WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM FORCES FAMILIES SINCE 1803
Outstanding facilities, an all-round education, and endless opportunities - there are many reasons to consider The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, says Principal Alex Foreman.
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School offers an affordable option for parents seeking a boarding school with exceptional education and outstanding opportunities.
Set on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and set within 150-acres of parkland, the school offers unrivalled facilities. Students enjoy a unique blend of academic achievement and an active lifestyle with sport, music and drama. Facilities include an Olympic-standard floodlit athletics track, a floodlit all-weather hockey pitch, state-of-the-art gym suite, dance studio with harlequin floor, a six-lane indoor heated swimming pool and performing arts centre.
INCLUSIVE BOARDING FEES CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION
Welcoming students from Forces Families since 1803, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is committed to supporting the British Armed Forces and is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. In recognition of this, parental contribution for those eligible for the MOD Continuity of Education Allowance is only £569 per term (there are three terms per year).
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is popular with Forces Families for its ability to offer a home-from-home environment and continuity of education; providing a constant when families may be moving frequently. This means students develop lifelong friendships and benefit from consistent, high-quality education, resulting in outstanding results and destinations.
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION & OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES
Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School make outstanding progress academically. In 2024, 85% of students achieved A* – C grades at A Level, and 95% of students progressed to university - 40% of which were Oxbridge and Russell Group. The school prides itself on offering outstanding pastoral care and a vast range of opportunities for students, including over 60 clubs and activities a week, overseas trips, and enrichment courses such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, for which the school is an accredited centre.
Outstanding facilities, an all-round education and endless opportunities await you at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School; students thrive and make outstanding progress academically. 85% of students achieved A* – C grades at A Level, and 95% of students progressed to university - 40% of which were Oxbridge and Russell Group. Students benefit from excellent teaching, a comprehensive curriculum, and a vast breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom. Our boarding school, open to 11-18year-olds, offers highly competitive full, weekly and day boarding fees. We pride ourselves on offering outstanding pastoral care, ensuring students feel relaxed and happy in their home away from home.
Service Community Guide 2024
Guide Sections Welcome to RAF Odiham
Section One: The Station
Section Two: Welfare & Support
Section Three: Health Matters
Section Four: Your Accommodation
Section Five: Education Matters
Section Six: Leisure Time
This Guide, provided by Lance Media Group in co-operation with RAF Odiham, is an authoritative source of information for all Service personnel, families and dependants. It is hoped the information contained in the Guide will be of use at the time of your arrival and throughout your stay. Please retain this Guide in your accommodation for future reference.
The Guide is produced for YOU, so please let us know of any additions or changes you think will improve it. Continual feedback is vital to ensure it remains up-to-date, accurate and relevant. Please pass on any comments you may have to Engagement Support, Media & Communications
A handy Index and information on emergencies appears on page 117
Designed by Amanda Robinson Advertising: darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Our services include:
✓✓ Vaccinations, Health Examinations & Consultations; We follow the British Small Animal Veterinary Associations guidelines on vaccination and tailor the program to suit you and your pets individual needs.
✓✓ Preventive Healthcare & Parasite Control
✓✓ Diagnostic & Surgical Procedures
✓✓ Dental Health and Surgery
✓✓ Nurse Clinics including Weight Clinics & Nail Clips
✓✓ Microchipping
✓✓ Pet Travel Advice & Certification
✓✓ Final Care
✓✓ Home Visits by prior arrangement
✓✓ PHC - Pet Health Club
✓✓ Online Shop for Recommended Cat & Dog Food
We are a local, established practice who has served the pets of Hook and the surrounding areas since 1998. Over the years the practice has grown and developed through the support and dedication of many long-standing professional staff, never losing sight of an unfailing commitment to animal welfare and excellent care for the pets in our area. Working
St Mary’s Calne is an independent day and boarding school in Calne, Wiltshire, for girls aged 11 to 18, with a happy, purposeful and flourishing community of around 350 pupils (80% boarding, 20% day) and a fine tradition of academic excellence.
Located in the heart of Wiltshire, the school prides itself on instilling in its pupils a love of learning and a desire to care for each other, their community and the wider world. St Mary’s is dedicated to developing each pupil’s full potential by providing a nurturing environment in which girls can develop, grow and express themselves.
The school is committed to providing girls with an exciting, dynamic, flexible, ‘cutting-edge’, personalised curriculum that will challenge each girl as they grow and develop.
We are proud to support girls to achieve their personal best, academically, socially and in the field of extra-curricular activities – as our mantra says ‘Calne Girls Can!’. www.stmaryscalne.org.uk
RAF Odiham’s Vision
A world leading Chinook Force capable of responding to UK Defence requirements, now and in the future.
RAF Odiham’s Mission
To LIFT and SUSTAIN our troops, on time, on target, worldwide.
The Crest
The Crest, signed by King George VI, was presented to the Station in 1952. It symbolises King John’s Castle at North Warnborough and the Rose of Hampshire. The two crossed arrows represent the front-line Squadrons. The Crest prominently displays the Station’s motto, ‘Promise and Fulfil’.
The History of Odiham
The Early Years
The airfield at Odiham originated in 1925 as a Summer Camp for Army Co-operation aircraft using a grass runway. The site was used for flying from April to September only, reverting to grazing land for cattle and sheep during the winter. Under the Government’s Air Expansion Scheme of the early 1930s, it was decided to turn Odiham into a permanent airfield and Station Headquarters was established on the 11th January 1937.
World War II
The resident Army Cooperation Wing (No. 614 Squadron) moved to France, and No. 225 Squadron, flying Lysanders, took possession of the Station. They were followed by Free French, Belgian and Canadian training units. In June 1943, Fighter Command took control of Odiham, flying Mustangs and, later, Typhoons. On D-Day, the Unit assumed a transport role for ‘follow-up’ elements, and later became a Prisoner of War Reception Centre. There is an old chalk quarry to the north of the airfield, where the tin huts, in which German POWs were held, still exist. During the summer of 1945, a Canadian Transport Wing was formed in the UK and for just over a year RAF Odiham became part of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Post-World War II
Following World War II came a long period of occupation by Fighter Command, when the skies above Odiham reverberated to the sound of many different types of aircraft, including Spitfires, Hunters and Javelins. In July 1948, six Vampires, which were on a goodwill visit to America and Canada, flew via Iceland, Greenland and Labrador. They impressed the Americans with their aerobatic displays, and returned home in time to perform at the first SBAC Show, held at Farnborough in September 1948.
In February 1960, Odiham re-opened as part of Transport Command, and began operating helicopters, starting with the Sycamore, followed by the Whirlwind then the Belvedere. The mainstay of the helicopter force at Odiham between 1961-1981 was the Wessex. In 1971, the Pumas of Nos 33 and 230 Squadrons arrived at Odiham, and in 1972, 240 Operation Conversion Unit (OCU) was formed to provide conversion training of helicopter crews for the Wessex and Puma squadrons.
After No. 72 Squadron (Wessex) left for RAF Benson and the Pumas of 230 Squadron left for RAF Gutersloh in West Germany, the Boeing Chinook helicopters of Nos 7 and 18 Squadrons arrived at RAF Odiham. In May 1983 the Chinooks of 18 Squadron also transferred to RAF Gutersloh and
for the next ten years Nos 7 and 33 Squadrons, together with 240 OCU, continued to operate at Odiham. During 1993/1994 the Chinook HC1 fleet was updated to HC2 model and 240 OCU took over the nameplate of No 27(R) Squadron. As a result of a rationalisation of the whole Support Helicopter Force (SHF), various changes took place during 1997. No 33 Squadron and their Pumas departed, No 18 Squadron and their Chinooks arrived from Germany and the last Pumas left No 27 (R) Squadron, which in January 1998, became a fully fledged operational squadron when it lost its Reserve (R) status. In 2000, the responsibility for operating the conversion flight transferred to No 18 Squadron and to No 657 Squadron Army Air Corps (AAC), operating Lynx AH Mk7, which had arrived from Dishforth. The UK’s Chinook Force has continued to maintain high levels of operation and in 2000 were required to assist the Royal Marines in Sierra Leone at short notice. The Chinooks were used to ferry troops and heavy equipment into position prior to the operation to rescue members of our armed services being held at gunpoint by the rebels.
Op TELIC and Op HERRICK
While exercising in Oman in late 2001, several Chinooks were put on standby to assist the US in the operation to oust the Taliban from Afghanistan. Before eventually moving to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the Chinooks operated from HMS Ocean with the Royal Marines. In 2003 Odiham personnel, together with their equipment and helicopters played a significant role in direct support of Coalition operations in Iraq. Twenty-six Chinooks were deployed from Nos 7, 18 (Bomber) and 27 Squadrons supported by 800 personnel. Five Chinooks were initially detached to HMS Ark Royal and assigned specific roles with the Royal Marines.
The majority of the Chinook force was deployed to Kuwait, while a smaller detachment undertook special operations in Northern Iraq. The aircraft were heavily tasked throughout the operation, working closely with a variety of Coalition formations to ferry troops, equipment and supplies forward into Iraq in addition to the roles of casualty evacuation and refugee transportation. Commitment to Iraq ended for the Chinooks in April 2005 when the Merlin took over the medium lift capability and troop movements.
Op HERRICK
Deployments to Afghanistan, in the form of Operation HERRICK began in 2006. As part of 1310 Flt, the Chinook squadrons and engineers from the Station came under the Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan). 1310 Flight worked in direct support of the Army on logistical tasks, moving troops, ammunition, food and water; deliberate operations, where an insertion of troops needs to be made to secure a specific area; and the Immediate Response Team role, which covers the evacuation of all casualties from around the Helmand province.
