mentally and physically exhausting, trying to “‘Ar Ar Ar...’ If you can imagine the sound that aseal makes… yeah it appear to be someone you’re not - all in the name sounded much like that,” said To m, aleading writer in HMS Prince of of ‘fi tting in’,” he said. Wales. “It felt like every speaking situation was damage Cue laughter from relatives, and To madmits it seemed amusing. “Families limitation - get in and out, and take as few hits as can be cruel, can’t they?” he said, adding under different circumstances he possible.” To m‘s stammer was blighting his career, causing him to fail the Practical Leadership Task of the RN leadership course in 2009. “I held back. Avoided words. Acted uncomfortably. Everything an instructor doesn’t want to see in a potential leader in the Royal

26 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Life

Navy,” he said. voice,” he said. A doctor at Yeovilton referred him to aspeech therapist, but To m “But I knew realised it wasn’t the answer – speaking to professionals was just that the course another artificial comfort zone where he could hide from reality. wasn’t acure He passed the leadership course and was promoted, but “I knew in – we’d been myself that I wasn’t convincing. This stutter was still holding me back.” told that in no uncertain It wasn’t until 2013 that To m opened up to his mother for the first terms - and time about his stammer – it had never been an issue because talking that it was to Mum held no fears “and it’s the fear of stuttering that leads to panic, only going to which leads to freezing of the diaphragm,” he said. be as good They attended an information day for the McGuire Programme in as the work I the summer of 2013 and that October, at the age of 24, he joined a put in.” four-day course in Dundee, “finally facing up to this thing, this stutter, Five years I’d hidden from all my life.” on, with ten Led by instructors who stammered, To m was taught physical and or more mental strategies to ‘go to war’ with his own stammer. courses under his Breathing techniques, for example, activated part of the diaphragm belt, he that required physical practice, while ‘deliberate disfluency’ saw feels he has To mactively seek the hardest path instead of avoiding words and made significant progress. employing tricks – agame-changer, in To m’s view. He stands in front of workmates to tell his story, has attended “We were taught, to truly overcome your stutter, you have to put it toastmaster events, winning anumber of awards, and given talks at out in the open for all to see,” he said, acknowledging it went against Naval Service Diversity and Inclusion conferences. everything he had done before. “The biggest difference in my personality is being much more Until then, the stammer had been in charge, but To m was turning comfortable talking about my stammer,” said To m. the tables, tackling his fears head on – atechnique he believes can be applied across other areas of life. “A s aresult of this new-found honesty about my speech, I am I truer version of myself and, hopefully, abetter communicator.” To msaid the inspirational speakers on the McGuire Programme had trodden the same painful path that he was joining. www.nhs.uk/conditions/stammering/ “They know what it feels like not to have avoice, to live in fear that www.stammering.org someone might expose you as astutterer,” he said. “But those feelings don’t just disappear overnight - they need to be worked on.” To misnow a coach on the McGuire Programme, and continues to challenge himself. “I left my first course feeling the best I’d felt in my life. I finally had a

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 27 Your Life Mortgages that meet theServices challenge

Negotiating anew mortgage,orchanges to advantage of the terms we offer Armed Forces personnel,” an existing one,isnot everyone’sidea of fun – said Mat. especially when the rules areworking againstyou. “So, if you need to move away for adeployment, either in the mortgage processes are designed to work with the standard allow you to rent out your main home to paying tenants on requirements of the general public – which means that those your existing residential mortgage, without having to transfer in the Service community can fi nd themselves falling foul of to aba buy-to-letuy-to-let mortgage. regulations that simply do not apply to them. “You can discuss asa suitableuitable consent to let period with us, based There are, howeverhowever,,fi fi nnancialancial institutions, including High Street on the time you expect to be away ––j justust let us know if your banks and building societies, that not only listen to Service situation changes and we’ll be happy to review this period for families, but also act on that information. One of them is you. HSBC. “If you would like to discuss whether obtaining to let would HSBC has built extra fl flexibility exibility into into its mortgageits mortgage provision provision be right for you, please contact us by calling 0800 169 6333 or for personnel on active Service, in addition to the mortgage sending us asecure email message from Online Banking. benefits offered asstandard. standard. “A nd to simplify making mortgage applications while serving overseas, we accept your British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address and do not require permanent UK resident status.” For those getting onto the property ladder there is still the option of using agovernment scheme –but not for long… help you. “It’s worth bearing in mind that you could be eligible for the Armed Forces Help to Buy scheme, which helps Servicemen it more challenging to buy ahome,” said Mat Short, of HSBC. and women buy their own property,” said Mat. “With an HSBC mortgage, you can apply on residential terms, “It lets you borrow up to 50 per cent of your salary interest- even if you’re going to be relocated in the UK or overseas. free, to amaximum of £25,000, to put towards buying your “You can apply for extra borrowing on your property if your first home or moving to anew one. circumstances change, even if you are relocated in the UK or “If you would like to apply for aHSBC mortgage using the overseas –subject to our usual residential criteria. Armed Forces help to buy scheme, please call us to progress “A nd you can apply for borrowing up to the date you intend to this type of application.” stop working instead of your mandatory retirement date from The help to buy scheme, which was introduced in April 2014, the Armed Forces.” has now been extended until the end of this year,but funds are How about those families who are looking to move their limited. mortgages, or where a serving person is being deployed? For full details, visit “A s an existing mortgage customer with HSBC, you can take https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forces-help-to-buy

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for further details... mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). AstraSports Tourer Range: Urban: 33.2 (8.5) –53.2(5.4), Extra-urban: 51.4 (5.5) –78.5(3.6), Combined: 42.8 # (6.6) –65.7 (4.3). CO2 emissions 151 –107g/km. Model shown is AstraSports Tourer SRi Nav. Offer subject to availability, on selected models at participating and qualifying Retailers only.Conditional sale. Finance subject to status. Ts&Cs apply.Applicants must be 18+. Finance by Vauxhall Finance, CF15 7YT. Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HS 24-60 month term. Offer applies to Vauxhall Partners only.Offer available on orders or ClubTel: (023) 9282 4231 registrations between 1August and 1October 2018.For Partners Terms, Conditions and Exclusions go to www.vauxhallpartners.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. #Fuel consumption Email: [email protected] information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU regulated test dataisprovided forcomparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Vauxhall Motors Limited reserves the right to change, www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk amend or withdraw this offer at anypoint in time. Correct at time of going to print: 16/08/2018.

Once amarine, always amarine. Financial planning &advice for Marines

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Families leave Health llbeing the services too! We

TRANSITIONING REFERS TO LEAVING THE Tr ansition PrProjectoject to inform the content of the guide, and ARMED FORCES (AF), WHICH CAN BE AN it is through her conversations with families who have UNCERTAIN AND CHALLENGING TIME FOR THE recently transitioned that she has designed the layout and WHOLE FAMILY, NOT JUST THE SERVICE LEAVER. content. The Naval Families Federation seeks to help and support Her main piece of advice is that “it is never too early to families through this time as there are many different start planning for this important phase of your lives, and aspects of transition to consider,some of which are time the sooner you begin thinking about it the smoother it will critical. be.” Whilst we recognise that most families will have successful So whether you need an SFAReferral Letter if you are transitions, we also know that each family’s experience is moving into aprivate rental property (p11), want to different. budget for life outside of the AF (p13), are looking for To help families through this sometimes daunting time, childcare in ana newew area (p20), or need to register with an Lucy Heaver,the NFF’s Tr ansition specialist, has written NHS GP (p23), all of the information is inside the guide. atransition guide, ‘Families transition too!’ with all of the “I hope that this transition guide will encourage families essential information to help families navigate their way to engage in the transition process early and offer them through the process. all of the information and advice that they need to have a The guide is broken down into the different aspects successful transition,” said Lucy. of transition -general information, housing, money, The transition guide is available to employment, education, and health and wellbeing. download from our website Each section includes practical information and advice, as at www.nff.org.uk/wp- SPEAKING UP FOR well as signposting many of the relevant organisations and content/uploads/2018/07/ charities. NFF_Transition_ It features atransition timeline and checklist to help Brochure_WEB.pdf families familiarise themselves with the timelines of the If you would like ahard copy process so that they can be prepared for any potential give us acall on challenges. 023 9265 4374 or email Lucy has used her research from the Tr i-Service Families [email protected] Dear Families, We hope that you will find this auseful tool whilst you prepar SPEAKING UP FOR NAVALSERVICE FAMILIES 19 SPEAKING UP FOR NAVALSERVICE FAMILIES 9 It has been designed specifically for families, you need to know about yours and your Education Housing into sections with practical information levant organisations and charities, the re It is never too early to start planning sooner you begin thinking about website or get in touch with the support that you need. We wish you the best Service Pupil Premium Children’sEducation Advisory Joint Service Housing Advice Eligibility for final removal costs Did you know that you areable to claim for Service Pupil Service (CEAS) Office (JSHAO) As we all know,the cost of moving is expensive, particularly Premium (SPP) up to six years after leaving the Armed when thereare many other things to think about and budget CEAS provides adedicated service exclusively for Service JSHAO provide information and advice about your different your life outside of the Forces? This is an amount of £300 which is paid directly to for,when leaving the Armed Forces. However,insome cases and MOD families, providing professional advice about all housing options when you leave the Armed Forces. Youcan state schools, by the Department for Education (DfE), at this expense can be covered with alittle-known regulation aspect of children’seducation both in the UK and Overseas. also attend Civilian Housing Briefs as part of your resettlement the beginning of the academic year.All Service children are that covers ‘Final Tour of Duty’ requests. package. Both the Serving Person and their spouse areable eligible providing they areinReception to Year 11. It was They offer advice and help on awide range of education to attend these events. Normally,first and final house moves in the Armed Forces are introduced by the DfE to enable schools to provide extra, issues in all 4devolved governments and moving abroad not ordinarily paid for at public expense. However,provision Naval Families Federation mainly pastoral, support for children with parents in the including moving schools, appealing for school places, To find out wherethe next Housing Brief is near you does exist for funding for both Disturbance Expense (DE) and Armed Forces. special educational needs, Continuous Education follow head to this website: the Removal of Personal Effects (RPE) at public expense for Allowance and Service Pupil Premium. www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-service-housing- In order to continue to claim for SPP after you have left the afinal move, providing that arequest to live and work in a advice-office-jshao-civilian-housing-briefs Armed Forces: For moreinformation visit their website: particular area has previously been made to the appropriate www.gov.uk/guidance/childrens-education-advisory-service Or get in touch with your local Career Transition Partnership Career Manager. •Achild must have aformal dependency on the Service office who can inform you of the dates. parent to be eligible for SPP. Or get in touch via email: [email protected] If your Service Person is due to complete or leave their Service For moreinformation go to their website: and is to receive an immediate pension, they must have •This premium is for children of currently serving Service All queries regarding CEA and Eligibility Certificates should www.gov.uk/government/collections/joint-service-housing- completed aJPA Form F024 and submitted it to their Career Personnel, for those who have had aService parent be made by email to the address above. If you need to speak advice-office-jshao Manager in order to be eligible. who has died in Service and also those who have left, to someone, the telephone number is 01980 618244 and including through injury,for up to amaximum of thereisananswerphone facility. Most importantly,ifthe Career Manager is unable to meet six years. Career Transition Partnership the needs of the Service Person by posting them within 50 miles or 90 minutes of travel time to their requested area, then •SPP cannot be claimed retrospectively. Changing Schools Their Housing Resettlement Guide offers information and they may be entitled to Disturbance Expense and Removal of advice about all of the different types of accommodation that •Ifyour child was not registered for SPP whilst the It’simportant to contact your local schools and the admissions Personal Effects for their final move. you may decide to move in to when leaving the Armed Forces. parent was serving, and the Service person has now left team of the Local Authority (LA) to find out wherethereare The main eligibility criteria are: the Services, then you will not be able to register your school places in your new area, as soon as possible. Youcan find it on their website: child now for the school to claim SPP. www.ctp.org.uk/resettlement-guides/housing-396670 Some schools manage their admissions themselves and some •The preferred location must be within the UK, and must aremanaged by the LA; the Schools Admissions Code 2012 be aUnit, Establishment or Ship in which an assignment What can you do? refers to children of Armed Forces Personnel. Housing Options Scotland – exists that the Service Person could fill if it evwer acant. Let your school know that you areaService family so that this The Armed Forces Covenant also supports current Serving Military Matters •Your Serving Person is at aduty assignment morethan can be noted on the January school census (or October for Personnel and their families and also veterans. The education 50 miles from the location for which they expressed as If you arelooking to settle, or live, in Scotland when you leave Northern Ireland) and enable the school to claim the Service section, about taking away disadvantage on moving will apply their first preference. the Armed Forces, Housing Options Scotland offer housing Pupil Premium. to you on transition. advice and information to Serving Personnel and their families. •The Service Person is accompanied and resides in Service This is only aconsideration for admissions authorities and Family Accommodation (SFA) or an alternative Residence Find moreinformation on their website: does not guarantee you the school place of your choice. at Work Address (RWA). www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/projects-introduction/ military-matters

