1

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER (Welfare Office) 3 SIGNAL REGIMENT May - June 2014

WEEKLY COFFEE This is a great opportunity to catch up with old & new

friends in a friendly environment. “Come along for a Coffee and a Chat”

Coffee Morning Every Thursday in the Beeches 1000-1200hrs

ANY OLD IRON

Forthcoming Events

We have now moved to the new location in the

Haig Centre which is to the rear of the

Canadian Estate ——————————————

See page 6

for local events

——————————————

New PRI shop is now open located in RHQ, we have loads of new stock in to

accommodate all.

1030hrs - 1230hrs

Tue and Thurs

bulford@hivegb.co.uk

On the last Thursday of each month the MHS Liaison Officer will conduct a housing workshop at the Welfare Office. So come along and discus any

repair issues you may have.

The MHS CAP is also available on the following days - Mon - Heath House Larkhill

Tue - The Hive, Tidworth Leisure Centre Wed - The Hive, Bulford Beeches

Thur - 177-189 Pepper Place, Warminster Fri - Heath House, Larkhill

This is for SFA Customers to personally discuss any SFA matters. The

CAP will be open from 1000 to 1400 .

What’s on in Wiltshire www.visitwiltshire.co.uk For information on all Activities contact the Hive on 01980672420 Or visit our Facebook site. 3 Div HQ and Sig Regt

The Welfare Office holds two tickets for Cholderton Farm—come along and sign them out. Each ticket gives free entrance for 2 adults and 2 children.

Item Page

Foreword 2

What’s On 4-6

Advertisements 7-10

Useful Information 11-13

Contents

2

The Welfare Team

Foreword by Capt ‘Sven’ Gronn, I’m sure you will all have noticed that there wasn’t an Any Old Iron newsletter last month, this was intentional as we decided that six editions a year were probably sufficient, especially now the tour is completed. Thus I’m certain that you are all perched on the ends of your chairs desperate to hear more from me below... Life in the Regiment carries on at an inordinately fast pace - a sign of how the Army will continue post operations in Afghanistan. We currently have a large portion of the unit deployed to France on Exercise ROCHAMBEAU, this is a interoperability exercise with the French and see’s our soldiers deployed for around six weeks. As such the Welfare Team, as normal led by Bran, will put on a BBQ on Sunday 18th May at the Beaches Community Centre, it will be very much like the events we put on for the deployed families last year and all the Regiment’s families are welcome to attend. There is a small cost involved with the majority of funds coming from the Regiment - Bran has put a return for the BBQ in this newsletter’s edition - I’d ask you to fill it out and return it to him via email or post if you intend to pop along. With the Army’s intention of more stability in posting options they have introduced the Forces Help to Buy Scheme (FHTB) which provides, in theory, interest free loans of up to half your wages or a maximum of £25,000. This came into effect on the 1st of April and replaces the old scheme and it gives soldiers and families an opportunity to put a good lump sum down onto a property which they intend to live in and not rent unless forced to move for service reasons. You may previously have owned a property but can’t be in possession of one whilst applying. For more information on FHTB you can Google the scheme and my advice to anyone is that bricks and mortar are still the one sure way to help make you and your families financially secure in the future. I’m shocked that we’re already into the month of May and I’ve been in the post of Unit Welfare Officer for over a year, but I will now be moving onto Second in Command of Support Squadron and Captain Alison Bunce, formerly Welfare Officer 215 Signal Squadron in Tidworth, will be taking over the reigns in mid June. But although I’ll be taking a step sideways I will remain in the Regiment and as such be able to still hassle the Welfare Team and Bran in particular. I’d like to take this opportunity to publically thank Bran and Sgt Sparkles, sorry Staples, as they have had to put up with a lot from an often grumpy and over demanding Late Entry Officer - they have been fantastic and do so much behind the scenes to help me but more importantly the Regiment’s families. If you haven’t had much contact with the Regiments’ welfare department then you won’t realise how much these guys do and I’ve been proud to work with them and Nessy our Welfare Clerk. My one concern and parting thought to you all is that I know there is still a stigma for many when they consider approaching the Welfare Team. I hate the name Welfare and now know, as I was one who never visited welfare in the past, that there is so much more to my department than engaging with Social Services. When I speak to soldiers, especially those who have been in the Army for some time, I hear statements such as ‘I’ve never been to Welfare’, it is unhelpful and especially if said by Senior NCOs who should be helping and advising the more junior members of the Regiment. We aren’t a government department which gives hand-outs and benefits, we are a bunch of soldiers who are trying to give help and advice to other soldiers. So please give the team a shout if you have any questions, queries or concerns as the Army is a unique beast which needs to give as much support as possible to its soldiers and their families. Take care and good luck.