Overseas and UK
In October 2005 International aid flooded into Pakistan following a major earthquake and at RAF Odiham the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF) was mobilized. As part of Operation MATURIN, 27 Squadron featured largely in the distribution of essential supplies – the Chinook being one of the only aircraft that would operate in such confined spaces and for such long hours.
In 2006, 27 Squadron took part in Operation HIGHBROW: the evacuation of British nationals from Beirut. Based in Cyprus, the Squadron spearheaded the withdrawal ahead of the Royal Navy and assisted in moving more than 2,500 UK citizens who left Lebanon in July amid Israeli bombing. Up until 2006, when the last Chinook was withdrawn, the Station also continued to provide crews to man the heavy lift capability in the Falkland Islands.
In addition to its traditional war fighting roles, the Chinook’s lifting capability is held at readiness under the National Resilience commitment to respond to emergencies in the UK; in recent years these have included resupplying snowbound farmers in Northern Ireland, moving tons of aggregate to help reconstruct flood defences damaged by winter storm. The Chinook Force were also pivotal in preventing Toddbrook reservoir dam from collapsing, with the Chinook used as an airborne crane to accurately position ballast to sure up the dam wall.
Devastating floods hit the UK in June 2007 and the Environment Agency requested that the military assist with efforts to prevent a number of homes in the Doncaster area from being flooded. The Agency had identified a weak point on the River Don that required urgent reinforcement and a Chinook from 18(B) Sqn and members of the Joint Helicopter Support Unit (JHSU) were called in to assist.
2020 marked 40 years since the first Chinook was delivered to the Royal Air Force, landing on 22 Nov 1980. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed celebrations until 2021, when the tremendous contribution that the Chinook has made to Defence was recognised. The Chinook has been involved in every major conflict since the Falklands War in 1982; seeing action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali and Ukraine. The Chinook has also supported local communities all over the country, delivering aid and fuel in the snowy North, flood relief in Lincolnshire and protecting communities in Whaley Bridge.
2022 Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II was an international celebration in 2022 marking the 70th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty The Queen. RAF Odiham led the Flypast over Buckingham Palace with a formation of Chinooks. Later that year, RAF Odiham provided essential Chinook capability and support during the period of mourning.
2023 His Majesty The King’s Coronation
RAF Odiham was transformed to host the Daylight Rehearsal for the King’s Coronation. 7700 Army, Navy and RAF troops formed the largest parade of military personnel since the funeral of Winston Churchill. Chinooks once again participated in the Flypast over Buckingham Palace on the day of the Coronation.
A familiar sight and sound over the local community, RAF Odiham is the home of the Chinook Force, with all 3 Operational Sqns based here. Over its more than 40 years of service the Chinook has made an immeasurable contribution to the Service and to the UK.
No. 7 Squadron
Formed at Farnborough on 1 May 1914, No.7 Squadron was disbanded three months later to reinforce other squadrons before they moved overseas. However, it reformed on 28 September that year, deploying to France, where it undertook bombing, observation and reconnaissance missions.
In August 1915, the Squadron’s only Victoria Cross was awarded, posthumously, to Captain J A Liddel, for recovering his badly damaged RE5 to base despite being mortally wounded. After the War, the Squadron returned to England where it was disbanded in December 1919. On 1 June 1923, the Squadron re-formed as a heavy bomber unit and became the first squadron to equip with the Short Stirling heavy bomber, flying the first bombing mission from its new base at Oakington in February 1941. No 7 Squadron became part of the Pathfinder Force in October 1942, re-equipped with the Lancaster in May 1943 and spearheaded the night bomber offensive for the remainder of the war. During World War II, the Squadron flew 5060 sorties and lost 157 aircraft; 800 aircrew were killed and 546 received decorations and medals. At the end of the war the Squadron took part in mercy mission to drop food supplies to Dutch civilians, and to repatriate POWs.
During the post-war years, the Squadron continued its bomber tradition, flying Lincolns and Valliant’s, winning the Lawrence Minot Trophy eight times. The Squadron was again disbanded on 1 January 1982, at St Mawgan, where it had been flying the Canberra in the target-towing role since 1970 and re-formed in September that year at RAF Odiham, with the Boeing Vertol Chinook flown by crews returning from the Falklands Campaign.
The Chinook is immensely capable and can lift over 10 tonnes of payload or up to 54 troops. Crews from 7 Squadron deployed to Beirut in 1984, and elements of the Squadron continuously deployed to Northern Ireland between 1986 and the end of Op BANNER. In 1990 the Squadron was dispatched to the Gulf where its crews played a vital role in supporting all facets of the Army during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Whilst returning to the UK in 1991, the Squadron was tasked to assist in humanitarian relief operations, flying from Turkey to provide food and supplies for Kurdish refugees in Northern Iraq.
After receiving the upgraded Mk2 Chinooks during 1993/1994, elements of the Squadron again became involved in humanitarian tasks when deployed to Croatia. There, they acted under the auspices of NATO in support of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).
In 1999, the Squadron flew in support of NATO operations in Kosovo, and in 2000 it assisted in the evaluation operation in Sierra Leone. Since 2001, 7 Sqn have been heavily committed to operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan and were awarded a Battle Honour with the Right to Emblazon ‘IRAQ 2003’ on Squadron Standards for its contribution during Op TELIC.
On 1 May 2014, No.7 Sqn celebrated its centenary providing members past and present the opportunity to reminisce about its illustrious history. Moving into the second century of operations, the Squadron has maintained its readiness to deliver exceptional support in a range of environments at home and overseas. Most recently, at the end of 2017, No.7 Sqn were further awarded a Battle Honour with the Right to Emblazon ‘IRAQ 2003-2011’ on the Squadron Standard. Equipped with Mk6 and Mk6a Chinooks, the Squadron will continue to deliver its expertise wherever it is tasked, by day and by night.
No. 18 (Bomber)
Squadron
The rich and illustrious operational history of 18(B) Squadron has seen it take part in almost every major conflict since the first world war across the spectrum of roles that Air Power can deliver. Formed at Northolt in May 1915 and quickly moved to France to undertake fighter reconnaissance and Army cooperation duties. During the First World War the Squadron flew: the Vickers Fighter, DH2, Bristol Scout, the FE2B and later the DH4. During this time the 18 Squadron RFC worked alongside the Army and the close support to the Cavalry Corps during the Somme resulted in the Sqn adopting the Rampant Pegasus as it’s emblem. Following the end of the First World War the Sqn returned to the UK before disbanding in 1919.
Taking on the light bomber role in April 1931, the Squadron re-formed at Upper Heyford equipped with the Hawker Hart and Hind. In May 1938 it re-equipped with the Blenheim I, moved to France at the outbreak of the war to support the British Expeditionary Force. After sustaining heavy losses during the battle for France, 18(B) Squadron returned to England in May 1940. The Squadron split in October 1941 with one element continuing the bomber offensive against Germany from the UK. The second element of the Squadron, now operating the more potent
Blenheim IV from Malta, built an impressive record with its daring daylight attacks on Axis shipping until November 1942. The whole Squadron reunited and moved to North Africa under the Command of Wing Commander Hugh Malcom. Whilst pressing home an unescorted daylight raid of Chouigui Airfield in Tunisia, Malcom and his entire formation were shot down; he was subsequently awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. The Squadron continued its support the North African Campaign flying the Douglas Boston and later the liberation of Sicily and the Italian peninsula before moving to Hassani in Greece, before disbanding once more. Thereafter the Squadron number was briefly transferred to a Lancaster squadron in Palestine, and subsequently to a Mosquito meteorological reconnaissance unit in the Far East, where it remained until November 1947. In December 1947 the Squadron reformed at Netheravon, equipped with the Dakota and took part in the Berlin Airlift from Gutersloh and then Wunstorf.
During the Cold War, the Squadron re-formed in 1953 at Scampton as part of the UK light bomber force, flying the English Electric Canberra before operating the Vickers Valiant bomber from Finningley from 1958 to 1963. In 1964 18(B) Squadron began it’s next chapter operating helicopters being the first to be equipped with the Westland Wessex; with this aircraft it served in the UK, in Cyprus (as part of the UN forces), and at Gutersloh. In November 1980 the Squadron closed as a Wessex Squadron and re-formed at Odiham as the first Chinook squadron. In April 1982 it was committed to the South Atlantic Task Force. Aircraft Bravo-November (BN) was the sole surviving Chinook after the sinking of the Atlantic Conveyor and went on to support the Task force throughout the Campaign – Sqn Ldr Dick Langworthy was awarded the first of 3 DFCs that were won whilst flying BN during the aircraft’s 32 year history. In May 1983 the Squadron returned to Gutersloh to support the British Army in Germany for logistic and airmobile tasks. Throughout the 1990’s the Squadron supported a number of operations, beginning with the Gulf War in 1991.
The Squadron returned to Germany but continued to support deployments around the world including: Turkey, Belize, the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Between 1992 and 1997 the Squadron gained a Flight of Pumas and operated as a composite support helicopter squadron. On 1 August 1997 the Squadron again became an all Chinook unit and moved back to RAF Odiham. January 2003 saw the Squadron embark on HMS Ark Royal and deploy to the Northern Arabian Gulf. The Squadron led the aviation assault on the Al Fawr oil refinery on the first night of the war and the following weeks saw continued operations in Iraq and as far north as Baghdad. The support to Coalition forces in Iraq continued until Feb 2005.