30 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 FAMILIES VALSERVICE SPEAKING UP FOR NA Navy Life

Health and Wellbeing

SPEAKING UP FOR NA

VALSERVICE FAMILIES reeferfer youyou on on ereceiving specialist treatment at hospital, it is If youyou ar are receiving specialist treatment at hospital, it is ospital in the area in which you will be recommended thatthat youah you ask ask your yourre Consultantfer Consultant you on. to to r aConsultant at to a Consultantrequest at your a hospital GP to in the area in which youHS will waiting be aGP living, oror request your GP to refer you on.eonanN ealready ewaiting tim Registering with remember that The GPGP should shouldac also alsoourse be be alerted of alerted treatment if family if family or members ar members are are .Itisimportant to undergoing a course of treatment or are on an NHS waiting Most NavalNaval ServiceServiceaN families HSfamilies GP will will most most probably probably already already be be list forfor treatment. treatment. These These needs needs and andeceiving th the waiting to continue. time already our new area as soonl help dwill then be takenhey into ar er account when they move, registered withwitheed a NHS to inform GP. yourIt is importantaGPiny current GP to surgery remember if you are that accrueaccrued will then beet taken into account when they move, ln hservices as you willwill stil still need retogister inform with your current GP surgery if you are be Youcan egoing to be living. This will help allowing forfor the the car care they are receiving to continue.dnot moving. You can registereyou ar with a GP reincords. your new area as soon dshoul In lineline with with the the Armed Armed Forces Forces Covenant, Covenant,ulive, you an you and and your your as youyou know know wher where you are going to beyour living. existing This medicalwil eentitled to thehe same area access yo to healt transfer of your medicalaGP, family arare entitledcint to the same accesslth services. to health services as thequick publi ghea registered with ththeeg generaleneral public in the area you live, and shouldFamilies not be transition too! Once youyou havehave registered with a GP, your existing medical disadvantaged inin accessin accessing health services. cords will be transferred. If you have specific health needs, he Serving Person re emoving. rt HS GP including medication,medication, treatment treatmentrecords and/or and/or befor additional additional care, care, you you Guidance fofor the aNServing Person should discussdiscuss this this directly directly with with your your current current GP andGP and ask for ask for alittle ummary of your medical gistering with efeeling asa summary of your medical records before moving. re registered with Defence Primary Healthcare ,orneed support AT Information onon GPs, GPs, dentists dentists and and other other NHS NHS services, services, such such as as If you have been aNHS GP areally helpful ransition Guide accessing hospitals,hospitals, opticians, opticians, pharmacists pharmacists and and support support for for (DPHC) or with militaryregistering medical with centres,,the NHS ar has Royal Navy and Royal Marines Service Leavers ww.nhs.uk/service-search carers cancan be be found found using: using: –w anxious about registering –f in finding your local GP surgery or •N• NHSHS ChoicesChoices (England) (England)–www.nhs24.scot – www.nhs.uk/service-search thef website to guide the Armed Forces with all the information amilies of NHSHS 2424 (Scotland) (Scotland) – www.nhs24.scotww.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/ •N• les –w 3 and advice that they would need in sourcing and Wa aNHS GP. ny HS Direct with member that you informdForces, your asGP they when areea •N• NHS Direct Wales – www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/ re he Arme orthern Ireland – sleftt umust also declar localservices eN It is importantPerson to ha Yo erving aveteran. nd MILIES theS ea •H• HealthealthFA andand Social Social Car Care Northern Ireland – onsidered to be ropriate car LSERVICE nowc re that app VA www.online.hscni.net to ensu previous, or ongoing,etaking, medical issues and/or medications SPEAKING UP FOR NA that they ar Specific Health Needs treatment can be continued and followed-up. relevant If afamily memberet hasreatment specific or takinghealthacopy specific needs, of any is currentlymedication, To find the NHS Armed Forces website visit: having healthcar dofthe medication that is being www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/militaryhealthcare/pages/ it isis important important to to ask askar your ecoryour GP GP for for a copy of any relevant militaryhealthcare.aspx reduce any delay of treatment when you medical notes,notes, oror a record ,pof articularlythe medication if your notesthat is haven’t being taken. ThisThis should should reduce any delay of treatment when you einplace if a register withwith your your next next GP GP, particularly if your notes haven’t arrived whenwhen you you have have your yourem initial initialaternity appointment. appointment. services ar orget toansition make sur Guide Don’Don’ttf forgetTr to make sure maternity services are in place if a member ofof youryoureofa family familyll children is pregnant,is pregnant, under and theand that age that your of five.your local local health health find this Families’visitor is awar etoleave the Armed Forces. you prepar stransition. It is broken down specifically for families, to give you all of the information that yours and your Service Leaver’ information and advice, as well as signposting many of refer to our and charities, across all of the different areas of transition. eisany further planning for this important phase of your lives and the about it, the smoother it will be. Please do with the Naval Families Federation if ther best of luck with your transition and for of the Armed Forces.

Federation

www.nff.org.uk

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 31

Feature

Welcome to CONDOR

Sometimes asense of isolation can be an advantage. Lympstone, near Exeter,and his next move is scheduled to be Aspouse or family following their serving person to amilitary to London. outpost might feel the distance from their wider family or the “I have been here in Arbroath for 14 years, and isolation is an busy life they knew when they lived near home port or HQ. issue, but Ifind that doing alot of things and keeping myself busy But if the military ethos is strong, and the sense of community helps,” said Kelly. draws on it, then you could find yourself drawn into a She said she tends to sign up for things and see what happens. supportive, protective and downright friendly bunch of people. The night before, she was helping out at alocal dance studio. Take Condor,for example –45Commando Royal Marines’ base She is achild-minder (she was looking after three-year-old Rose in Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland. that day,even though it was a‘day off’) and she works for the University of Dundee, stepping in to help out students who It is, by most people’s standards, alittle ‘out of the way’. have short-term childcare needs. But talk to some of the spouses there and they think it’s just And then there is the little boy she and her husband are going to great. foster… Kelly,for example, whose husband is currently working “It keeps me busy,and Ifeel no sense of isolation,” said Kelly. at the other end of the UK –he’s at the Commando Tr aining Centre RM in “I am originally from Bristol, but this is the best place Ihave ever been. We have bought ahouse here, so this is it. Ilike the community. “45 helps because we are asolo unit, and we are quite lucky with the support we have got –RNRM Welfare, Aggie’s, the local community,there is plenty going on and lots for the kids to do as well. “It is agood life for kids here, agood place to bring them up.” That old favourite, the coffee morning, is apopular feature in the life of the Condor community. Held twice aweek, on Tu esday and Thursday mornings, at the Condor Community Centre, a couple of miles from the base, the mornings are informal, comfortable gatherings of (mainly) mums and little ones. Most, but not all, have spouses based at Condor, and although civilian mums have joined in there was afeeling that conversations could sometimes

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 33 Feature

become alittle uncomfortable for those who were not familiar Arbroath smokies with Service life –particularly Royal Marines’ Service life. Alison, whose husband is amember of 45 Cdo, is keen to make sure newbies are welcomed, and it helps her stay in the loop as well. Alison and her husband moved some 500 miles north early this year, and the process was far from smooth –there were problems finding Alison’s approach is simple –“Isee this as atwo-year an appropriate married quarter which led to them renting privately adventure,” she said. because she “just couldn’t stand the hassle” “If you don’t live on the patch you do not always know what is going What made it worse was that Alison had been in the Navy herself as on, so these coffee mornings are awonderful way to meet people. aPay Wren, allocating accommodation, so she was familiar with the “If Istayed in our rented house Iwould not meet anybody –Icould rules and regulations. spend two years not doing anything.” Indeed, previous hiccups (in one instance her husband was in At the other end of the scale is Army wife Beth, whose husband is Diego Garcia, she was in Exeter AFCO,and was told that to meet with 7(Sphinx) Commando Battery,part of 29 Commando Regt requirements she had to be in her husband’s place of work…) led to Royal Artillery,which is also based at Condor. them buying aah house,ouse, which they now rent out. “I have been here two years, although this is my firstfi rst posting,” said Beth, who has two daughters under the age of five.fi ve. “I really like it here. Everybody is familyfamily,,a andnd there is always something going on for the kids. “Sometimes it can be difficultdiffi cult to tokeep keep them thembusy busyand and entertained when my husband is awayaway,,b butut IcI canan always text the girls and they will help out. “I like the area –e– everythingverything is in close proximityproximity,,soe so evenven if my husband goes off with the car IcI canan still get about. IamI am not stuck in, because everyone is close by.” Distance can be something of an issue when it comes to wider family. Beth admits she misses her folks, and only sees them a few times aya yearear because of the seven-hour drive, though her mum does make the trip north from the midlands about four time aya year.ear. Alison’s mother-in-law lives in Northamptonshire, and the train journey (including three changes) is achallenge for someone in their late 70s, so again it means along drive south to meet up…

34 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMNAUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Feature