3

The Welfare Team

WO2 Bran Branley Unit Welfare

Warrant Officer

Capt ‘Sven’ Gronn Unit Welfare

Officer

Nessy Stephenson Unit Welfare

Admin Officer

Sgt Martin Staples Unit Welfare

SNCO

Sig Dixon Unit Welfare Driver

4

SUNDAY BBQ AT THE BEECHES IN BULFORD

Families Personnel: Adult £ 5.00 Child £ 2.50

Children’s Entertainment: Bouncy Castles

Children’s Entertainer Refreshments Available

Timings are:

1230 hrs Arrive 1300-1400 hrs Lunch

1600 hrs Depart

Refreshments available – Tea & Coffee Free to All Children’s Juice – 50p

All those wishing to attend should complete the Performa attached

Returns to Welfare Office with payment

No Later than 10th MAY 2014

The Beeches Family Centre Bulford Road, Bulford WILTSHIRE, SP4 9BT

SUNDAY BBQ AT THE BEACHES DATE SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2014

TIMINGS 12:30 - 16:00PM

5

From…………………………………………………………………

Contact No…………………………………………..

I will*/will not* be attending the Welfare BBQ. (*delete as necessary)

There will be ………..Adults & ………..Children attending

Adult £5, Child £2.50

Addition Information: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Unfortunately we are unable to provide transport due to insurance

of civilian personnel in military vehicles.

RETURNS SHOULD BE HANDED IN WITH PAYMENT NO LATER THAN 10th MAY

3 Signal Regiment

Welfare Contact Details; The Haig Centre

(To the rear of the Canadian Estate)

E-mail - 3dsrwelfare@btconnect.com Office Tel - 01980 67 2365

Fax - 01980 67 2318

SATURDAY BBQ 18th MAY 2014 RETURN FORM

6

For all “whats on” in the Salisbury area visit: http://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on

Amesbury Carnival & Show 2014

Absolutely Fabulous Night at Milford Hall

A fabulous three course meal served by Patsy, Saffy and Eddie with a hearty portion of mayhem thrown in for good measure!

Tribute show.

206 Castle Street Tel: +44 (0)330 666 3366 Salisbury Wiltshire SP1 3TE

Various events including: Marching Bands Stone Age games Fun Fair Carnival K9 Fun Dog Show Strong Man contest plus much more! Holder's Field Amesbury Wiltshire SP4 7PW

International Market

7pm (15/05/2014)

Adult £32.50

Around 80 food and craft stalls along with refreshment areas will form this years Salisbury International Market Guildhall Square Salisbury Wilts SP1 1JH TEL: 01722 342860

10.00am (25/05/2014 - 26/05/2014)

11:00am (14/06/2014)

Adult £2.50

Child - FREE

7

A 12m x 24m Rectangular Marquee

£500 plain

£700 with liner

For further information please contact;

Capt. Gronn via Nessy on 01980 672365

3 Signal Regiment

PRI Marquee Hire

8

ITEMS FOR USE FROM THE WELFARE OFFICE

For more information on the above items please pop into the Welfare office or give us a ring to book your item.

All monies made on the use of our items will go to their upkeep and will give us the opportunity to purchase more items for the good and benefit of the Regt.

The new PRI minibus is a Ford Toreno 9-seater, which can be driven by anyone on a normal car licence. Daily hire charge of £30 for 3DSR activities and £50 for personal use and all other units.

For further details please contact the MT on 01980 672468/3308

Rug Doctor is an easy to use Carpet and Upholstery cleaner that can be booked from the welfare office at an unbelievable price of £15 a day or £35.00 for the weekend. A deposit of £50.00 is required, which will be handed back on return of a clean and damage free item! Cleaning Fluids are provided at an extra charge of £5.00 and must be used with this machine. All costs are to sustain the upkeep of the Item.