In February 2006 the Squadron deployed to Kandahar in Afghanistan to provide the first element of helicopter support to Op HERRICK. This significant period of operational commitment continued from both Camp Bastion and Kandahar until 2014. At end of combat operations in Afghanistan, three Chinooks re-located to Kabul to assist in non-combat roles. The 18(B) Sqn contribution to OP TORAL finished in January 2015 and coincided with the deployment of two Chinooks to the Falkland Islands as part of measures designed to ensure Defence resilience.
Two Chinooks were embarked on HMS OCEAN in 2017 when Hurricanes destroyed large parts of the Caribbean. 18(B) Squadron delivered 100’s of tonnes of aid in less than a weeks’ worth of operations from the ship. In 2018 18(B) Squadron established Chinook operations in Mali, the sole UK support to the French Operation BARKHANE. 18(B) Sqn has three Operational Flights, a Headquarters Flight, a Training Flight and 2 flights of Engineers. The Squadrons role includes support to Land Forces in conventional and non-conventional war-fighting where the primary role is the tactical manoeuvre of troops, weapons, ammunition and supplies to the battlefield whilst providing a casualty evacuation capability. Other tasks may include: search and rescue, combat recovery, aid and refugee work, noncombatant evacuations, para-dropping, aid to civil powers and forward area refuelling. 18(B) Sqn currently holds a two day readiness state, to deploy and operate anywhere in the world whilst also holding a National Standby immediate readiness role in support of UK operations.
No. 27 Squadron
Since its formation in 1915, No 27 Squadron can truly claim to have had one of the most exciting histories of any squadron in the Royal Air Force.
It has operated in almost every major conflict since the Service was formed and has been active in a great variety of roles. In March 1916 the Squadron took its “Elephants” to France; at first to operate in the fighter role, but eventually switching to long range bombing and reconnaissance. It operated in support of many of the war’s major battles including the Somme, Ypres and Amiens, as well as carrying out successful raids on the German Zeppelin sheds.
The Squadron was disbanded in England in January 1920 but reformed in April of the same year in India. For many years it was engaged in operations against the notorious tribes of the North West Frontier and was rarely inactive, until 1939 when it became a flying training unit at Risalpur. In February 1941 the Squadron moved first to Singapore and then to Malaya. It was wiped out when the Japanese overran the peninsula and island, but many of its personnel managed to escape to India by devious routes. There, the Squadron reformed in December 1942 and returned to action becoming the first Squadron to operate the Beaufighter in the Far Eastern theatre. The many attacks carried out on enemy tactical targets included the destruction of half a million gallons of fuel in a raid involving only two aircraft.
The Cold War
After the war, the Squadron was disbanded before re-forming again in 1947 as a transport squadron with Dakotas, based in the UK and rendered valuable service in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, before once again being disbanded. In June 1953 the Squadron re-formed at RAF Scampton, this time equipped with the Canberra bomber. Whilst based in Cyprus in 1956, the Squadron was engaged in bombing sorties against Egyptian targets during the Suez Crisis. In January 1957, the Squadron returned to UK and was again disbanded. The Squadron re-formed at Scampton in April 1961 equipped with Vulcan Mk2 Blue Steel bombers. It was disbanded in 1972 for a short time before reforming in November 1973 in the Maritime Radar Reconnaissance (MRR) role. Surveillance sorties were flown in an area stretching from the North Cape down to the Mediterranean, locating, shadowing and photographing Soviet shipping. The Squadron disbanded once more in March 1982. The Squadron’s next reincarnation was at RAF Marham in May 1983 equipped with the Tornado GR1. In September 1991 the Squadron detached six crews to the Middle East to take part in the build-up to, and then ultimately join in the Gulf War in January 1992. In all, the crews flew 18 missions apiece – the first three at low level and the remainder at medium level, using laser guided bombs for the first time. The Squadron again disbanded in September 1993.
The Chinook Era
The decision had already been taken that the No 27 Squadron Number plate would be allocated to RAF Odiham’s long established helicopter training unit. So, on 1 October 1993, No 240 Operational Conversion Unit became No 27(Reserve) Squadron equipped with Puma HC1 and Chinook HC1 helicopters. During the next two years, the upgraded Chinook HC2 replaced the HC1 version.
As a result of the re-organisation of the support Helicopter Force, the last Pumas left Odiham in early 1998, No 27 Squadron1998. Simultaneously, 27(Reserve) Squadron lost the (Reserve) element when full operational squadron status was granted. The Squadron quickly undertook operational duties in Bosnia in support of the NATO Stabilisation Force (SFOR) effort. In 1999, No 27 Squadron was the lead Support Helicopter Force Unit supporting 5 (Airborne) Brigade on operations in Kosovo.
In 2000, the Chinook Force commitment to Bosnia came to an end, but very soon thereafter, the Squadron found itself deployed on operations again; this time to Sierra Leone. The following year, very soon after the 9/11 attack, the Squadron deployed on Operation JACANA in Northern Afghanistan in support of 3 (Commando) Brigade, as part of the International War on Terrorism. The Squadron remained in Afghanistan supporting Coalition Forces until mid-2002.
In 2003, No 27 Squadron deployed on Operation Telic in Iraq. For the next 2 years, the Squadron operated from Basrah Air Station in support of some of the fiercest fighting that conflict experienced. No 27 Squadron was the last Chinook squadron to leave Iraq in early 2005. Later that year, No 27 Squadron, led by the Squadron Commander, took the lead on Operation MATURIN: a humanitarian aid operation following the earthquake disaster in Pakistan. Having returned to the UK and following intensive training, the Squadron deployed to Afghanistan once again, this time on Operation HERRICK in the south of the country, in Mar 2006. Despite being fully committed to operations in Afghanistan, in July 2006 the Squadron deployed at very short notice to Beirut on Operation HIGHBROW; part of the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) from the Lebanon.
RAF Chinook Display Team
RAF Odiham is proud to showcase the Chinook helicopter at every opportunity, let’s welcome the RAF Chinook Display Team. The team changes from Squadrons each season.
The RAF Chinook Display Team, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, exists to demonstrate the Chinook Force’s capability. In addition to serving on the Display Team, the crew are also part of a fully operational Squadron where they balance their operational training demands with practising the display sequence.
ROLE The Chinook is an extremely capable and highly versatile support helicopter that can be operated from land bases or ships in a range of diverse environments, from the Arctic to the desert or jungle. The aircraft can be armed, fitted with effective ballistic protection, and is endowed with self-defence equipment that enables it to operate within contested battlespaces. Crews are trained to operate against a plethora of land, sea and air based threats. Chinooks are primarily used for moving troops around the battlefield to deliver air manoeuvre, provide logistical resupply and conduct battlefield casualty evacuation. With its triple-hook external load system, internal cargo winch, roller conveyor fit and enormous reserves of power, the aircraft can lift a wide variety of complex underslung or internal freight, including vehicles. It can carry up to 55 troops or up to approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo. Its secondary roles include search and rescue, and supporting a wide variety of specialist tasks, including the National Resilience commitment. A Chinook crew traditionally comprises two Pilots and two Weapons System Operators, which can be augmented by specialists depending upon the requirements of the mission.
CAPABILITY In addition to its traditional war fighting roles, the Chinook’s lifting capability is held at readiness under the National Resilience commitment to respond to emergencies in the UK; in recent years these have included resupplying snowbound farmers in Northern Ireland, moving tons of aggregate to help reconstruct flood defences damaged by winter storms. The Chinook Force were also pivotal in preventing Toddbrook reservoir dam from collapsing, whereby the Chinook was used as an airborne crane to accurately position ballast to sure up the dam wall.
The current operational Chinook fleet is 60 strong, comprising 3 subtly different variants of the Chinook airframe. The Chinook Mark 5 incorporates an extended-range ‘fat tank’ capability, which doubles the fuel load of a standard Chinook. The Mark 6 is used for support to special forces operations. The Mark 6A are used for the display, and make up the bulk of the RAF’s fleet of. The Chinook is forecast to be updated under a sustainment program, and will therefore remain in Britain’s inventory until at least 2040, no doubt remaining crucial to the delivery of Defence’s outputs.
Section One The Station
Page 20: Useful Station Numbers
Page 21: Base Support Wing
Page 24: Operations Wing
Page 26: Engineering and Logistics Wing
Useful Station Numbers
To ring a Station extension from a civilian phone, dial 01256 36 before the extension number
Out of Duty Hours EXT Guard Commander
Orderly Officer can be contacted through the Guard Commander
Police Flight/Guardroom Ops Room
Main Guard Room
Medical Centre
Receptionist
Practice Manager
Dispensary/Medical Stores
Dental Centre
Reception
ILOC Ops
SNCO PPC
SCM Cell
SNCO ESA
JNCO LFP
AinU Clerk
Manual Dmds
F640 Clerk
CPC
LVP CLERK
Force Development Squadron
Resettlement Clerk
Learning Centre Clerk
Regiment Training Flight
SNCO
Regt Admin Clerk
Station Gymnasium
SNCO (Gym)….
Swimming Pool
Messing/Accommodation
Officers’ Mess
Sgts’ Mess
JR MESS SNCO
SNCO Crypto CELL
Photographic
.7053
.7128
.7236
5214
.7180
7106/7140
7976
.7320
LFP
SCAS
SNCO SCAS
C4I JNCO iHUB
Base Support Wing (BSW)
Base Support Wing comprises of several components and squadrons which are listed below. Traditionally BSW Headquarters would consist of many admin functions, these have since been removed and HR Centre 1 provides HR to RAF Odiham the RAF’s new HR Portal. This can be accessed by serving personnel through the MOD SharePoint.