…which is where Aggie’s can help. Pastoral worker Seonid and her colleague Sue attend the weekly coffee mornings to make sure everyone is okay and to pass on any useful information. “Wealso provide alistening ear if they need it –itisgood for relationships and getting to let the wives know that they can come to Commanding Officer of 45 Cdo (and therefore Condor), LtCol us if they are having adifficult time,” said Seonid, whose father spent Duncan Forbes. 22 years in the RAF Regiment. “I think the challenge of Commando service demands alot from our “There are often separation issues and the uncertainty of military people, but even more so from our families,” said Lt Col Forbes. life –often these women are hundreds of miles from home, and “Wecannot take them for granted. just having someone they can get help from or ashoulder to cry on “In the Royal Marines, the bulk of the Corps is in the South-West – makes all the difference.” my boss is almost 600 miles away,which is great in some senses, but Kelly believes the lifestyle doesn’t get any easier the older you get, but it means that we are, as Scotland’s Commando, abit of an outpost. you just get better at dealing with it. “So moving to Arbroath can be abit daunting for families, but we “It is abit of abane, because my husband is working only 40 miles endeavour to make that transition smooth. from my home town, but Idolove it here –wewere 18 when we “Weare lucky in Condor.Wehave great links with the Arbroath and got married, and this was my first draft.” Greater Angus communities, and while there is always more one Sharing the facilities at the Condor Community Centre is the Condor can do, there is astrong Te am Condor ethos both in camp with the Playgroup, which has amix of Service and civilian children (although families and with the wider community.” Service children take priority when places are scarce). That community spirit can be seen in such events as the Families Day There are almost 40 youngsters on the books, with amaximum of 26 (see page 23), when the base welcomed market stalls, classic cars, a at asession, and playgroup manager Janice reckons it is about 50-50 petting zoo, bouncy castles and the like, and the annual Bonfire Night at the moment. event out on the airfield –aremnant from Condor’s days as an active “It is actually quite healthy for the families –itgives them alink to Naval air station, and now an extremely useful piece of real estate in other things than the military,” she said. terms of exercises and training. The children go all the way up to five, and eight of the current crop “I think we feel part of the Angus community,and that’s away for us will be going straight on to school, so the group helps with transition. to give alittle back and raise some money,” said Lt Col Forbes. It is also in partnership with Angus Council, the local authority,which “I also write to the families every month via email, and our families’ funds three-year-olds and provides ateacher on secondment who newsletter,the Condor Courier.It’s aone-sider on what’s gone on, supports Service children at the group and on into primary school. and what to expect in the future, so the spouses can see what has This family-friendly environment is very much in the mind of the happened as opposed to what they have been told is happening by their other halves…”

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 35 Feature Arbroath, Angus: Arbroath, on the North Sea coast, has aap populationopulation of almost 24,000, making it the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland. It lies 17 miles north-east of Dundee and 50 miles south-west of Aberdeen, and is connected to both cities by direct rail services (two or three trains an hour each way at peak times), with some westbound trains continuing towards Edinburgh and Glasgow. There is an airport at Dundee, with Loganair currently flying twice daily (morning and afternoon) to and from London Stansted. Aberdeen airport offers awider range of services to the UK and Europe, while the major international airports at Edinburgh (75 miles) and Glasgow (106 miles) are also The CO is also aregular visitor to the community centre to harvest within range. ideas and suggestions –gym sessions were organised as aresult, as was the playhouse, built by Royal Marines engineers, painted by the London and Taunton are almost 500 miles from Arbroath wives. by road, with Portsmouth 530 miles, Plymouth 570 miles and Faslane amere 100 miles to the west. “Wehave roughly 540 personnel here now,and there are 62 houses occupied on the married patch, but the bulk of our manpower is a Angus is one of the 32 single-tier local authorities in long drive away in the West Country. Scotland (www.angus.gov.uk), being responsible for “So that is why we have good links with the Chaplaincy and Welfare services such as housing, education and tourism. teams. We run film nights on camp. Arbroath lies on abeautiful stretch of coastline, while “Wehave organised atrip to Edinburgh Zoo, with about 50 people the nearby hills and glens of Angus offer plenty of scope booked onto the coach, and there was astreet party on camp for the for outdoor activities –including golf; the 2018 Open Royal Wedding. Championship was hosted seven miles from Arbroath at “I think my job, and that of the Regimental Sergeant Major,istotry to Carnoustie. find out what the families want, and to try our very best to bringtheir Arbroath and Angus have several claims to fame. The town ideas to fruition. football team still hold the world record winning score “I would say it’s afriendly,welcoming environment. The wives are for asenior football match (having beaten Bon Accord of part of the local community and part of Condor,and Condor is very Aberdeen 36-0 in aScottish Cup match in 1885), while much part of the local community. Arbroath Smokies (smoked haddock) enjoy legal name “But Iwould offer this to the families: we never stand still, and always protection as being aunique food and Aberdeen Angus seek to improve and make it better.” cattle produce beef renowned for its quality. For Lt Col Forbes, this posting was along time coming. RM Condor started life in 1940 as aNaval air station, “I have been CO for just under ayear,inaScottish unit, and Iam training aviators in carrier operations (it had a‘dummy Scottish. Ihave tried to work here for more than 18 years, but this is deck’ for practising) and as arest station for squadrons my first permanent job up here –and it’s great fun!” he said. from aircraft carriers undergoing maintenance in Scotland. “Wehave got the hills on our doorstep –that’s the Cairngorms – Flying stopped in 1954 when the base became the Navy’s and the North Sea acouple of miles away.Interms of commando Aircraft Engineering Tr aining School, but on 1April 1971 soldiering, we have agreat playground.” it switched from dark blue to lovat when it became For more information on activities at the Condor Community Centre the home of 45 Commando Royal Marines, part of 3 see www.royalnavy.mod.uk/welfare/ﬁnd-help/community- Commando Brigade. centres-and-houses/community-centres/condor-community- centre The people of Arbroath attend an open day at HMS Condor in September 1945. Picture from the Imperial WarMuseum ©IWM (A 30667)]

36 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Navigating your next career path?

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James PrioryPrioryw wasas on the staff of PortsmouthPortsmouth Learning needs to be regularly consolidated, which means Grammar School for 18 years, ten of them as a homework deadlines being met, class notes carefully recorded and fi led, and a commitment to the value of regular low- hugely popular and successful Headmaster. Headmaster.P PGSGS stakes testing to help build confi dence and hone examination has traditionally welcomed aas signifiignificant cant number of technique. pupils from Service families. The new school year Yo ung people undertaking vocational courses will also benefi t findsfi nds him settling into his new role as Headmaster from your interest in how they are recording and structuring their at TonbridgeTo nbridge School, in Kent. learning. Further education (FE), whether it be at a college or Sixth Form, If your child is struggling with a subject, or feels that they have is potentially the most exciting and rewarding stage of a young a less productive relationship with a particular teacher and have person’s learning journey, writes James Priory. It is when young lost some motivation as a result, then get in touch with the people have a greater opportunity for personalised learning than school, college or trainer, ideally through their tutor or another at any other time in their school lives. key member of staff who knows your child well. FE should be the start of a new chapter and the gateway to other Parents often worry that they are undermining their child, opportunities, including higher education, and to future adult life. sensitive to the greater autonomy expected of FE students; they fret that they will be labelled as ‘diffi cult parents’. In my And yet, precisely because of its signifi cance as a future experience, good educational establishments would much rather springboard, Sixth Form is also a time when parents have a be aware of a concern so that they can help to address it early. critical role to play. Tr ust them to manage the situation sensitively so that the student Learning to drive offers a useful analogy: as parents we let our feels affi rmed and supported. It would be much worse simply to children take the steering wheel, literally. But we also take them wait and see what happens. out for hours of practice on busy roads and sit alongside them until they have passed their test and are ready to drive safely on Encourage your child to take advantage of the opportunities their own. that Further Education offers, some of which may only happen if enough students show suffi cient initiative to become involved. In my experience, the greatest risk for young people in not having Co-curricular and enrichment activities like sport, music, drama, a happy and successful FE experience is their parents taking too or volunteering through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, will all much of a back seat or not getting in the vehicle at all. provide roundedness and develop those so-called ‘softer’ skills The step up to post-16 academic study can come as a signifi cant such as collaboration and communication. surprise to most pupils. Whether at A Level, IB or BTEC, students Don’t forget, too, what many schools now call the super- will have chosen at least three or four key subjects based on curriculum- the trips, talks, competitions and activities which help their knowledge of what they have enjoyed previously and on the to take students’ subject knowledge beyond what the curriculum relevance of that combination for their future interests. requires. Universities, in particular, love to see evidence of this in It can be a shock therefore to fi nd that your options are much students’ applications. more challenging than you had remembered at GCSE. It’s not unusual for students to feel anxious about destinations Yo ung people embarking on vocational routes and after Further Education, especially when peers can appear to apprenticeships will need to organise their studies and learn new have such a high level of conviction about their own future skills to prepare for the workplace. Class sizes will almost certainly be smaller, which means more individualised support, but can also mean young people feel more exposed, especially in those early stages of the course when they are anxious not to make fools of themselves in front of their peers. Reformed A Levels are also no longer modular. Instead, grades are based largely on exams at the end of a two-year course, placing even greater emphasis on the importance of students’ independent study skills. It may be a cliché, but FE study has defi nitely become a marathon again rather than a sprint. It’s important therefore to talk to your son or daughter at home about their experience and to reassure them that spending at least two or three hours working at home each evening is quite normal if they are to develop the academic depth and insight needed at A Level.

38 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk NaYovyur LifeLife

career path. Again, the school or college will be ready to offer advice. There are so many options available regarding university courses, apprenticeships and gap years that it can feel rather daunting. Don’t be afraid to seek support and to tap into the school or college’s expertise. It’s extraordinary how much will happen in the two years of FE. I have learned that there is a big difference between a child at 16 and the young adult they become at 18. It’s a very exciting time, but there will be challenges and uncertainties too, which is why it is so important that parents are also on board and part of what promises to be a very exciting experience.

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 39 Navy Life TEENAGED SAILOR BECAME HERO TO MILLIONS

Amortally wounded teenager,surrounded by Later that year acitation in the London Gazette stated that Jack bodies, stands quietly amidstthe cacophony had been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross by King of battle waiting foranorder thatnever George V. comes to fireagun thatremains silent. By then Boy Cornwell was ahousehold name. There was a Jack Cornwell Day in September 1916, while his picture was The Battle of Jutland in 1916 was not the crushing victory,the displayed in thousands of schools. The Cornwell Award, known second Tr afalgar,that the British public were hoping for.The as the Scout VC, was introduced that year,tobeissued to ‘result’ of the battle is still debated acentury later. Scouts as abadge of courage –Jack had himself been aScout. But from the mayhem emerged an enduring hero –John Tr avers Cornwell, known as Jack or Boy Cornwell –and the fact that he was just 16 when he died makes him all the more relevant when it comes to helping young people today The Royal British Legion is committed to helping understand the issues of remembrance. young people understand the issues of Remembrance, Having enlisted in July 1915, Jack joined cruiser HMS Chester conflict and the importance of peace. on 2May 1916 as agun sight-setter.Four weeks later Chester Free learning resources for schools, designed to assist sailed with the Grand Fleet to engage the Germans. teachers and others working with young people, are available, which can help increase knowledge When the navies clashed off Jutland on May 31, Chester was of remembrance, history,English and citizenship battered by four enemy cruisers, killing 29 of her sailors and activities. These include learning packs, assembly and wounding almost 50. Eight of Jack’s gun crew of ten were killed, lesson plans, posters and video. the others seriously wounded, and when Chester withdrew, The Legion also provides remembrance tours of Jack was found standing quietly by the gun, as if awaiting orders. the UK and Europe that help bring the past to life, The teenager,bleeding from severe shrapnel injuries, was educating about the realities of conflict, those affected treated on board then landed ashore, but by the time his by wars, and the importance of peace. mother arrived at the hospital in Grimsby on June 2, Jack had Led by expert guides, such tours for student or youth died. groups already run in the UK and to France, Belgium Boy Seaman First Class Cornwell was buried in a communal and Germany,among others, and bespoke tours can grave in East London, but word quickly spread of the teenager’s be arranged. fate, and public opinion demanded that he receive a funeral fi t For more details see www.britishlegion.org.uk/ for a hero. remembrance/schools-learning/ In late July, Jack’s body was exhumed and taken by gun carriage from East Ham Town Hall back to cemetery, where he was reburied with full naval honours.