This Panasonic Full HD Video Camera can be booked out for a donation of just £5.00 per day With its built in Memory you can record those Memorable moments at the touch of a button. Also comes with Tripod. Ideal for the festive season

Or why not try out this Nikon 26x Optical zoom Camera with memory card so you can easily transfer all your happy snaps to your computer and pass on to your friends and family for a donation of just £5.00 per day. Record your happy snaps this Xmas.

We have two new Bouncy Castle’s, a 12 x 12 and an 18 x 24 ideal for a birthday party in your Garden. Please contact the welfare office for more information. 12 x 12 hire £50.00 18 x 24 hire £60.00

Terms and Conditions are to be signed, prior to using all items. As with all Bouncy Castles—There is a requirement to ensure you have personal liability insurance to cover any injuries. You will not be able to use it if you don't so please check with your insurance company first and bring confirmation with you

DEPENDANT ID CARDS

1. Pop into the Welfare Office with your partner or failing that your passport and a recent utility bill. This will be used to confirm identity and relationship to a serving soldier.

2. Unit Welfare Team will then complete the initial paperwork and issue you with the relevant certificate to take to Tidworth.

3. Visit the pass office in Tidworth and have your pass issued. The whole process on arrival takes around 5 minutes. Address is as follows:

The Garrison Vetting Office The Stables, Jagdalik Road, Tidworth SP9 7AP Tel No: 01980 603001

Opening Hours: Mon—Fri 09.30 –1200hrs & Tue & Thur 13.30-15.30hrs

9

Thank you for supporting The Trussell Trust. If you'd like to give offline, please make cheques payable to 'The Trussell Trust' and send them to: The Trussell Trust, Unit 9, Ashfield Trading Estate, Ashfield Road, Salisbury SP2 7HL

Thank you! Join us on facebook Follow us on Twitter

To plan your journey please follow the link below, it gives you a step by step guide and it is easy to use. So if you cant drive and want to get from A - B using public transport then use this site. http://www.transportdirect.info/web2/JourneyPlanning/home.aspx?repeatingloop=Y

Army Families Federa on Salisbury Plain Co-ordinator

Carol Morris

Tel: 07527 492783 Email: salisburyplain@affgb.org.uk

ARMY WELFARE SERVICE (AWS)

AWS aim to provide a Welfare Support Service to assist with the challenge that arise in personal and service lives. If you wish to contact us please visit our website for information. www.modoracle.com/service_welfare/aws.html Tel: Tidworth 01980 652182

CONTACT SSAFA PLAINS COORDINATOR on: 07979374864

10

What now? Are you a young Mum or Dad to be, or looking for extra support?

Come and join one of our small and relaxed groups providing information on birth, baby care and becoming a parent.

Sessions are free and lunch is provided at the first session! Future Groups – All sessions run from 10.00 – 12.30

For more information, or to be referred onto one of these courses, please speak to your Community Midwife or phone 01722 425177 (Salisbury Hospital maternity reception)

in partnership with Salisbury Children Centres and

AFF is a registered charity that acts as a unique two-way communications link between the British Army and its families. Find out more about AFF and its worldwide service to Army families on this website, including: where and how to find us; how we represent your views and raise your concerns; how to access our training and employment advice; and the latest news, including the AFF Families' Journal, YOUR magazine © 2012 army families federation / Registered charity No. 291202 AFF, IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 7, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

The Support Hub

Tedworth House, Tedworth Park, Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP9 7AJ

What is the Support Hub? The Support Hub offers a service to residents and visitors of Tedworth House, serving wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women; veterans; families and carers. It serves all three services and is made up of a range of Service Charities and organisations that collectively offer advice and guidance on a multitude of issues that you might face, some of which are

Money Housing Health Social Time & Respite

Important – The Support Hub offers information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues. If you are facing any difficulties not listed above, this does not mean we cannot help. Please let us know and we will help in every way possible.