Personnel can also access certain information regarding their career, assignments, Competencies, Rewards & Benefits, Kit and health & Well-being through the ‘MyRAF App’. Information regarding the new web-based app can be found here: https://www.myraf.mod.uk/my-raf/dashboard/
Community Support (CDO & SCSO)
Community Support forms a substantial proportion of the Flight’s work, and they are responsible for the Welfare and Community on Unit. Through the Welfare and Community Centre (WACC) the team ensures that there is access to a range of local information and services and a diverse programme of activities and support channels for the families of deployed personnel. Further details are given later in this guide. (insert pic WACC / HIve)
Media Communications Officer (MCO)
The MCO is responsible for all matters relating to the media, as well as promoting the Station’s activities to the general public through mediums such as the internet and the local press. RAF Odiham Social Media sites: Facebook, X (formerly twitter) and Instagram.
Engagements Officer (EO)
The EO is primarily responsible for engagement with the public with anyone internally or externally wishing to visit RAF Odiham, Government Bodies, other Military Units and Organisations as well as liaising with the public, locally and the wider community, Equestrian community for awareness, low flying complaints within a 5 mile radius of the airfield.
Catering Flight
Catering is delivered by SODEXO, the current Industry partner, who are supported by RAF Chefs and RAF Air Ground Stewards. We have 3 messes and Blades a coffee shop on unit and Costcutter shop off unit. Service catering personnel are on standby 24/ 7, 365 to provide deployed catering support to the Chinook Force and Defence.
Station Services Squadron / Work Services Flight
A team of both military and civilian staff work alongside the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and our Industry Partner (currently Vinci) to deliver maintenance of our infrastructure.
Force Development Squadron
Force Development Squadron (FDS) consists of Training Development Flight (TDF), the Education Centre, Force Protection Training Flight (FPTF) and the Physical Education (PEd) Flight. Overall command of the Squadron lies with OC FDS.
TDF comprises of the Station Training Officer (STO), SNCO Training & Development (FS TDF), the Education Centre and TDF Facilities Manager/ Clerk.
The STO commands both TDF and the PEd Flt. including: Training Development (TD), Adventurous Personal Development Training (APDT) and Force Development (FD). The focus and aim of this training is to enhance military and professional skills.
TDF provides support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and provides the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test (DAST) for serving personnel and Dyslexia awareness training is available for line managers. TDF provide support for Trade Groups 1 and 13 DCAE Cosford advanced apprenticeship candidates working towards their NVQ. The National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Cell is located adjacent to the Education Centre. TDF also hosts the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre Commissioning Club. This club provides support to serving Airmen who are considering non-commissioned aircrew, direct entry SNCO ATC or Commissioning opportunities.
TDF facilitates Force Development (FD) opportunities for the Whole Force by developing service knowledge and team building exercises. Areas covered include Air Power, Leadership, Ethos and Heritage, Military skills and Communication. The points of contact for all training issues are: STO on ext 5212 and FS TDF on ext 7216.
Learning Centre
The Personal Learning Advisor (PLA) provides information and guidance on personal development, Enhanced and Standard Learning Credit Schemes, further and higher education, as well as bespoke courses with local, national colleges and universities. For those leaving the Service, the Resettlement and Education Co-Ordinator (REC), provides information and advice on the resettlement process and arranges counselling interviews with the Regional Resettlement Advisor. The PLA & REC contact details can be found at the RAF Odiham TDF SharePoint homepage.
Physical Education Flight (PEd Flt)
The PEd Flt is situated on the main road between the Officers’ Mess and the Main Guard Room. The main Station Gym houses the sports hall, the third generation (3G) Astro Turf pitch, 2 squash courts, an Aircrew Conditioning Gym, external FOB locker and the Station Swimming Pool. An extensive aerobic health suite and weights bay is housed in ‘The Heavy Lift’ gym, situated on base directly opposite the main entry point. There are also a variety of grass pitches behind the PEd Flt as well as 2 Tennis Courts behind the Main guard Room at rear of the married quarters near the Costcutter shop. The PEd Flt deliver a wide variety of different classes and circuits that cater for everyone including; HIIT, Tabata, Sport, DRTP and Spinning.
The PEd staff conduct RAF Fitness Testing (RAFFT) on Mon – 1400hrs, Tues/Weds/Fri – 1000hrs. No tests on Thursdays. Booking is required by visiting the PEd Flt SharePoint homepage. Reconditioning counselling and training is conducted for those that require it.
The Station boasts a wide range of sports clubs, each administered by a Station Officer in Charge (OIC) - a point of contact list is available within the PEd Flt and on the GD Flt SharePoint home page. An extensive sports store, for the use of all authorised members is open throughout the normal working day. The Station Force Development Instructor will advise on the management and organisation of major and minor expeditions for Station personnel.
All the necessary paperwork for Joint Service Adventure Training Centre Courses are held within the Flt. Please contact the PEd Flight on ext 7297 for more details.
Operations Wing
Operations Wing
Operations Wing is commanded by the Station Chief of Staff (COS). Operations Wing includes Support Helicopter Force HQ, Station Mission Support Centre, Command Control Communications Computers and Intelligence Support Flight, Chinook Development Flight, Air Safety Team, Met Office, and Air Traffic Control.
Support Helicopter Force Headquarters (SHFHQ)
The SHFHQ is responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the flying squadrons, Air Traffic Control Squadron, Engineering & Logistics Wing, and Base Support Wing, to meet the Station’s mission. Individual cells within the Headquarters are responsible for aircraft operations, tasking, intelligence, exercise planning, contingency planning, logistics planning, training co-ordination and trials coordination. Elements of the Headquarters are at readiness to deploy with the Chinook Squadrons to provide command and control functions.
Station Mission Support Centre (SMSC)
The SMSC facility is located in Building 700 within Station Operations and provides a service to all of the RAF Odiham flying Squadrons and 28 Sqn at RAF Benson. They act as the coordination point for local field & game shoot activity, notification of sensitive areas and avoids within Low Flying Area 1 and compiling UK and Overseas mapping for GMSS.
Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Information Support Flight (C4i)
C4i directly support all Communication and Information Systems (CIS) at RAF Odiham; this includes all the networks, telephony, photography and the intranet. Additionally, C4i are responsible for supporting operations through the supply of Crypto, GMSS and Deployed CIS support for the Chinook Force. C4i are the lead organisation for CIS change practices (including SCIDA and TEMPEST advice); the management of MODNet and the distributed Information Management (IM) model employed at RAF Odiham.
Chinook Development Flight (CDF)
CDF is the organisation responsible for integrating new aircraft, systems and capability to the frontline Chinook Force. The Flight liaises with Defence Equipment and Support, JHC HQ and Industry, combining training, testing & evaluation units, engineering, and operating procedures to ensure front line units have the operational capability they need.
Air Safety Team (AST)
RAF Odiham’s Air Safety Team provides the foundation of all air safety related aspects for the Chinook Force. The team ensures that the Station is compliant with all requirements set by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) and manages the Defence Aviation Error Management System (DAEMS). Fundamental to the safe operation of aircraft, the team instigates and supervises all aviation safety related investigations on the Station. It provides approachable points of contact for all matters relating to air safety through a variety of methods including; flight safety officers for each section, websites, coffee mornings, assurance visits, air safety days, publicity documents, an AST TEAMS site and air safety notice boards in every building on the Station, all of which provide key information on air safety matters. Located within SHFHQ building, the team is always ready to answer questions and signpost on any flight or air safety matters or concerns for Station personnel.
Met Office
The Met Office at RAF Odiham provides a weather watch 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year to ensure that weather services are available for training, tasking and any National Standby callouts. A forecasting service is available during normal airfield opening hours and outside these times by prior arrangement with the Met Office.
Air Traffic Control Squadron (ATC)
The ATC Squadron at RAF Odiham is commanded by a Squadron Leader who is also responsible for the Fire Section. The Squadron task is to support the flying squadrons at RAF Odiham and to maintain the safe and expeditious flow of air traffic in and out of the airfield. Aerodrome control is a varied and interesting task as all areas of the airfield are used or helicopter manoeuvres; additionally, the Aerodrome Controller is also responsible for the coordination of the crash/rescue vehicles during practice or real events. RAF Odiham has a TAC Park, where under-slung load training can take place. The facility can be used by Odiham-based and visiting aircraft and is in high demand. The TAC Park is controlled by ATC. The Squadron also provides a radar service within approximately 30 miles of Odiham, to aircraft arriving and departing the airfield, as well as providing a service to aircraft flying within the Low Flying Area. Precision approaches into RAF Odiham are possible to allow pilots to land in poor weather using precision approach radar (talkdown) or instrument landing system equipment. These approaches are practiced on a regular basis. The squadron also provides personnel to various commitments throughout the year, to many diverse areas of the world.
Engineering and Logistics Wing
RAF Odiham ELW provides logistical and engineering support to the RAF fleet of Chinook aircraft. ELW supports these aircraft in all theatres of operation. The Wing comprises a Headquarters (ELWHQ), Logistics Squadron (Logs Sqn) and Engineering Support Squadron (ESS). Commanded by Officer Commanding (OC) ELW, the Wing Headquarters Building incorporates the Executive Officer (XO), Warrant Officer (WO) ELW, Engineering Records/Logistics Information System Support and the Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Team (QA&CIT).
The QA&CIT provide quality assurance for ELW activities and Continuous Improvement facilitation and training for the whole unit to reduce waste in processes, reduce the burden on Station personnel and increase effectiveness and efficiency across RAF Odiham.
Chinook Maintenance School (ChMS)
Provides all trade specific, technical update and manager courses for the Chinook platform.