40 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk When Savings and Loans arethe last thingonyourmind WE’LLTAKE CARE OF THEM

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S&P/AFD/090318 Your Life ‘The Not So Silent Side’ Countonyour in themilitary

‘Ittakes avillagetoraise achild’ is plans and rolling their eyes at the same run ashore aftermath. an old African proverb whichrings Social media has its pros and cons but when it brings together support into one place it is doing agood thing. true for most parents.The idea thatyour child has lots of influences, Then there are those lifelong friends that we make, the support and encouragement from ones who will jump in the car and drive across the country if you need them. Who can decipher an ‘all fine ta’ text into the people theycome across,and what it actually is then turn up with abottle of wine and a thatasparents there is aneed for knowing look. The friends who you can debrief with, rant to community. and celebrate with. The ones who you don’t have to explain any part of service life to; not the radio silence, why the end I’ve come to realise that it takes avillage to survive military date of deployment keeps moving, or even why the sight of a family life too. Avillage of supporters, champions, tea (gin) black grip sends shivers down your spine. pourers, babysitters, meal providers, taxi drivers, mood boosters, good huggers and dart throwers (ok, maybe that is They are the ones that you might not see for awhile but wishful thinking!). if it is amilitary-related meltdown that you are in the middle of,will get straight on the phone to chat it through We don’t live on apatch (yet! That move is impending…) with you. These are your fellow military wives, girlfriends, but I’ve seen the power of adash to your understanding husbands and boyfriends. The ones who are living the same neighbour in times of crisis, of ‘patch parties’ and of whole rollercoaster of emotions, the ones who understand exactly roads supporting new mamas. There is comfort in the fact why you’re feeling overwhelmed and will do anything they contractors are rubbish at responding to requests and you can to help you. Because they know that next week it might know where the downstairs loo is in everyone’s house be them needing support and you’ll be right there ready to because those magnolia boxes are the same in Plymouth or help. Portsmouth! It’s important we protect our villages; that we look after The digital world comes into its own when deployments each other,advocate for those who need it, fight the beckon, bringing together the partners of service people and closure of services and the withdrawal of funding (MOD i’m providing abridge to someone who totally ‘gets it’ and is, looking at you). That we acknowledge service life can mean quite literally,inthe same boat. They might not be down the everything is alittle more fluid, plans are uncertain, parenting road but they’re wondering the same things, worrying when is harder,relationships can be strained and finances more comms go down, sharing the excitement of homecoming complicated. That we don’t expect people to ‘just get on

42 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk ‘The Not So Silent Side’ is written by ‘Marina –Aqua Marina’, a twenty-something self-confessed stationery addict, gin lover and cake baker currently based on the sunny South Coast of England. Her team mate is aSubmariner known as ‘Stingray’and with amuch muttered motto of ‘always remain rigidly flexible’ she neighbours writes about her take on life as aSubmarine Service family.From the entertaining to the downright ridiculous, navigating the perks and perils of life on ‘village’ the Not So Silent Side.

with it’ by themselves without support and we acknowledge everyone is different –what is day-to-day business for one family might feel like atotal mountain to climb for another.Our job, as the village, is to come alongside without judgement and with atin of morale to help navigate that day,week or month.

Life can throw some curveballs but my gosh, military life sends flaming ones. Yousee, it really does take avillage to survive it. Whether they are patch friends, deployment friends, long-distance friends or down- the-road friends, our military ‘village’ is the way we’li come out the other side of military family life still smiling.

Right now it feels like I’ve got acity,not just avillage, and we really wouldn’t be able to ‘just keep swimming’ without you. Well done team, you’re all blinking amazing -I’ll get the gin on ice!

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 43 Your Life Terms and conditions

That’s it –the buckets and spades have been situation, taking into consideration the educational needs and wellbeing of the children and possibly such factors as previous packed away, the sun-block is back in the cupboard leave requests, general attendance and punctuality. and the new school year is well under way. If leave is approved, the head teacher also determines the But not every Royal Navy or Royal Marines family can fit their period of absence –sothe decision may be ‘part authorised, lives into the time frame dictated by the dates of the three part unauthorised’, for example, if the family requested three school terms. weeks but the head teacher allowed two. The Ministry of Defence’s Directorate for Children and Young The head teacher may contact units or welfare staff for advice, People offers advice to head teachers on term-time absence for to verify the facts of the case; endorsement from aCOor Service children, setting the context and conditions when such welfare officer will only be provided if absences might be authorised. duty has genuinely prevented a family holiday. As this is principally an issue in England, guidance is aimed at Department for Education school head teachers. If the head teacher refuses permission the serving parent Since September 2013, by law,head teachers can only grant can seek advice from the chain of requests for term-time leave in “exceptional” circumstances command in the first instance, but if –research has shown that even abrief period of term-time the answer from the school is still “no” absence can damage achild’s progress. Service parents are in the same boat as And while the MOD recognises that the operational needs of their civilian counterparts –they do not the Naval Service might prevent aService family from taking a have the right to remove their children holiday out of term time, the department also acknowledges during term time. that the educational needs of children will always be the If afamily should remove achild critical factor in determining whether term-time leave can be without authorisation, they run the permitted. risk of afine and the possibility of If Service commitments have prevented afamily from taking prosecution. leave during school holidays, Service personnel can apply The MOD advice to head teachers in advance, in writing to the head teacher of the school, for is on gov.uk at www.gov.uk/ permission to allow their child or children leave of absence government/publications/school- during term time. term-time-absence-for-children-of- Firm travel arrangements should not be made until approval is service-personnel-mod-guidance while given –anexpensive holiday paid for up front is not regarded as local education authorities and individual alegitimate factor in seeking permission for such leave. schools may publish their own specific policies on term-time absence. The letter or email should give details of why term-time absence is, in the family’s view,unavoidable. Head teachers alone can grant such absences, and they will do so based on an assessment of the

44 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMNAUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Life

The cost of Taking Off 190 minimum number of days ayear apupil must attend school 175 maximum number of days a year apupil is not in school (holidays and weekends) 4.1 million school days lost in England in 2014-15 through authorised and unauthorised absences £60 ﬁne for unauthorised absence, rising to £120 if not paid within 21 days

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 45 Navy Life Supporting the HQ of HQs personnel ‘time out’ relaxation opportunities. Feedback has been very positive – and the speed with which the puzzles Northwood is a bit different. have been completed has been remarkable. There are numerous military headquarters at various levels – command An offi cer with key responsibility for welfare at the base noted that Karen’s or brigade, perhaps – scattered around the country. role, being outside the military, is a great connection point for those But Northwood is a kind of headquarters headquarters… personnel who may not feel confi dent to speak to someone in the military For a start, there are fi ve operational HQs within the Northwood station, about an issue they are dealing with. including the Joint Forces Command HQ (of which Permanent Joint HQ He was also clear that if the MFB pastoral input was lost it would hurt the or PJHQ is a part), the Joint Forces HQ, Commander Naval Forces North base. and the HQ of Commander-in-Chief Fleet. MFB also provided access to a Mental Health First Aid course for the If that all sounds very high-powered, you would be right – there is a good Chaplaincy team, which helped improve team confi dence in coping with deal of high-level, tri-Service business carried out here by a workforce those who approach the Chaplaincy with mental health issues. of around 2,000, a considerable proportion of whom are senior military The Chaplaincy continues to provide fortnightly communion services, offi cers. which can help new families integrate as well as providing an opportunity So despite the leafy surroundings of North London suburbia, the for families to come on to the base to be together for a short church unremitting pressure of work can make it challenging for the various service in the middle of the working week. teams (apart from the three Services, there are representatives of almost Monthly Messy Church is also proving a hit at Northwood, with more 30 nations on site) to bond together. than 30 children attending some sessions, along with parents or nannies, But people are addressing that challenge – including Chaplaincy pastoral and the initiative has been extended to nearby Stanmore this year – worker Karen Johnstone. attended by a Hindu and a Jewish family who were attracted by the new Funded by the Methodist Forces Board (MFB), Karen has been in post banners outside, also funded by the MFB. since September 2015, and she sees one of the facets of her role as being A small MFB grant also paid for ‘Meet and Greet’ evenings for new arrivals a safety valve. at Northwood – there is constant movement in and out of the local “The biggest difference Chaplaincy makes is that people are able to community as personnel and their families come and go. offl oad before situations get to breaking point,” said Karen. Karen’s work has made a huge difference to the lives of families associated “Individuals are able to vent their feelings safely, consider alternative with Northwood. viewpoints, refl ect and discover new strategies for coping, and continue to “We met Karen through Messy Church, which my children adore be effective in their working and strengthened in their personal lives.” attending,” said one military wife. Karen’s pastoral support has involved a wide variety of tasks, from “Karen and I had a coffee and an illuminating chat about faith, God and life emergency childcare, help with transport or house-packing, to the in general. occasional dog-walking duty. “On learning that I was recovering from post-natal depression and PTSD, A serving medic on the base, who appreciates the ability to refer people and with my hands full with three boys under fi ve and two dogs, with a to a reliable, caring individual, said: “[Karen is] a Godsend and a safe pair husband often away, Karen stepped in to help. of hands when I have someone who just needs a bit of time to talk and I “She was an invaluable support both practically and emotionally in those don’t have that time…” last weeks, enabling me to rest and prepare for our move. One hugely popular example “Karen’s passion for her job shines through and has left a lasting impression of Chaplaincy input is the on my own faith both in God and in people.” Wednesday Hospitality session For her part, Karen notes that “relationships nurtured over the past two – ‘Coffee and Cake’ – which years have really started to develop and produce fruit. draws more than 100 serving “The station knows that it can rely on Chaplaincy for support, that we will personnel, civil servants and get stuck in and support in whatever practical and listening ways we can. family members every week. “The biggest challenge is to be careful to maintain a positive work-life The gathering means teams balance!” and families are able to be together for afa fewew minutes away from the pressure, and that opportunity is appreciated. Another initiative which has had quite an impact has been the idea of placing large jigsaw puzzles around the station to give

46 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Finance Do youhave willpower?