How can I access the Support Hub? Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 Residents & Visitors can request support via Reception Tel: (01980) 844224 / 844225 Email: support.hub@h4h-tedworthhouse.org.uk Send a completed ‘Request for Support’ Form to Tedworth House (address above) Web: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

11

POLICE. Amesbury 0845 408 7000 Salisbury 0845 408 7000 Wilton 0845 408 7000 Crime stoppers 0800 555 111 MoD Police 01980 603099 Wiltshire Police 101 ADVICE Citizens Advice 0844 3752775 Trading Standards 08451 201202 CAB Devizes 01380 728771 ANIMALS Lost & found 01722 502306 RSPCA 0800 1234999 Wildlife Rescue 01980 862291 TRAVEL Travel Line 0870 6082680 National Express 08705 808080 Rail Information 08467 484950 Wilts & Dorset Bus 01722 338955 TOURIST INFORMATION Amesbury 01980 622833 Fordingbridge 01425 654560 Mere 01747 861211 Ringwood 01425 470896 Salisbury 01722 334956 UTILITIES (emergencies only) Gas Leaks 0800 111999 Southern Electric 08457 708090 Water 08452 780845 Floodline 08459 881188

HELP & HEALTH Alcoholics Anonymous 01380 729064 Alcohol & Drug Advice 01722 820390 Carers Support 01722 322746 Child Line 0800 1111 Dyslexic helpline 01722 324260 Enable (disability) 01722 416188 NHS Direct 0845 4647 NHS Advice Wiltshire 01380 728899 NHS Advice Hampshire 02380 627444 NSPCC 0808 8005000 Overeaters Anonymous 07904 423485 Parenting Alone Service 0845 600 1945 Salisbury Hospital 01722 336262 Relate 01305 262285 Homeless Trust 01722 338510 Samaritans 01722 323355 Shop Mobility 01722 328068 Victim Support Wilts 01380 729476 Victim Support Hants 0845 3030900 Racial Equality Council 01225 766439 Woman’s Refuge 08457 023468 COUNCILS

Salisbury City 01722 342860 Dorset County 01306 251000 Hampshire County 01962 341841 Wiltshire 0300 4560100 East Dorset District 01202 886201 Kennet District 01380 724911 New Forest District 02380 285000 LEISURE Amesbury Sports Centre 01980 622173 Durrington Leisure 01980 594594 Salisbury City Hall 01722 434434 Art Centre 01722 321744 Football 01722 326454 Leisure 01722 339966 Library 01722 324145 Playhouse 01722 320333

HELPLINE INFORMATION

3 DSR Orderly Officer - Via Ward Guardroom Guardroom Picton Bks - 01980 67 2922 Ward Bks - 01980 67 2794

Aspire Defence Helpline - 0845 168 2300

Military Exchange - 01722 336222

Army Welfare Service - AWS 01980 65 6789

RMP Duty Room - 01980 672222/2251 Emergencies (Police , Fire & Ambulance) - 999 MOD - 01980 67 2340

Drumbeat - 01980 60 2980 www.drumbeat.org.uk

HIVE - Tid; 01980 65 0224 Bul; 01980 67 2420 ( Nicole ) HIVE on line at www.salisburyplainhive.blogspot.com

SODEXO CHILDCARE VOUCHERS Tel- 0800 0852875 www.modchildcare.co.uk

CLEANING OF SERVICE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

For most the thought of moving house is stressful enough, without the worries of whether or not your quarter will pass the March Out inspection. MHS in support of DE have two dedicated companies providing a guaranteed march out. These are Ideal and Insitu, for more details go to:

www.modernhousingsolutions.com/moving/moving_pre.asp

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS & WEB SITES

12

The Welfare Office is

locationed at The Haig Centre behind the

Canadian Estate.

13

COMMENTS SLIP/CHANGE IN CONTACT DETAILS

Unit Welfare Office 3 Signal Regiment The Haig Centre Bulford Salisbury, SP4 9NJ

This slip has been designed for you, please complete it and tell us:

What you think we could do better What you would like to see in the Newsletter Concerns or issues you have Activities or Trips you would like to see happening If we don't know—we can’t help! So please call when you have a problem. Have you changed your telephone number? Have you changed your email address? Comments: Please note, you do not need to fill in the contact details, but if you wish to receive feedback we would need a contact address in order to reply. Name: Contact telephone Number: Address:

Where is the Welfare Office? Canadian Estate

3 Signal Regiment

Welfare Contact Details; The Haig Centre

(To the rear of the Canadian Estate)

E-mail - 3dsrwelfare@btconnect.com Office Tel - 01980 67 2365

Fax - 01980 67 2318