Logistics Squadron (Logs Sqn)
The Logistics Squadron support expands far beyond the Station. The Squadron epitomises the whole force concept incorporating civil servants and contractors. Working together to enable the Chinook Force to deploy on continuous year-round exercises, both foreign and domestic, for the inevitable eventuality they are required to go on operations. When the Chinooks deploy, the Logistics Squadron personnel deploy with them. Taking Deployable Support Packs containing essential parts and equipment and maintaining the supply chain. The suppliers, movers and drivers all play a vital supporting role for the Chinook force at RAF Odiham.
Supply Control & Accounting Flight (SCAF)
SCAF are responsible for the integrity of the Supply Material Accounting at RAF Odiham in accordance with National Audit Office regulations. OC Logs is also the prime budget holder for the Sqn and the Section is comprised of six main areas. The section consists of Voucher Progression Cell, Discrepancy Reports, Inventory Cell/Stocktaking, Station Publications & Forms store, Low Value Purchase and the Central Demand Cell.
Integrated Logistics Operation Centre (ILOC)
The Odiham ILOC was created in April 2006 to prioritise and co-ordinate logistics effort on Engineering and Logistics Wing. Functionality includes: Engineering Operations, Logistics Operations, Priority Progression Cell (PPC), and Fleet Planning. It also serves as the Engineering and Logistics Single Point of Contact for all RAF Odiham assets, on Station or deployed, providing 24/7 engineering and supply support.
Logistics Deployment Squadron (LDF)
LDF consists of Mobility Support Section (MSS), Engineering Mobility Section (Eng Mob), Electronic Stockholding Group (ESG) and Fuel Lubricants Section (F&L) and is the central point of contact for all Mobility, ESG and Fuels issues. MSS is responsible for J4 logistics planning and deployed logistical support for all 18(B) Sqn, 27 Sqn, 28(R) Sqn and 7 Sqn operations and exercises. It also provides all
Movements support to Station Deployments and manages the Deployed Support Packs (DSPs) and Expeditionary Campaign Infrastructure (ECI). Eng Mob is responsible for J4 Eng Deployment Planning and coordinated the deployment of all Eng equipment in support of 18(B) Sqn, 27 Sqn, 28(R) Sqn and 7 Sqn. F&L supports the unit with aviation and ground fuels and lubricants in support of the flying squadrons and their commitments. ESG is responsible for the processing, storage and handling of all technical, electronic and avionic materiel.
Logistics Technical Flight (LTF)
LTF Consists of Technical Supply Group (TSG), Clothing Stores, Barrack Stores, Receipts & Dispatch (R&D) and Forward Delivery (Fwd Del). Tech Stores is responsible for the processing, storage and handling of technical avionic materiel. It is also the focal point of all unit demands. R&D are responsible for the packaging, asset tracking and despatch of all assets moving into and out of the freight network system and Fwd Del are responsible for the onward movement and collection of assets around the Station. Clothing and Barrack Stores support Station personnel in ensuring they have the requisite kit to execute their jobs.
Mechanical Transport Flight (MTF)
MTF consists of Stn MT, Deployment MT, Airfield Support MT (ASMT) and MT Trade Training and Licensing (MTTT&L). Stn MT is responsible for the provision of all day to day MT support, ASMT is responsible for Aircraft refuelling and Airfield support duties Deployment MT is responsible for the planning and deployment of all Odiham MT assets on Operations and Exercises in support of the Flying Sqns and MTTT&L conducts elements of driver training and all unit licensing matters.
The Chinook Core CAMO is based in ELW HQ and supports all the Chinook maintenance organisations in the wider CAMO Enterprise in meeting the Military Airworthiness Authority (MAA) regulations; ensuring the continued airworthiness of the Chinook Fleet, such as conducting physical surveys of the aircraft, trending and data exploitation, and issuing technical instructions.
Engineering Support Squadron (ESS)
ESS is a large and diverse Squadron, which is split into 5 flights: Armament Engineering Flight, Chinook Maintenance Flight, Component Engineering Flight, Survival Equipment Flight and Ground Engineering Flight. With a 300+ strong squadron footprint, which covers the entire Station, it is Commanded by Officer Commanding (OC) ESS, along with the support of Warrant Officer (WO) ESS and Chief Technician (Chf Tech) Standards and Practices. Closely aligned with Boeing in a number of areas, via the Chinook Through-Life Customer Support programme, both the ESS and Boeing management are located together in No. 2 Hangar.
Armament Engineering Flight (AEF)
AEF comprises of both the Armoury and Explosive Storage Area. With responsibility for all of the Station’s armament requirements, AEF maintain and fit aircraft weapons, and maintain, store and control all Station small arms and pyrotechnics. Within the Armoury, the Training Cell delivers armament training to both aircrew and ground crew, including off-Station personnel deploying in support of Chinook operations.
Component Equipment Flight (CEF)
CEF provides a 2nd line off aircraft maintenance facility through the Avionics Flight, Role Bay, Mechanical Components Bay and Blade Bay. The role of the Avionics Flight is predominantly focused around the testing and rectification of Chinook avionics and electrical line replacement units. The Flight also includes the Test and Measurement Equipment Cell (TMEC), the Precision Termination Tools (PTT) and Fibre Optic training Cell. CEF also maintain and control the Chinook specialist role equipment through their centralised Role Bay. The final two Bays within CEF are the Mechanical Components and Blade Bays. These bays are responsible for the maintenance and availability of Chinook hydraulic components, transmission assemblies, rotor blades and hooks. Working closely with Boeing under the TLCS programme, RAF personnel operate under the Command of OC ELW through QR640 but deliver an output that is determined and driven by Boeing.
Chinook Maintenance Fight (CMF)
CMF is responsible for the provision of scheduled maintenance activities on all non-deployed aircraft within the UK Chinook Force. Conducting maintenance in No. 2 Hangar, they work alongside the Approved Maintenance
Organisation, Boeing Defence UK (BDUK), to deliver the Force’s requirement. CMF also comprises RAF Odiham’s Structures/Panel Bay and the Station Health and Usage Centre (HUC)/Early Failure Detection Centre (EFDC), which support the CMF maintenance lines as well as all Chinook Flying Squadrons.
Survival Equipment Flight (SEF)
SEF provides engineering support in the form of flying clothing and emergency survival equipment to all of the Station’s flying squadrons. The Section also supports a permanent detachment at Middle Wallop for the Army Air Corps flying Squadrons, who in turn, have standing commitments in Kenya and Brunei.
Ground Engineering Flight (GEF)
Provides engineering support for all aircraft ground support equipment and military vehicles as well as the station workshops.
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Section
Two Welfare & Support
Page 35: Facilities at RAF Odiham
Page 36: RAF Families Federation
Page 37: Social Facilities
Page 38: Deployment Support for Families
Page 38: Compassionate Leave
Page 38: Service Families
Accommodation (SFA)
Page 39: Home Start
Page 40: Childcare and Childrens’ Services
Page 42: Welfare Agencies
Page 45: Helplines and Websites
Facilities at RAF Odiham
Welfare and Community Centre
The Welfare and Community Centre (WACC) at RAF Odiham is on Kersley Crescent next to the Church and Childcare Centre. The WACC is open Mon - Fri 0830-1630 and you are welcome to call in and have a look around. There is free internet access, tea, and coffee and plenty of comfortable chairs to relax in and read the magazines and local and unit information on display. The WACC houses the offices of the CDO, SCSO & SSAFA Personal Support & Social Work service staff. Regular events are held in the WACC for Service personnel and their families such as deployment coffee mornings, lunches and dinners, bingo nights.
Community Development Officer (CDO)
It is the role of the CDO to actively network on behalf of the Station to ensure that there is access to the entitled support at local authority level. The CDO also ensures that the Station operates in a way that complies with best practice, government guidelines and that promotes a stronger sense of community and general well-being. The CDO compiles a CNA (Community Needs Analysis) annually to identify the needs of the station. This document is used to secure external funding for projects across station. The CDO can be contacted on:
The Service Community Support Officer (SCSO) provides ‘front line’ support and advice to Service personnel and their families, particularly with service families accommodation applications and requirements. The SCSO acts as an interface between the occupant and the contractors, Pinnacle, VIVO and DIO, if third party assistance is required to obtain a resolution. The SCSO also works closely with the unit welfare team and will signpost individuals to the relevant unit or external agency.
Civilian: 01256 367422
Military: 95235 7422
Hampson Castle Apartments
There are three excellent apartments and a 2-bedroom house available to rent for families and serving personnel at RAF Odiham. For further details, please contact 01256 36 7422.
SSAFA Personal Support & Social Work Service RAF
The SSAFA Personal Support and Social Work Service (PS&SWS) RAF at RAF Odiham provides welfare support to all serving personnel and their dependents. There are two Personal & Family Support Workers (PFSW) based at Odiham who offer a confidential service that is independent from the Chain of Command. SSAFA also manage the welfare apartment for those requiring this resource.
SSAFA also provides a signposting service during working hours and an out-of-hours telephone support service via a Single Point of Contact. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
The PS team at RAF Odiham are in BSW HQ. The team consists of 4 x Service Personnel ranked from Sqn Ldr – Sgt. The PS team provide advice on the support agencies that are available to service personnel and their families. They are also responsible for the management of anyone that is going through the Personnel on Recovery Duty (PRD) process.
Email: Air-HRCentre1ODIPSGMB@mod.gov.uk
Chaplaincy Centre
The RAF Odiham Chaplaincy is based at the Church of St George and St Michael next to the bus stop in Kersley Crescent. Details of Church Services each week are available on the notice board by the church door. The Chaplains are here to provide pastoral support and care to service personnel and families in times of need and are happy to provide a listening ear to help carry the load.