our nippers might regardyou as a Y superhero. Your spouse might as well (occasionally…) But don’t kid yourself. You’re not invincible, and one day you will shuffl e off this mortal coil. And when you do, will your loved ones be thankful for your willpower, or will they be left with a headache? Can you afford NOT to make a will? There is a common belief that if you die intestate (without a will) your estate will go straight to your spouse and children. It’s not always that simple. What if there was a previous marriage, for example? What if you never married your partner? What if the house is not in joint names? What if your spouse and children cannot agree over the estate – which could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds when you include a house, a pension fund, savings, maybe a car as well? A survey carried out by the charity will-writing scheme Will Aid last year revealed that over half of UK parents with children under 18 (54 per cent) have not made a will. If there is no will the estate is settled according to strict rules that might not match your expectations, and at the very least administration of the estate is likely to be delayed, which could cause short-term fi nancial hardship. These ‘rules of intestacy’ can be seen at www.citizensadvice.org. uk/family/death-and-wills/who-can-inherit-if-there-is-no-will-the- rules-of-intestacy/ So, making a will could be a good idea, and while over-55s can benefi t from October being Free Wills Month (benefi ting major charities including the Royal British Legion; many of these charities are also part of the National Free Wills Network), the • If you opt for a solicitor, fees for a simple will usually cost cost of going through a solicitor to have your own will written somewhere in the region of £150 to £250, according to the could still prove worth it in terms of peace of mind alone. independent Money Advice Service. There are some key points you might consider when making a • You might also try Forces Law – a network of civilian lawyers will. who specialise in advising serving and former members of the Armed Forces, their families and dependents. • You can write your own – forms are available in High Street • Review your will regularly, especially after signifi cant life events stores, there are online guides to the process, and it is a such a marriage or the birth of a child, as that may mean the cheaper option, but errors or inaccuracies could prove wishes expressed in an existing will are rendered obsolete. problematic. • If your children are young when you make your will, you might consider appointing a guardian who will raise them if you and your spouse die – and they may need fi nancial support to carry out your wishes. • You can specify your wishes for your funeral in a will. • You could also include a list of passwords for internet accounts in aseparate document to accompany your will, making it easier for executors to access online services.

For further information see: www.forceslaw.com www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk www.freewillsmonth.org.uk

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 47 family member for asignificant period of time. Service children Among the recommendations of the report –part of the Commissioner’s ‘Children’s Voices’ series -are: • The MOD needs to increase voice their views awareness of the existing policies designed to minimise disruption to family life; • Greater effort to ensure Servicechildren draw much comfort and support additional support is not lost from adistinct Armed Forces community to help to children as they move between areas –services such as health them face the peculiar challenges of amilitary treatment or support from children’s services need to move with lifestyle,according to anew report. the child; Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, published • Schools should be supported to manage the timely transfer of astudy into the lives and experiences of children who grow up in an information through the Common Tr ansfer Framework and other Armed Forces family. mechanisms to help continuity of education; Bridget Nicholson, the Naval Families Federation’s Director of • Service children’s needs should be taken into account when Evidence and Strategy,attended the launch of the report, and spoke making deployment decisions; with the Children’s Commissioner afterwards about particular • When both parents are serving personnel and subject to overseas challenges experienced by Naval Service families. deployment, every effort must be made by the MOD to ensure The report, ‘Kin and Country: Growing up as an Armed Forces both parents are not deployed at the same time. Both parents Child’, explores how primary and secondary school children with should not be deployed unless suitable care and accommodation is parents in the Armed Forces feel about moving school or country, secured for their child/children at home. how their lives at home and school change with deployment and The Naval Families Federation is aware that current Naval Service whether or not they feel they receive the support they need. career management practice is not to deploy both parents at The Commissioner’s Office spoke to children across the the same time. country whose parents are currently serving in the Royal Dual-serving couples may register as aService Navy,Army or RAF,aswell as speaking to teachers, couple with dependent children (SWDC) to parents and members of the Armed Forces to build avoid this situation. The policy applies across aclear picture of where there are gaps in provision all three Services. for children, and why these gaps exist. If you are experiencing difficulties with this, The report shows that most children in Armed please contact us. Forces families are growing up living happy lives, Youcan read the full report, and its despite the unique challenges they face. It is clear, recommendations, here: https://www. though, that the lifestyle can be tough, and that childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/ multiple school moves often leave children feeling publication/kin-and-country-growing- unsettled and anxious. up-as-an-armed-forces-child/ For children with additional needs, or teenagers in the middle of exam courses, moving around adds another Three Naval family children from aGosport school were invited layer of complication. to travel to the Houses of Parliament to help launch the report. Alongside the impact of mobility,Service children describe a The pupils, from Alverstoke Church of England Primary School, range of complex emotional responses to the deployment of their joined children from other schools around the country in a parents, sharing the impact that parental absence has at home, with committee room in the Palace of Westminster for the event. changing family dynamics and increased responsibility for siblings and The trio had achance to meet Defence Minister To bias household tasks. Ellwood, who spoke to the youngsters about their experiences For children who had both parents deployed at the same time, these and answered their questions. issues are exacerbated by the need to move to stay with another

“Normally “MyDad “It’s when Imove, always told me hard when I’m feelingquitesad to juststopthinking my Dad goes becauseI’m leaving all about thelastone away, but it makes my friendsbehindand [school] and justmove me very, very proud the house and things like on, get getonw on withith it.” hearing abouthis job.I that, but then feel quiquitete (14-year-old girl) like telling people that “Civilian happy, just, aan newew place my Dad’s in the Navy.” children, and disco vering new (10-year-old girl) theyjust things.” (10-year- don’t getit.” oldboy) (14-year-old boy) 48 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk PROTECTTY YOOUURRF FAMILY’Y’SS FUTURE FORFREE

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Even asmall portionofyourEstatecould help us provideeverythingfrom home adaptationsfor an injuredveteran like Mark Stonelake to specialist dementia care in one of ouraward-winningLegionCareHomes.Onceyou have provided foryourlovedones, please consider helping us to be there “It’sahs a huugege formembers of the ArmedForcesfamilywho need us. comfort toto know Find out more or request acopy of our Will Guide at theLegion’ssupport www.rbl.org.uk/freewills will neverstop.” Contact the Legion’slegacy manager at Mark Stonelake,who lost hisleftleg followinganImprovisedExplosive [email protected] or call 020 3207 2253 Device (IED)explosion in Afghanistan.

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These pages are dedicated to some of the Yo ur real-life enquiries received by the NFF and the responses given. All enquiries are dealt within aconfidential manner and your details are not passed on to any organisations unless your permission is Questions received or there is asafeguarding issue. Visit our website www.nff.org.uk for useful contact numbers and support Answered organisation.

not aired enough, so you should furniture, Iput items of make suresure any any cleaning cleaning is doneis done well well clothing and some householdmy in advanceadvance of of the the item item being cbeingient placed dryingplaced Q: goods in storage when in storage,storage, leaving leaving sufficient suffi drying yand Imoved away time. famil We have atwo-year posting. Residual dampdamp (including (including spillages) spillages) for ome, and when we just returnedh could cause unsightly patches retrievedour possessions some of of greyish mildew or black/ overed in some sort items wer ec laim th ecost green mould, and crumbs or mould or mildew. CanIc tfrom the fragments of food also could of cleaning or replacemen attract rodents or other pests. Ministry of Defence? Hoovering settees to remove crumbs andand the the like like from from down down In aword, no. amust. the back and sides is A: The MOD has nothing to do with–itisa The same goes for clothing – storage of your possessions if an item is damp, mould can matter between you and your insurers, and form and once the spores the storage company. are airborne they can affect Take particular According to the regulations (JSP 752, other items. 12.0406): “No liability against public funds is care with shoes, as they accepted by the MOD or its agents for any can soak up perspiration loss, damage or delay to PE (personal effects) and remain damp while moved under MOD arrangements and all PE appearing dry. is moved at the owner’s risk. Wooden furniture can be “A ll Service personnel are strongly advised affected byby damp damp through through the the to make private insurance arrangements use ofof spray spray furniture furniture polish polish which which contains contains ot polish it just before it is sent to ensure comprehensive and appropriate water,water,sodon so do not polish it just before it is sent cover.This also applies to PE in storage for storage. where the storage contractor’s insurance will If items are packed into smaller containers be the minimum required by the industry, such as boxes or plastic crates, consider but this may not be adequate to cover putting asmall pack of desiccant in each – individual requirements. the crystals (such as in silica gel) are designed “Disturbance Expense (DE) includes an to absorb moisture. element to assist with the cost of insurance Youmight also want to opt for climate- of PE in transit.” controlled storage which is designed to In other words, individuals will need to prevent extremes of temperature and arrange their own insurance to ensure they humidity. have the right level of cover. Having said that, our Navy relocation experts There are some measures that you can take tell us that in their experience it is rare for to minimise the risk of mould or mildew items in storage to be affected by mould or affecting your possessions. mildew. Mould naturally occurs when items placed in storage have been cleaned beforehand but

50 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Questions Answered

My energycompanybooked meaning you will only be billed for the an appointmenttoinstall a energy you actually use, and data on usage Q: smart meteratmyhome can be sent over asecure network to the but Idid notrequest one. Do customer’s in-home display or to the energy theyhavethe right to replace my old supplier to produce more accurate bills meter, or can Irefuse? All energy suppliers must aim to install smart meters in every home in England, In most circumstancesyou have Wales and Scotland by 2020, and will be A: achoice, and if you do not want contacting customers to tell them when they asmart meter fitted then you can can get one, or customers can request one. decline the company’s offer,according to Customers will not be charges separately Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity for asmart meter; all such costs are factored Markets, anon-ministerial government into energy bills, as is the case with older department. meters. Smart meters are the new generation of gas The government believes consumers will and electricity meters which are replacing benefit from smart meters, but they aren’t older energy meters (including prepayment compulsory and you can choose not to have meters) across the UK. These devices allow one. Youcan also refuse now,but change near real-time information on energy use, your mind at alater date. and an in-home display allows you to easily track usage and costs, and understand where For more information on smart meters you might be able to make reductions that and energy supply see www.ofgem.gov.uk/ could save you money. consumers/energy-guides Smart metering also ends estimated billing,

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 51 Your Life Mental health survey highlights issues for Naval families