There are also opportunities for baptism, confirmation, marriage and discovering more about the Christian faith.
Civilian: 01256 367497/7215
Military: 95235 7497/7215 Clerk: 7592
The RAF Families Federation (FF)
The RAF Families Federation provides an independent voice for RAF families on issues of concern to them. The Federation communicates directly with RAF families and gathers the information necessary to represent their views to senior RAF staff and ministers. Using the HIVE Information Centre’s as a focal point for gathering information, and working closely with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity staff and established Community Development Workers, the Federation contributes to community support by providing 2-way communication between the RAF and Service families. The RAF FF conducts regular visits to RAF units. Families are kept informed of FF activities via a dedicated interactive internet website and the Federation magazine, Envoy. Anyone serving in the RAF together with their respective partner, spouse and/or dependent children is part of an RAF family, whether serving accompanied or not. Parents and close relatives by blood or marriage/ civil registration, whose lives are directly affected by the fact that a family member is serving in the RAF, are part of the extended RAF Family and entitled to be represented by the RAF FF. Further information on the RAF FF can be found at www.raf-ff.org.uk
Social Facilities
The Common Room@Blades – Junior Ranks’ Club (Coffee Shop and Bar)
Located at the rear of the Junior Ranks’ Mess Opening Times: Coffee Shop: Open to all ranks
Mon-Fri 0700-1800hrs Bar: JRs only Mon-Fri 1900-2300 hrs
All Ranks Sportsman’s Bar
Located behind the gymnasium by the sports field. Opening times: Every Wednesday 1900 – 2300
Families Club – Family Membership of the Club is open to all Servicemen and women that are serving at, or parented by RAF Odiham, and are legally married or have parenting responsibilities as stipulated in Marital Category 2. Spouses of the above are also considered as members.
Located between Pither Road and Wooldridge Crescent
Opening Times:
Thu 2000-2300 hrs
Fri 1800-2300 hrs
Sat 1800-2300 hrs
Sun 1400-1800 hrs
Children must leave the club by 2130 hrs school nights and 2230 hrs at weekends.
Deployment Support for Families
Service life means that Service personnel may have to deploy away from their home and family on unaccompanied tours from time to time. This may be for an operational deployment, training or an assignment to a location that does not offer family support facilities such as health care or housing. Support during this time is available from the Community Support Team based in the WACC.
Compassionate Leave
If circumstances should arise whilst your relative is overseas (including N Ireland) either on an assignment, at sea, or on deployment, that make it necessary for you to apply for his/her return on compassionate grounds (such as a death in the family, serious illness or serious family crisis) you should telephone:
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), Innsworth, Gloucester GL3 1HW Tel: +44 (0) 1452 519951. This number is continually manned 24 hours a day, including weekends and Bank Holidays. When you call, you will be asked for the following information: Service Number, Rank, Name, Parent Unit and current location of the Service person, together with full details of the relative concerned, their location and name of Doctor, Hospital and/or any other organisation involved in the case. Please be aware that any information will be verified with the appropriate organisations before Compassionate Leave Travel may be recommended and authorised.
Although you may wish to contact your relative or his/her parent unit for advice or support, you should contact the JCCC directly, so that your case can be dealt with as quickly as possible. Your relative’s unit cannot authorise Compassionate Travel, and therefore any information you pass to them will have to be forwarded to the JCCC, which will waste valuable time in dealing with your request.
The quickest way is to call the JCCC.
Service Families Accommodation (SFA)
Families of Regular Army soldiers living in Service
Families Accommodation (SFA) will normally keep their house for the whole period of an unaccompanied tour. In certain circumstances, for instance during longer unaccompanied tours, families may request surplus SFA in an alternative area, for instance back in the UK. However, these may not always be available.
Home-Start
Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in local communities throughout the UK and with British Forces in Germany and Cyprus. Home-Start offers a unique service. We recruit and train volunteers who are usually parents themselves to visit families with at least one child under five, at home, and offer them informal, friendly and confidential support.
Home-Start Schemes are rooted in the communities they serve. They are managed locally, but supported by the national organisation: this offers direction, training, information and guidance and ensures consistent and quality support for parents and children wherever they are.
Home-Start has a proven, lasting, positive impact on the development of children and the health and welfare of the family. We help to increase the confidence and independence of families by:
• Visiting families in their own homes to offer support, friendship and practical assistance
• Reassuring parents that their childcare problems are not unusual or unique
• Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing for the ultimate benefit of their children
Our volunteers, who have parenting experience themselves, can offer:
• Precious time for listening and talking
• Help with the children
• A break for parents
• Practical help and reassurance
• A chance to meet other parents in similar situations
• Support to use local services and resources
Parents ask for Home-Start’s help for all sorts of reasons:
• They may feel isolated in their community, have no family nearby and be struggling to make friends
• They may be finding it hard to cope because of their own or a child’s physical or mental illness
• They may have been hit hard by the death of a loved one
• They may be really struggling the with emotional and physical demands of having twins or triplets –perhaps born into an already large family
For more information and to find your local Home-Start scheme visit www.home-start.org.uk
Childcare and Children’s Services
Childcare
The Family Information Service (FIS) provides a free, independent and confidential information and advice service for parents and carers of children and young people. The FIS is able to give information on:
• Registered childcare for 0-16 year olds
• Advice on paying for childcare including free
• Activities and leisure groups for 0-19 year olds entitlement, tax credits and childcare vouchers
• National and local support services for health,
• Schools. education, financial, legal and family issues
These are just a few of the topics FIS can provide information on. The FIS can provide parents with help and advice in choosing either a childminder or a nursery. Here is some general information that may help you to choose a childminder in your area.
Day care and Nurseries
RAFA KIDz operate a nursery on at RAF Odiham offering full day care and contact details can be found below. Detrails of other OFSTED registered Day Care facilities can be obtained through the Hampshire Family Information Service.
RAFA KIDz Odiham Nursery
Kersley Crescent, RAF Odiham 01256 262067 For more information about RAFA KIDz nurseries, please visit Rafakidz.org.uk
What is a childminder?
A childminder is self-employed and registered by OFSTED to care for other people’s children in their own home. Childminders can offer full-time, part-time and flexible day care for children of all ages. Most are willing to take and collect from pre-school, nursery and school. They may care for school aged children before and after school and in the holidays. Some childminders are registered to provide overnight care and some offer specialist care for children with additional needs.
Childminders offer a homely setting, in which there will be a maximum of six children under-8, no more than three of whom will be under 5 and with only one child being under the age of 12 months. This ratio includes the childminders own children if they are under the age of 8.
Childminders and all adults over 16 in the household have had an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Childminders offer care and early years education following the good practice guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for 0-5s.
How do I make a choice?
It is important to visit a number of childminders before deciding who will best suit your child’s needs. Questions to ask a potential childminder might include: What experience and/or training do you have? What activities do you provide for children? Will you take my child shopping, to the park, toddler group? How will you encourage good behaviour and deal with any problems? Which rooms do you use for childminding? What are the ages of other minded children? Do you have pets? What are the arrangements for travelling and child safety? Will you take/collect my child from
pre-school/nursery/school? Can I have a copy of your Ofsted report? How do you deliver the EYFS (Early years foundation stage)?
What is a childminding contract?
All childminders must have a written agreement with parents. It is important that you negotiate a contract with the childminder at the beginning of the arrangement which should be reviewed annually, or whenever changes are necessary. The contract should set out the terms of your agreement with the childminder and will include details of a ‘settling in’ period, hours, and financial arrangements. When signed by both parties the contract becomes a legally binding document.
What happens if my child is ill or has an accident?
Caring for sick children is not part of the childminding service and you should keep your child at home or collect them if they are unwell. In the case of an accident the childminder should put the needs of the child first and act accordingly. You should be asked to sign consent for the childminder to seek emergency treatment if necessary. You should also read and sign their accident/incident book confirming you were given full details of any accident and action taken.
What is an accredited childminder?
Some childminders may have joined the local ‘Children Come First’ Quality Assurance Scheme and are now accredited proving their ability, knowledge and skill to provide early years education based on the Foundation Stage for 3 to 5 year olds. Parents whose children are eligible for the Free Entitlement i.e. from the term following their 3rd birthday, can use all or part of their entitlement with an accredited childminder.
How do I find a childminder?
Every County Council runs a Family Information Service, details of which can be found on your local Council website.
Welfare Agencies
Support to RAF personnel through financial grants, Wellbeing support and breaks, Relationship help and transition to civilian life.
Helpline: 0300 102 1919 www.rafbf.org
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund is the National Charity of the British Army and provides financial and practical support to soldiers, veterans, and their immediate family in times of need, even after they have left the Army. Tel: 020 7901 8900 www.soldierscharity.org
Support to the RAF family including advice, breaks, be-friending service and retirement accommodation. Tel: 0800 018 2361 www.rafa.org.uk
Represent all RAF personnel, single, married or in a partnership and their families. An independent voice for issues and concerns with direct access to senior MOD and RAF staff as well as government ministers. Tel: 01780 781650 www.raf-ff.org.uk
AFF is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families. www.aff.org.uk Tel: 01264 554004
Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. https://togetherall. com/en-gb/
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258 www.giveusashout.org
Combat Stress offers therapeutic and clinical community and residential treatment to former members of the British Armed Forces who are suffering from a range of mental health conditions; including PTSD. www.combatstress. org.uk Tel: 0800 138 1619 or text: 07537 173683
Veterans UK helpline provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. Also includes veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Tel: 0808 1914 218 www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk
Medical Welfare Service providing practical and emotional support to the Armed Forces Community when they receive medical treatment. 24hr support: 0800 999 3697 www.dmws.org.uk
The Forces Pension Society is your independent not-for-profit pension watchdog, fighting for the interests of the Armed Forces and their families. Tel: 0202 7820 9988 www.forcespensionsociety.org
MOD is supporting 3 credit unions to join forces and make saving simple and loans more affordable to the Armed Forces and its veterans. www.joiningforcescu.co.uk
Committed to offering a competitive range of insurance, money and health products to meet the needs of the Armed Forces. Tel: 0151 363 5290 www.forcesmutual.org
The Poppy Factory is the country’s leading employment charity for veterans with physical and mental health conditions. www.poppyfactory.org
H4H provide lifelong support to Service Personnel and Military Veterans with injuries, illnesses and wounds sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Cruse offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. Tel: 0808 808 1677 www.cruse.org.uk
UK’s eating disorder charity, acting as a guide, champion and friend of anyone affected by an eating disorder. Help for adults: 0808 801 0677 www.b-eat.co.uk
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Tel: 0800 58 58 58 www.thecalmzone.net
Suicide prevention and peer support in the Armed Forces. Tel: 116 123 www.samaritans.org
Support for survivors of bereavement by suicide (SOBS) Tel: 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org
Domestic abuse support for men - ManKind https://www.mankind.org.uk/ helpline: 01823 334244
Domestic abuse support for men - Respect https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ Helpline: 0808 8010327
Domestic abuse support - Refuge https://www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/help-for-men/ Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Domestic abuse support for men - Aurora New Dawn https://www.aurorand.org.uk/ Helpline: 02394 216 816 Also provides specific help to those in the armed forces
Support with substance misuse - Drink aware https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services/ support-lines Helpline: 0300 123 1110
Support with substance misuse – Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/# Helpline: 0800 9177 650
Services
National Telephone Helplines & Web Addresses
The numbers and Websites listed offer confidential services provided by trained staff and all the helplines will provide information about other agencies offering support on similar issues. They are only an example of the services available in the UK. Further numbers are listed in the alphabetical sections of your local phonebook or in the Telephone Helplines Directory available from public libraries or the Telephone Helplines Association (THA).
In confidence
None of the helplines listed use equipment that displays or stores your telephone number when you ring them.
Important
Please be aware that any helpline number you call may be listed on your telephone bill – you can prevent this by calling from a public phone box.
ALCOHOL
National Association for Children of Alcoholics 0800 358 3456
Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking www.nacoa.org.uk
AL-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire. Offers advice, information/support to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking. 24hrs at weekends. www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Line. Helpline for bereaved people and those caring for bereaved people 0844 477 9400 Children 0808 808 1677
Child Death Helpline. Telephone helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child. Call free on 0800 282 986 or free from a UK mobile on 0808 800 6019 1900-2200 hrs every evening. Mon to Fri 1000-1300 hrs. Tues & Wed 1300-1600 hrs
The Compassionate Friends. Supporting bereaved parents and their families 0345 123 2304 www.tcf.org.uk
GET CONNECTED
Finds young people the best help, whatever the problem 0808 808 4994 www.getconnected.org.uk
CARERS UK
Carers Line. Advice/information for all carers. 0808 808 7777 www.carers.org Belfast Office 02890 730 173
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
ChildLine. Helpline for children and young people in danger, distress or with any problem. Call free on 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC. For anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse. Staffed by social work counsellors. Call free on 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
SCOPE ABOUT DISABILITY UK network of disability information and advice services run by people with direct experience of disability. 0808 800 3333 www.scope.org.uk
Important Numbers & Services i
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Refuge. 24 hour crisis line providing practical advice and emotional support for women experiencing domestic violence & is access point to Refuge Service throughout England. www.refuge.org.uk Freephone 0808 2000 247 (24hrs) (Domestic Abuse Helpline)
DRUGS
Frank. Helpline for drug users, their families, friends and carers. Call free on 0300 123 6600 www.talktofrank.com
Release. Advice on health and welfare aspects of drug use and the legal consequences. www.release.org.uk 020 7324 2989 1100-1300/1400-1600 hrs Mon-Fri ask@release.org.uk
EMOTIONAL CRISIS
The Samaritans. Confidential, emotional support for anyone in a crisis. 116 123, free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year www.samaritans.org
FAMILY
Family Lives, formerly called Parentline Plus. A free 24 hour telephone helpline for the parents and carers of children on 0808 800 2222 or visit the website on www.familylives.org.uk
HEALTH
NHS 111. is a new service to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999/112 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 111 free from landlines and mobile phones www.nhs.uk/111
HOME-START
Home-start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes. Call 0800 0686 368 www.home-start.org.uk
IMMIGRATION ADVICE
UK Border Force For advice on British Immigration Controls. www.gov.uk/ browse/visas-immigration
LEGAL
Accident Line. For people who have suffered an injury in an accident. Will refer on to local solicitors if appropriate. Call 0800 19 29 39 www.accidentlinedirect.co.uk
MISSING PERSONS
Missing People. Counselling, listening and practical support for anyone missing relatives or immediate family members. Freephone 116 000 www.missingpeople.org.uk
Message Home Service. Enables people to record a free, confidential message for families or friends which will be passed on. Call free on 0800 700 740
MONEY
National Debtline. Help for anyone in debt or concerned they may fall into debt. 0808 808 4000 local call rate. www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Money Force a new programme designed to improve the financial capabilities of members of the Armed Forces. www.moneyforce.org.uk provides easy to digest Armed Forces specific information to help plan their finances.
Gamcare. Support for people with Gambling problems. 0808 8020 133 www.gamcare.org.uk
AgeUK
formerly Age Concern. Telephone service for older people, their families and people working with them. 0800 169 2081 www.ageuk.org.uk
PREGNANCY
British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). Expert information and comment on abortion, emergency contraception, vasectomy, female sterilisation and more. Call 03457 30 40 30 Outside UK + 44 1789 508 211 www.bpas.org
MARIE STOPES INTERNATIONAL
Specialist sexual health help & advice. Counselling, abortion, contraception, sterilisation and vasectomy 0345 300 80 90 – 24 hrs
LIFE Information, support and confidential counselling for crisis pregnancy and for those suffering following abortion. Call 0808 8025433 www.lifecharity.org.uk/home
RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE
Helpline for women and girls who have been raped or sexually assaulted www.rasasc-guildford.org Helpline 0800 0288 022
Survivors UK supports and provides resources for men who have experienced any form of sexual violence. Call: 020 3598 3898 Text us at: 020 3322 1860 Whatsapp us at: 07491 816 064 www.survivorsuk.org
SOCIAL WELFARE
Shelter. Helpline for anyone facing a housing emergency. Call 0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau Please refer to alphabetical listing in Business and services. www.citizensadvice.org.uk
VICTIM SUPPORT
Victim Support. Practical advice for anyone affected by crime. www.victimsupport.org.uk Call 0808 1689 111
i Important Numbers & Services
SPECIALIST ARMED FORCES DIVORCE SOLICITORS
THP Solicitors have provided legal clinics at RAF HIVE Welfare offices for many years. We understand the complexities of life in the armed forces for serving personnel and their spouses and what that means for a divorce or separation. Contact us for a free consultation by phone, video or in person.
OUR DIVORCE & FAMILY LAWYERS CAN ADVISE ON:
• Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 75, 05 & 15)
• Spouse Entitlement to Military Pension
• Married Service Forces Accommodation
• Children Arrangements and Child Custody
• Child and Spouse Maintenance
• Education and Boarding School Fees
• Separation
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✓ One point of contact from start to finish
Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
weekends
Regular reviews of lenders
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
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Section Three Health
Page 55: Medical Arrangements
Page 56: Dental Centre
Medical Arrangements
The Regional Medical Centre is located on the Station, on the corner of Chattis Hill and Lasham Avenue. It provides a full GP service to Service personnel only. In addition to providing Primary Health Care, other responsibilities include preventative medicine, airfield crash cover, aviation medicine and environmental and occupational health advice.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 0800-1200 hrs and 1300-1700 hrs. Over the weekends there is emergency airfield cover only. After 1830 hrs Mon-Fri or over a weekend, advice should be sought by contacting North Hampshire Urgent Care on 111.This is a confidential 24 hour advice and health information service staffed by nurses and professional advisors. In the event of personnel being injured they should attend the local A&E Dept. For more urgent cases an ambulance can be requested via 999.
Registration
You are entitled to a full screening medical on arrival to the unit and should contact Reception in order to book an appointment. The Medical Centre does not offer registration to families but information on GP practices in the local area is available from the Community support team.
Appointments and Enquiries
An appointment system operates for all services provided by the Medical Centre. Please book your appointments via the receptionist, on ext 7322, during normal working hours. All urgent cases will be dealt with on the same day; however, routine cases may have to wait until the next routine clinic.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Medical Officers via Reception
Practice Manager ext 7053
Receptionist ext 7322
Urgent Consultations
Deputy Practice Manager ext 7485
Physiotherapist via Reception
Dispensary/Medical Stores ext 7128
A medical condition causing discomfort or disability which does not require an ambulance, but where the condition of the patient may deteriorate significantly before the next routine clinic if not seen.
Other services available (all via the receptionist ext 7322)
Daily consultations, medicals, inoculations, physiotherapist, ante-natal clinic, Well Woman Clinic.