Lengthy periods of separation, unpredictable schedules • Serving people’s inability to ‘shut off’ from and the effects of heavy workloads have amajor impact work while at home on the wellbeing of families as well as on serving personnel, according to asurvey by the Naval Families • The inability to share parenting duties, leading to Federation. reduced employment opportunities and lower self- esteem. These factors appeared regularlyregularly when respondentsrespondents were werea askedsked Tw o-fifthsfi fths (41 per cent) of those who accessed the NHS to say what impact being part of the Armed Forces family had over mental health issues reported that the GP or other on their mental health. professional was sufficiently understanding of the significance The anonymous survey –which had aself-selecting sample, and of the Armed Forces in the family’s situation, while 58 per cent thereforemight be expected to have had particular experience disagreed. in this area –was carried out over the summer to feed into the And while morethan half of those who tried to transfer support House of Commons Defence Committee’s ongoing Mental to another geographic area on relocation (46 people, or 57 per Health and the Armed Forces Inquiry, which is examining the cent) experienced difficulties in doing so, almost two-thirds (62 provision of care. per cent) felt well-supported by the NHS. Atotal of 540 people responded to the survey,which Among the observations made by spouses and partners were was promoted through the social media and internal the fact that thereislittle support for low to medium needs – communications channels of the NFF and the Royal Navy. help tended to come in times of crisis –and that those living at a Almost 60 per cent of those who replied wereserving RN or distance from aNaval base or militaryestablishment could find RM, while afifth(22 per cent) werecivilian spouses or partners themselves at adisadvantage. of Regulars. The remaining responders included veterans (8 per When respondents wereasked to identifyfactors affecting the cent), Reservists (2 per cent), children and parents of serving mental health of their children, the 278 respondents who replied personnel. highlighted the anxiety experienced by children over the safety Regular Service personnel weregiven the opportunity to identify of their parent while absent, the difficulty in sustaining aclose the factors that they believe had anegative effect on their relationship with that parent, and the difficulty in forming and mental wellbeing, and apart from the three already stated, other maintaining friendships because of frequent moves. issues included: Some parents pointed out that thereare positives to the • Frequent location moves Naval lifestyle, which had made their children moreresilient individuals. • Missing important life events Recent Service leavers highlighted the problems of medical • Feelings of guilt over not supporting aspouse or partner in the records going missing or taking too long to transfer,and role of parent. disruption in mental health careonleaving the Service, as being On the positive side, team spirit and supportive colleagues were amongst issues that affected them. seen as atonic for mental health, as was the Service sense of The survey also looked at waiting times for accessing mental humour and the ability to remain cheerful in adversity. health services, both militaryand civilian. Almost 120 civilian spouses of Regulars, both RN and RM, Forupdates on the survey,and work done by the NFF in the contributed to the survey,and apart from the same three main field of mental health, see www.nff.org.uk/wellbeing/ factors, other negative influences included:

52 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk

Your Life Bombers need assembling? Call the housewives!

It might seem likeabig step from the home to the That was cutting-edge assembly line in an aircraft factory,but it wasnobig technology –and cutting- deal to the British housewifeduring World WarII. edge thinking –inthe WM (Art.IWM PST 3645) PA Consulting began in 1943 as Personnel Administration Ltd, 1940s. Now fast-forward ©I created to provide advice to the Government and industry on how 75 years, and PA to improve the efficiency of the wartime workforce. Consulting is still at the With demand for munitions and other goods increasing, that extra cutting edge, and looking output had to be provided by arelatively unskilled workforce, for people to keep the including women. organisation there. The new firm’s first assignment was to train housewives to buildthe To day the skill-set tail-gun assembly for Lancaster bombers –part of the UK policy of necessary for amilitary bringing women into factories to release male workers to join the spouse to juggle home Armed Forces. life and work opens up opportunities, a fact recognised by PPAA ©IWM (D18193] Consulting, aac companyompany now employing over 2,500 people and specialising in management consultancy, consultancy,i innovationnnovation and technology. Military wife and former Servicewoman Liz Lusher said: “The“The military community is amazing to be part of. of.T Therehere are times when things can be very hard, especially when your other half is deployed, away training, on exercise, weekly commuting or just working long hours. “Yet IIg genuinelyenuinely believe the benefi benefits ts outweigh outweigh the lows,the lows, and my and my own 16 years of Service was incredible. My last four years in the military included the arrival of my sons, now six and eight, as well as managing aah homeome life whilst my husband did aay yearear of pre-tour training and then deployed for seven months to Afghanistan. “I functioned as aas singleingle mum during that time. It wasn’t easy but we managed.” When Liz’s military service ended she did aas stinttint in the Civil Service before moving on to PA Consulting’s ProfessionalProfessional Services Team,Te am, WM (1386) ©I

54 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk ©IWM (TR1384) which has allowed her to work in away that suits her and her family, and abilities through methods and as the team primarily works in Defence, it is an area familiar to such as verbal and numerical Liz aptitude testing, competency- “Weare looking for people who can communicate, organise and get based interviews, psychometric things done,” she said. assessment/personality profiling, “In my work and as amum, I’ve had to gain and hone these case study exercises and group skills. PA has built on this through agreat personal development exercises. programme, with excellent mentoring There is an established career path and support, and Inow work as a through analysis project manager.” ©IWM (L69) (supporting the Liz works flexible hours, allowing consultancy her to commute daily,and there has teams and been no disruption to her children’s receiving training routine. Part-time work is also an in the art of option. consultancy) PA has career opportunities in many through locations –there are hubs in Bristol, to senior Andover and Corsham, and many of management level for Liz’s colleagues have links with the ©IWM (L65) Armed Forces. those who demonstrate “The roles offer you achance to take drive, strong responsibility working alongside our communication and clients close to home, not subject to relationship-building the normal mobility requirements of skills, infl influencing uencing skills, skills, consulting,” she said. problem-solving ability ability,, “You’ll be using your insight, intellect and interpersonal skills as part afocus on delivering results and an of ateam solving some of the most complex and exciting challenges. adaptability and openness to change. “Typically,the roles we provide will be for months or years with a If you would like to find out more client. Youmight have all the experience and qualifications needed, please contact Lottie Robertson or just have the ability and motivation to get them. by email on Lottie.Robertson@ “A syou may well know,managing children, having aspouse in the PACONSULTING.COM or call Forces and ahouse is askill in itself!” +44 207 881 3307. PA Consulting seeks to “recruit, promote and reward our www.paconsulting.com employees solely based on their ability to contribute to PA’s objectives, without regard to their sex, race, disability,religion, Images on these pages come national origin, ethnicity,sexual orientation, age or marital status. from the Imperial WarMuseum “We’ll assess you against the skills and competencies required for collection and show women the role you’re interested in. We see interviewing as an opportunity working on the production of for you to meet members of the team and to learn more about PA.” bomber aircraft during World War Their selection procedure varies depending on region and role, 2, including the Avro Lancaster. but is designed to allow applicants to demonstrate their skills

©IWM (L63)

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 55 Navy Life Variety is the key for top militarybands

Thereare good bands. Which brings us onto the Royals’ world-famous precision ceremonial marching displays. Against Thereare great bands. Wembley,orTwickenham, or Horse Guards Parade, the And then thereare Royal Albert Hall stage doesn’t quite measure up. But you won’t miss out –noconcert would be complete RoyalMarines bands… without the participation of their Corps of Drums, who If you thought the Bandies were just about precision always provide aflavour of the band’s ceremonial role. marching and hoofin’military tunes for the benefit of This time round the renowned Royal Marines Corps of their fellow bootnecks then you might want to treat Drums and Ceremonial Fanfare Tr umpeters will again yourself to aticket for the Mountbatten Festival of feature in the traditional Naval Sunset Ceremony –once Music. witnessed in the setting of the Royal Albert Hall, never Now in its 47th year,the MFM features performances forgotten. by the massed bands of the Royal Marines at the Royal And how about Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Albert Hall. Glory,given the unique Royal Marines treatment, to get With more than 150 musicians on stage these concerts the pulse racing? are renowned for displaying the outstanding versatility The MFM is amust for all the Naval Service family –and of some of the world’s finest military musicians in an anyone else who appreciates outstanding music played iconic setting with all the extras –spectacular lighting, by outstanding musicians. fireworks and big screen imagery. See page 64 for the chance to win tickets to the 2019 Highlights from the 2019 programme include music Mountbatten Festival of Music. from the movies, jazz and brand new pop medleys as well as amoving commemorative tribute to the 75th anniversary of D-Day. THREE PERFORMANCES: Breathtaking solo items are intertwined with ensemble pieces –you would be hard-pressed to leave without Friday 15 March at 1930 having been stirred by incredible musicianship and eye- Saturday 16 March at 1400 catching pageantry. Saturday 16 March at 1930 Having said that, there are those who swear by the TICKETS FROM £13 traditional marches and overtures that also feature in Forticket availability contact: Royal-£ Albert49 Hall Bo the programme and which prove so popular with the xOfﬁce on members of the MFM audience. www.royalalberthall.com0845 401 5018

56 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Life Forces chiefs tackle domestic abuse

The MOD has launched adomestic abuse strategy to psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse”. tackle an issue that is akey government strategy – According to the strategy document, the Crime Survey England and Service charities have avital role to play. and Wales stated that there were an estimated two million In their foreword to the new strategy –NoDefence for Abuse adults aged 16 to 59 who said they were avictim of domestic –the respective heads of the Services, including First Sea Lord abuse to the year ending March 2016, and those affected come Admiral Sir Philip Jones, noted that around one in four women from all socio-economic backgrounds. and one in six men in the UK will be affected by domestic The full strategy document is available at www.gov.uk/ abuse in their lifetime, and the NSPCC reports that around government/publications/no-defence-for-abuse-a- one in five children have been exposed to domestic abuse. strategy-to-tackle-domestic-abuse-within-the-defence- They add: “Defence reflects society and so, whilst we have no community evidence to suggest that domestic abuse is more or less prolific within the Defence community,itisreasonable to assume that our people are affected to at least the same extent. “Whatever the number of those impacted by domestic abuse, including those experiencing domestic abuse. it is too many; no one should live in fearfear..Sowem So we mustust play our part to change this. That starts by talking openly and help or calling out abuse.” the safety and wellbeing of those affected.

or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. “The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to

One of the services provided by SSAFAisthe Stepping Stone homes, which are safe places to stay for women and their children when their relationship with someone seating. in the Forces breaks down or who are experiencing domestic The home in the North-East can accommodate seven families, abuse. but features the same range of facilities as its southern The Stepping Stones homes are for counterpart. •Separated or estranged wives; SSAFAsay: “Stepping Stone Homes are much more than aroof •Servicewomen and former servicewomen; over your head. From the first day you are with us until you are ready to leave, our staff are always on hand: if you need ahug, •UKand non-UK female citizens; someone to listen to your worries or give you advice about •Those who depend on any of these women. things like benefits, housing or schools. The homes –one in North London and the North-East –are “They will make sure you settle in, that you have everything fully-furnished and equipped, which means those staying only you need throughout your stay and that you have all the have to bring personal items such as clothes and something like encouragement you need to make your next steps.” afavourite toy to help the children through atough time. Residents can stay up to two years –longer in certain Stepping Stone South was purpose-built to accommodate 20 circumstances –and when they feel ready to move on, SSAFA families at atime, with 20 en-suite rooms as well as communal is still there to offer support as and when needed. There is a lounges, kitchens and awell-equipped playroom. Acomputer small weekly personal service charge; staff can help individuals room, complete with printer and free wifi, allows individuals claim any relevant benefits. to crack on with homework, job-seeking, house-hunting or For more details on Stepping Stone Homes see www.ssafa. generally keeping in touch with family and friends. org.uk/help-you/currently-serving/housing-women-and- It also has aspacious, well-kept garden with aplay area and children/information-about-ssafa-stepping-stone-homes

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 57 Your Life Every day is a SPECIAL DAY

Everyone has special days.Birthdays,anniversaries, Do you love your cat? Then put a ring around 8 August on next year’s thatsort of thing. calendarcalendar,,ast as thathat is International Cat Day. Day.F Foror those of you who prefer dogs, then the date to watch is 26 August (although for puppies the Then there are the special days shared with loved ones and fellow big day is 23 March, and kittens claim 10 July as their own). citizens. And talking of cats, for the hepcats among you, 30 April is ofﬁcially Religious or secular holidays, such as Christmas, Burns Night designated International Jazz Day by the United Nations, (25 January), St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Eid al-Fitr celebrating the virtues of jazz as “an educational tool, and aforce for (4-5 June 2019) and Diwali (7 November this year),bring peace, unity,dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.” families and friends together,while acts of remembrance, including Armistice Day (11 November) and Tr afalgar Day With so many special days, most dates celebrate more than one (21 October) are achance to collectively pause and reflect on cause. Thus, 24 October is not only United Nations Day but also sacrifices made on our behalf. the dubious World Tr ipe Day,brought to you by the even more dubious Tr ipe Marketing Board. The Naval Service observes anumber of red-letter days, including Pickle Night (around 12 October), the Royal Marines’ Corps Still alittle too mainstream? Birthday (28 October) and Ta ranto Night (11 November). Well, dust off your poohsticks on 18 January,asthat is Winnie the Pooh Day (author AAMilne’s birthday) But we are only scratching the surface. Delve alittle deeper and it Or how about World Pi Day; you can celebrate the soon becomes clear that every day is aspecial day. mathematical constant on 14 March (3/14 in US date notation, representing the first three digits of pi -3.14). It’s not all about If you are having alow day while your spouse or partner is away go mathematics though, as many adherents prefer scoffing pie to reciting online and see what’s being observed –maybe you could join in, help some of the trillions of digits after the decimal point. agood cause, or just brighten the gloom. Many of the wilder observance days originate in the United States, Keeping to the Senior Service, 25 June is International Day of gaining international recognition as they are picked up on social media. the Seafarer,recognising the contribution made by sailors to global One that might win strong support this side of the Atlantic is Military trade and peace, while late June also sees awide range of events and Spouse Day,initiated by Ronald Reagan in 1984 and celebrated on parades staged around Armed Forces Day (which will be 29 June the Friday before Mother’s Day. in 2019). Of course, some subjects are far too important for just aday. Chips Jobs are well-represented. For example, 9March is the deserve nothing less than aweek (late February,thanks to the International Day of the Dentist, the United Nations designated Potato Council), and if you overindulge that week you can recover 5October as World Te achers’ Day,12May is International during National Bed Month (March), abrainchild of the Sleep Nurses’ Day (Florence Nightingale’s birthday), and 4May is Council. International Fireﬁghters’ Day.Lawyers, bartenders, plumbers, farmers –all have their own special day somewhere in the world. The key to many of these special days is raising awareness of aserious issue. International Women’s Day (8 March) celebrates the cultural, economic, political and social achievements of women around the Health matters are well-represented, including such major campaigns world, while International Men’s Day (19 November) has adifferent as World To ilet Day,anofficial United Nations international focus, with male health, improved gender relations and gender observance day that tackles the problem of poor sanitation; some 4.5 equality on the agenda. billion people live their daily lives without safely-managed sanitation.

58 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk Your Life

World Toilet Day is as in ‘May the Fourth be with you’. 19 November (which The UN also celebrates, inter alia, World Tourism Day (27 coincides with International September), World Rabies Day (28 September), World Television Men’s Day…) Day (21 November), World Soil Day (5 December) and Social issues are also International Mountain Day (11 December). addressed, such as Food features widely in observance days. discrimination (Zero Discrimination Day is In addition to World Food Day (16 March 1), bullying (Anti- October), World Tu na Day falls on Bullying Day 28/29 2May,highlighting the importance February and 4May) of sustainably-managed fish and corruption (International stocks, while World Porridge Anti-Corruption Day,9December). Day (10 October) raises funds and awareness for the Scottish charity So while the title or concept might be light-hearted, Mary’s Meals, which helps children there is often aserious aspect to the ‘celebration’. in developing countries by providing Wear aHat Day (29 March) is an important part one good daily meal in aplace of learning, of Brain Tu mour Research’s fundraising and awareness encouraging children into education. strategy,while #lotsofsocks prompted people to wear odd socks (or even three socks) in honour of World Down At the whimsical end of the scale, you might want Syndrome Day (21 March, chosen as the syndrome is caused by the to consider (or avoid) the fast-growing No Pants Subway 21st chromosome). Ride (that’s the American offshoot of No Pants Day,fortunately there is also the much more British ‘No Tr ousers on the Tu be Ride’) which Dyslexia Awareness Week (1-7 October,with World Dyslexia sees commuters travel to work without trousers or skirts on various Awareness Day on 4October) heads an awareness campaign for dates during January.More than 60 cities around the world now take identification, assessment and necessary adjustments for this disorder part with the sole objective of raising smiles. (see our Winter edition for afeature on Royal Navy support in this area). Or how about Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (first Saturday in February), World Earthworm Day (21 October), World Sparrow There are some really big concepts covered as well, many through Day (20 March), World Puppetry Day (21 March), World Bicycle the United Nations. Day (19 April), Global Wind Day (15 June, referring to wind energy The UN has designated 16 May as the International Day of rather than bodily functions; the American Pass Gas Day is the day Light, which celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and after National Bean Day,6January), INTERNATIONAL CAPS art, education, and sustainable development, in fields as diverse as LOCK DAY (22 OCTOBER) or World UFO Day (mysteriously,on medicine, communications, and energy. two dates 24 June and 22J July).uly). Continuing the theme of (sweetness and) light, 16 May is Now,ifyou’ll excuse me, I also the UN’s International Day of Living To gether in am off to make anice cup of Peace, the preceding day is the UN’s International Day tea (National Te aDay,21 of Families,while topping it all is 20 March –the UN’s April), grab aas slicelice of something International Day of Happiness. (World Cake Day –7May, not to be confused with the Some days are less cheerful. If you are afan of the films Deep American National Sponge Impact or Armageddon, or maybe you are just pessimistic, Cake Day on 23 August) and then the UN’s International Asteroid Day (30 June) is put my feet up for an hour or right up your street as it “raises public awareness about the so ( Zero Ta sking Day –4 asteroid impact hazard”. November). And while on the space theme, 4May is Star Wars Day –

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 59 ONE PERSON JOINS, THE WHOLE FAMILYSERVES

The RNRMC understand the effect of long deployments. We are committed to funding projects and initiatives that improve the lives of serving families.

rnrmc.org.uk 02393 871520 RNRMC FAMIlYFlAtS: PROVIdINg AReAL HOMe AWAYFROM HOMe

he RoyalNavy and RoyalMarines Charity firmly believes that, while one person joins, it is the whole tfamily thatserves. From initiatives thatenable parentstoreadbedtime stories to their children while away on deployments, to large scale projects likethe Family Mews thatgive servicepersonnel quality time with their children -the RNRMC is therefor the whole naval family,now,and forlife.

The RNRMC Family Mews flats areproving an forparentsand children in the service. Such has been indispensable resource forserving personnel and their the impactonthe parentswho use the Portsmouth children. Warm, welcoming and fully equipped forthe flats,the RNRMC is funding two morefamily flats entirefamily; the Navy Mews apartmentsatHMNB projects at both RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron) and Portsmouth have been arealsuccess story. Notonly RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk), with further projects offering comfort and convenience, the Navy Mews eligible forfunding whereneed is expressed. provide avital home away from home forserving parentswho live on base and who areoftenunable to RNAS CuldRoSe provide child friendly accommodation. The creation of seven RNRMC funded en-suitefamily Awarding agrant of £250,000, the mews flats atHMS rooms in the old telephonistblock at RNAS Culdrose Nelson contains three self-contained family flats and will also soon be available. Because of RNAS Culdrose’s werecreatedfor the sole use of ServicePersonnel. challenging geographical location, thereisalack of Furnished with mod-cons and home comforts, the local family support forservicepersonnel. apartmentsinclude dishwashers, kettles, fridges, TVs and sofas. Additionally,children’s bedrooms arewell RNAS YeovIltoN stocked with toys and games. Twofamily flats atRNAS Yeovilton arealso to be At the time of itsopening, Leading Seaman Andy Till, createdinthe unoccupied NAAFI quarters and will said: be able to accommodate afamily of five. WO1Si Ashdown, who has coordinatedthe newflats at RNAS It’sjustlikebeing at home. Yeovilton, said: It has everything youneed and my daughter really enjoyedit. I’ll definitely the Family Flats at RNAS recommend it to other guys Iknow Yeovilton will makeahugedifference in my situation and encourage when they’re completed. Forsingle them to use it as well. parentsand families, this much needed It is imperative thatthe RNRMC areable to assistthe facility will become a‘home away from navalfamilybysupportingprojects thatmakelifeeasier home’for those thatuse it.

By awarding support grantsthataddress the issue of short-term family accommodation, the RNRMC is helping to alleviate the fracturing of family lifeoftencaused by the logistical difficulties of being asingle parent in the armed forces. Formoreinformation on the RNRMC, visit www.rnrmc.org.uk or call 02393871520 Your Life

Newapp could put patients in driving seat

Anew National Health Service app is being developed NHS England National Director of Operations and Information that could herald arevolution in how patients access Matthew Swindells said: “In the NHS’s 70th year, year,t thehe new app health care. will take the NHS to awa world-leadingorld-leading position by empowering Developed by NHS Digital and NHS England, the app is all our patients using digital technology to take charge designed to give patients safe, secure access to their of their own healthcare and contact the GP record, allowing them to make GP appointments, NHS in a way that suits them. order repeat prescriptions, manage long-term “The new app will put the NHS conditions and access the existing 111 service online into the pocket of everyone in for urgent medical queries. England but it is just one step on The ambition is to allow patients to secure an the journey. appointment at the touch of aas screencreen rather than “Weae arere also developing an NHS join aqa queueueue of callers ringing their local surgery Apps Library and putting free NHS at opening time –ani– an issuessue the recently-departed wifi in inGP GPsurgeries surgeries and andhospitals.” hospitals.” Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt Further down the line, industry acknowledged. specialists expect the app to integrate “The NHS app is awa world-fiorld-first rst which which will will existing digital systems, giving access put patients firmlyfi rmly in thein drivingthe driving seat and seat and to existing services rather than trying to revolutionise the way we access health reinvent the wheel, and could provide services,” said Mr Hunt. secure messaging channels between “I want this innovation to mark the death-knell patients and care teams. of the 8am scramble for GP appointments Challenges include making sure the that infuriates so many patients. app does not become unwieldly and “Technology has transformed everyday overcomplicated, and also ensuring that life when it comes to banking, travel and it dovetails with existing NHS apps and shopping. Health matters much more services, avoiding duplication. to all of us, and the prize of that same Crucial to the app’s success, according to digital revolution in healthcare isn’t just independent health think tank the King’s convenience but lives improved, extended Fund, is to make sure it is human-centric –itis– it is and saved.” designed around the needs of the patient –a– andnd Barring unforeseen setbacks, the app is that there is sufficientsuffi cient funding funding to capitalise to capitalise on on expected to be ready for use by the end of this the technology. year –b– butut that is just the firstfi rst step. step.

62 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk DELIVERING SIX ISSUES AYEAR @£30.00 BALANCED REPORTING GLOBAL COVERAGE TECHNOLOGY UPDATES CURRENT NEWS HISTORICAL ARTICLES INSIGHT &ANALYSIS

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Call 01628 947740 or email [email protected] Reader Offers Reader Offers

1 Winseats in aprivatebox forthe Mountbatten Festival of Music

The Mountbatten FeFestivalstival of Music, featuring the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, is aca celebrationelebration of some of the world’s finestfi nest military musicians showcasing their talents across the musical spectrum, from traditional military marches to hits from stage and silver screen. And the Royal Marines Band Service is giving Homeport readers the chance to enjoy the spectacle at the Royal Albert Hall from the comfort of their own private box, seating five guests. Twoboxes are up for grabs for the evening performance on Friday March 15 (7.30pm) -each box is worth £200. Foryour chance to marvel at scintillating solos, rousing overtures and recent hits with aunique treatment, mark your entry ‘Festival’. See www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2019/ mountbatten/ for more details.

2 WinaMilitary WivesChoirs CD 3 Win‘Home Is WhereThe Navy Sends Us’ This year marks the centenary of the end of World War1.Fierce heroism goodies from the troops at the Front was matched by the country’s women who ‘Home Is Where’ is the result of alightbulb moment for raised children alone, nursed, and worked tirelessly. military wife Dora, who was looking for something to channel The Military Wives Choirs have created their own musical tribute, telling her energies into while her husband was serving away from the story of women then (1918) and now (2018), with their new album home. ‘Remember’, featuring 69 choirs and 1,105 voices on acombination She had given up her ‘perfect’job as acommunity nurse to of exciting new compositions and traditional songs in collaboration with follow her husband, but wanted to look forward rather than The Band of Household Cavalry,the Royal Marines Corps of Drums and think about what she had left behind. musicians from the Central Band of the RAF. With over 70 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas She started sketching on that cold, lonely January night in and 2000-plus members, the Military Wives Choirs is acharity that brings 2017, and (rather bashfully) took the results to alocal supplier women in the military community –who loved the concept and encouraged her. closer together through singing. There is anow range of products on her website, Tri-Service in nature and open www.homeiswhere.co.uk,and Dora has provided a to any woman with amilitary package of ‘Home Is Where The Navy Sends Us’ goodies connection including mothers, for aHomeport reader –atote bag,tea towel, key ring and daughters, veterans and serving magnet, worth almost £30. personnel, the choirs are avaluable support network, helping women To be in the draw for in the military community to sing, these charming gifts, share and support one another mark your entry and feel stronger together. ‘Home’.

To be in the draw to win this album, mark your entry ‘Choir’. www.militarywiveschoirs.org

Summer 2018 Winners Patria T-shirt: SayShopping vouchers: Subscription Offer Sodexo GWalsh, Portsmouth W. Whistler,Essex SayShopping Vouchers: Jojo Maman Bebe gift card: Pashmina: DCarter,Ashton JCain JTurner,Exeter SS Shieldhall cruise: Hatch door cover: 8901 tea towel and mug: NQuick, Havant AJames, Hengoed RFleming,Swansea

64 | HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 www.nff.org.uk 4 Winapair of Apple AirPods 5 WinaBear Grylls adventure Thanks to generous support from ESS,weare delighted to offer apair of Apple AirPods. The Bear Grylls Adventure is the new home After asimple one-tap setup, AirPods are of Earth’s greatest challenges. automatically on and always connected. Using them is just as easy.They can sense when From the skies to the seas to the mountains, they’re in your ears and pause when you take they’ve brought together 8epic challenges them out. Avoice accelerometer recognizes at their new World First attraction at when you’re speaking and works with apair of Birmingham NEC. beamforming microphones to filter out external Youcan test your limits as you take on noise and focus on the sound of your voice. the most incredible mental and physical AirPods are just as amazing whether you’re challenges, inspired by Bear’s love of listening to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or adventure. They’ll get you geared up and Mac. ready to climb, dive, fly,zip, leap, scramble All the groundbreaking things AirPods can do and explore. are driven by the custom-designed Apple W1 Escape the ordinary and push yourself to chip. It produces extremely efficient wireless for achieve the remarkable at The Bear Grylls abetter connection and improved sound. And Adventure. the W1 chip manages battery life so well, you can listen for 5hours on asingle charge. Visit www.beargryllsadventure.com for To win apair of Apple AirPods please mark more information. your entry ‘Ears’. Thanks to the lovely team at the Bear Grylls RRP £159.00 Adventure (and also thanks to our ‘fixers’ at the RNRMC who have worked with Bear and his team for years, and who in turn are supported by Bear), Homeport readers have the chance to win four Basecamp +High Ropes tickets, worth £140. T&Cs apply -the voucher cannot be redeemed with any other offer,discount or combination ticket; the offer is not valid at admissions counter,tickets must be pre- booked online; age and height restrictions apply to specific activities; voucher cannot be re-sold; free tickets can only be used at The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC;and voucher can’t be redeemed for cash. To win the four tickets –which come as one offer –mark your entry ‘Bear’.

6 WinaWn a WordordA Artrt print of awa warshiparship They say apicture is worth athousand words, but White Dog Gallery in Hampshire gives you both words AND picture –with aNaval slant. The gallery,which has premises in Southsea and Lee-on-the-Solent, sells word art pictures by in-house artist Tim Hut, who ﬁlls the outline of warships with words pertinent to the Royal Navy and that class of ship. The list features HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Ocean and the following classes: Invincible, Type 23, Type 42, Type 45, Hunt and Sandown. They can be personalised by adding half adozen or so words of your own for asmall additional cost. The images sell for between £22 and £30, but one of our readers can win afree, personalised example –and those who miss out can still beneﬁt from aspecial offer for Homeport readers. To enter the draw for aprint mark your entry ‘Picture’. If you would like to buy astandard (non-personalised) ship image for £15 –asaving of £7 –apply in person or by phone before closing-time on 21 October 2018 using the code ‘Homeport’. The telephone numbers are 023 92 552255 (Lee-on-the-Solent) and 023 92 825330 (Southsea). Formore on Tim’s pictures and the gallery see www.whitedoggallery.co.uk

For all Reader Offers: Competitions are open to all readers of Homeport, except employees of the NFF and their families, its publishers, printers and anyone connected with the competitions. Only one entry per household per prize. Your details will not be passed on to any organisations. Send in your name and address on apostcard to NFF, Building 25, HMS EXCELLENT,Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8ER or e-mail [email protected],clearly stating which offer you are applying for. Closing date for entries is 26th October 2018

HOMEPORT | AUTUMN 18 | 65 The Naval Families Federation’s Magazine for RN &RMFamilies

Autumn 2018 | www.nff.org.uk

Military Kids pr ove Whatwe good did this sports summer

Norfolk RM Condor in the Lightning spotlight RAF Marham welcomes the Royal Navy

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What do youwant to be? Join us at our Following Open Days Registration required for all events via our website.

28 September 2018 17:45 -20:30 Boarder Taster Evening 29 September 2018 09:00 -11:00 Main SchoolOpen Morning 6October 2018 10:00 -12:00 Sixth Form Open Morning 22 March 2019 17:45 -20:30 Boarder Taster Evening

An independent boarding and day 23 March 2019 09:00 -11:00 Main SchoolOpen Morning schoolfor boys and girls aged3-13 Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1NS www.wymondhamcollege.org 01425 653181 01953 609000 |[email protected] www.fsmschool.com WymondhamCollege @WymondhamCol Excellent independent boarding and day 01462 670 511 school located in LetchworthGarden City [email protected] for girls aged 3-18years www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk

Open Days 2018 Saturday 6th October Friday 12th October Sixth Form Evening Thursday 11th October

LETCHWORTH GARDENCITY PREPARATORY-SENIOR -SIXTH FORM Space and Freedom to Learn! ASHDOWN HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 01342 822574 Forest RowE..ast Sussex RH18 5JY

Co-educational Day &Boarding from 4-13years www.ashdownhouse.com

Co-educational,day &boarding schoolfor 3-18years in South East England

Boarding from 7to18years Warm and supportivefamily ethos Strong academicresults at 11+,GCSEand ALevel Modernen-suiteboarding accommodation Fast train only 75 minutes from London ChristianFoundation

HM Forces personnelinreceipt of CEApay only 10% of theboardingfee

T: 01843 572931 E: [email protected] College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE www.slcuk.com COURAGE • INTEGRITY • RESPECT • COMMITMENT • LOYALTY • SELF-DISCIPLINE

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (4,,-+"% 0,3.53) .+2/ !,"$)&"!&6 DOVER •KENT *,,-+"% #5!- .+2/73+)&1'

Our co-educa�onal stateboarding school forstudents aged 11 to 18 is located on abeau�ful 150-acre siteand welcomes applica�ons from militaryand non-militaryfamilies. Please contact our Registrar on: T: +44 (0) 1304245073 • E: admin.oﬃ[email protected] www.doyrms.com

Day, Weekly, Flexi and Full Boarding Co-educational •3–13years

Forces discounts available Associated withMalvern College

Formoreinformation, please contact Katherine Cox, Registrar 01684544108 [email protected] www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk %"#&!"$&%! "!$$#""

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11-18coeducational boarding at oneofthe UK's topperformingnon-selectiveschools

 for£4070 perterm

 Only 30 minutes from St PancrasInternational Less than an hour by road from Heathrow,Stanstedand Luton  HertsAL5 4TD|[email protected]|01582 716284  www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

COTHILL HOUSE

‘Heavenfor boys’CURRENT PARENT

INDEPENDENT BOARDING EDUCATION FOR Cothill . Abingdon . OX13 6JL BOYS FROM 8�13 YEARS No otherprepschool offersthe samewww.cothill.net01865 390800 mix of opportunities for boys to ﬂourish! www.cothill.net PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Be recognised for your professionalism and expertise

WITH YOU NOW The Institution of Engineering and Technology AND FOR THE REST OF (IET) recognises that the Armed Forces train their YOUR CAREER personnel to achieve high standards at all times. If you’re interested in becoming amember of Professional registration the IET and to start the process to becoming Professional registration provides formal recognition of your professionally registered, you can contact us military skills and experience and shows that you have in one of three ways: demonstrated continual professional competence to ahigh, internationally recognised standard throughout your career. Text IETMOD and your full name to The IET is licenced by the Engineering Council to award: 62277** and we’ll call you back Chartered Engineer (CEng) Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Call +44(0)1438 767648 Engineering Technician (EngTech) Email [email protected] ICT Technician (ICTTech) **Free text line, no charges apply. Special Registration Agreements (SRAs) SRAs benchmark certain career pathways* against the requirements for professional registration, creating a www.theiet.org/armed-forces streamlined application process. *Visit www.theiet.org/armed-forces to see if you meet the SRA criteria.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as aCharity in England &Wales (no 211014) and Scotland(no SC038698),Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom. CUTTING YOUR OWNPATH

TheRoyal Hospital School is aleading co-educational independentschool for11to18year olds, locatedin200 acres of Suffolk countryside. It has athriving Combined Cadet Force, 60% of pupils boardfull time and morethan 200 pupils have aconnection to the armed services. Fees arediscountedfor services families eligible forCEA and all RN and RM personnel, both retired and serving, can apply formeans-tested assistancewith fees. OPEN MORNINGS SAT6OCT &10NOV,9AM FORMORE INFORMATION CALL 01473 326136 OR EMAIL [email protected]

NAVIGATING SUCCESS