Complaints and Suggestions Any major difficulties that you may experience, relating to the RMC, should be addressed to the Practice Manager in writing. You should not delay; tell us about your problem as soon as possible, so that it can be attended to promptly. If you have any suggestions that you feel could improve our services, please let us know.
Dental Centre
The Dental Centre is co-located in the Regional Medical Centre and is open weekdays, MondayThursday 0800-1200 & 1330-1700, Friday 0800-1200 & 1300-1500 hrs. Appointments can be made on ext 7236; all service personnel are entitled to dental treatment. Service personnel can find out when their periodic dental inspection is due on JPA. It is the individual’s responsibility to check JPA to ensure they do not go out of date for their dental inspection. It is incumbent upon the individual to advise the Dental Centre as soon as possible that you are being deployed in order for us to ensure you are dentally fit.
Personnel requiring emergency treatment for uncontrolled pain or bleeding should contact the Dental Centre as soon as possible and will normally be seen the same day.
Service Families/dependents are not entitled to treatment; however, details of local dentists can be obtained from community support.
Hartley Wintney Tyres, our new specialist tyre centre, is now open adjacent to Hartley Wintney Garage at our convenient A30 location, near Hook and is able to assist with all your tyre and wheel requirements with our tyre bay.
Repair & Servicing
Competitive Prices on all brands of Tyres
Diagnostic, Fault Finding
Laser 4-wheel alignment
booking@hartleywintneygarage.co.uk
www.hartleywintneygarage.co.uk
DE-STRESS - REFRESH - FEEL GOOD
TREATMENTS
SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
REFLEXOLOGY
RELAXAING TREATMENTS
HOT STONES, FULL BODY
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
TENSION HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
CONTACT US ALL TREATMENTS FROM £49
CLINIC LOCATIONS
BASINGSTOKE SPORTS CENTRE
BELVEDERE HOUSE, BASING VIEW
SHERFIELD ON LODDON
CORPORATE ON-SITE
0345 850 8801 - WWW.TARGETTHERAPIES.CO.UK
OPEN
Hartley Wintney Garage has been providing the full range of MOT, servicing and repair services to happy customers across North Hampshire for over 20 years. Originally located in The Old Methodist Chapel in the heart of Hartley Wintney village, we now occupy a large, modern premises that accommodates the latest diagnostic facilities, a state of the art Rowley Spray Booth, a complete MOT centre and the technology required to provide laser 4-wheel alignment, air conditioning servicing, repair and diagnostics.
With a dedicated team of experienced professionals, Hartley Wintney Garage is BOSCH Authorised and approved by many car manufacturers to deliver services within the terms of the original manufacturer’s warranty. So there is now a real convenient and local alternative to main dealer service.
There is only one Hartley Wintney Garage. Other business appearing in the area with similar names are not associated with HWG in any way!
Hart District Council (HDC) is exceptionally proud to have been awarded the Ministry of Defence ‘Employer Recognition Scheme’ (ERS) Silver Award. This award recognises employers that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and have gone above and beyond in supporting our Service Personnel.
We’ll keep you up to date with our progress however should anyone require further support, contact our Hart Armed Forced Covenant Lead (Email: afc@hart.gov.uk) at any time. In addition, the following links may be useful:
• Royal British Legion (RBL) - www.britishlegion.org.uk (Tel 0808 802 8080),
• ABF The Soldiers’ Charity - www.soldierscharity.org,
• The Forces Employment Charity - www.forcesemployment.org.uk
• Building Heroes - www.buildingheroes.org.uk
• RAF Benevolent Fund - www.rafbf.org
For further local information is available on the online Hart Directory linked below: https://www.hart.gov.uk/community/here-hart/here-hart-directory
▪ ‘Barton Eats’ The takeaway of your choice with Jet fuel uplift
▪ FREE landings for military registered aircraft
▪ Pressurised F34 Jet Rotors Running Refuelling
▪ Barton Aerodrome patch & t-shirt exchanges
▪ CAT1 RFFS (CAT2 under remission by prior arrangement)
0161 974 5878 | ops@bartonaerodrome.co.uk
Barton Aerodrome, Liverpool Rd, Eccles, M30 7SA
Situated just five miles from Manchester City Centre, a fuel stop at Barton Aerodrome is guaranteed a thumbs up from all crew members.
Our team is well accustomed in handling military aircraft including Chinook, Merlin, and Osprey types. With involvement in past exercises, KUKRI DAWN 2022 & TRITON 2016, the team here at Barton Aerodrome have already established great working relationships with the armed forces.
BREAKING NEWS!! Working with our fuel supplier Harvest, we are excited to announce that we are now able to meet the requirements of aircraft requiring anti-icing additive in fuel and are already pumping F-34 in time for this coming winter.
Aerodrome Manager Liam Chadbond adds. “It is exciting to continue improving the services we provide here at Manchester Barton Aerodrome. Our team will continue to offer their fantastic, friendly and efficient service all year round, even in the coldest of British winters.”
Section Four Accommodation
Your guide to living in Service Family Accommodation
1. Foreword
About this guide
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and has overall responsibility for providing service families with homes.
They have given Pinnacle a contract to run the National Service Centre, which is where you call regarding any issues with your home, or about home allocations. They are also responsible for the Housing Officers who visit you in your home.
The DIO also have a contract VIVO to carry out any repair and maintenance issues in your home, including bringing properties to the required standard before a new family moves in. When you call the National Service Centre, they will allocate these jobs to appointments given to us by VIVO.
Pinnacle run the National Service Centre. VIVO carry out the repairs and maintenance service. Decisions about upgrade or refurbishment works are made by DIO.
Have you just received your new Assignment Order?
If you are entitled and eligible and have chosen to live in Service Family Accommodation (SFA), you need to start planning to move into your property.
Use the following website for all relevant information from applying for your SFA, Move in and move out information, repairs and anything else you might need to know about living in service accommodation.
Applying for Service Family Accommodation, furniture, and removals
To be entitled to apply for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) at your assignment location, you must be a serving person with at least six months left in service and be:
• Aged 18 and over
• Married or in a civil partnership or have permanent custody of children
If you are a single serving person or in an Established Long-Term Relationship (LTR(E)) you may also be eligible to cohabit in surplus Service Family Accommodation where availability permits. An LTR(E) must be defined by specified criteria and recorded as such on Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) by your unit HR.
The type of home you are entitled to is usually dependent on your rank for officers, and your family size for other ranks. For full details on entitlement and eligibility for UK SFA check JSP 464: tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) Part 1, and for overseas check Part 2.
If you are deployed on operations and don’t have access to the Defence Intranet you can submit a paper MOD Form 1132. To find out more please check the Joint Service Publication (JSP) 464 Part 2, Chapter 4.
Completing the application for SFA
To apply for Service Family Accommodation, you can complete an application on the e-1132 system, available on the Defence Intranet.
To access the e-1132 system, please copy and paste the following URL into your address bar when logged on to the Defence Intranet: https://e1132.domis-r.r.mil.uk/e1132/ (For security reasons, the e-1132 system does not work on the Internet).
When you submit your application, the e-1132 system will show you available homes that match your entitlement and can be prepared in time for your move. From here you can select your top three preferences.
The e-1132 system also lets you:
• Track the progress of your application
• Book your move in date, once you have accepted an offer of a home
• Electronically sign your Licence to Occupy
• Book the move out appointment for your current home if relevant
If you have any special considerations that we should know about, or require Additional Needs/ Disability Adaptations (ANDA) to your home, please include these in your application.
Additional medical needs adaptations
Some families may require certain adaptations to be made to their SFA to accommodate an injured or disabled member of the family. If you have such a requirement, this should be highlighted in the e-1132 and supported by an Occupational Therapist (OT) report containing specific recommendations for approval. Once any additional medical needs adaptations have been identified, agreed and approved, Pinnacle will liaise with you to carry out the necessary work with the minimum of inconvenience to your family.
Refusing the offer
Entitlement: If you refuse the offer because it is not to your correct entitlement, the Occupancy Services Team will try and make you a further offer within the original 15 working days. Personal reasons: If you refuse the offer for personal reasons, the Occupancy Services Team will try and make you a further offer within 15 working days. Depending on availability, this could be the same property. You are not likely to be granted permission to retain your SFA at your old duty station.
Second Offer Reviews: You are encouraged to accept the 2nd offer. If you have exceptional personal reasons for turning it down, you must complete the 2nd Offer Review form which will accompany all 2nd offers made. The form must be submitted, reviewed, and concluded within 14 working days of the 2nd offer being made. You have 4 working days to make an application for a review.
Applying for furniture
You can live in furnished, part furnished, or unfurnished SFA and Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) and your accommodation charge will be adjusted accordingly. If you require furniture, you can use the furniture service. You must state this on the SFA Application Form (MOD Form 1132)
Moving in
You book your move in date and time on the e-1132 system, available on the Defence Intranet. The appointment should take no more than an hour and is there to help you get settled in as quickly as possible.
If you are moving to a new Service Family Home, due to a new assignment or transferring home due to personal or service reasons, it is important to factor into your plans and the dates attached to your move, that you can only be the licensee for both homes for a period of 14 days at any one time before you are dual charged for both homes.
On the day of your move in, your Housing Officer will meet you at your home and show you where everything is. They will work with you to complete the digital Move In Form to record any important information, such as any faults found at move in and the action taken to resolve them, meter readings, details of recent safety inspections and your contact details.
At the end of the move in appointment, you will be asked to sign the Move In Form to confirm that you are satisfied your new home meets the move in standard.
Your Housing Officer will take you on a tour of your home. As you walk around, they will show you where important appliances and utilities are within your home, such as:
• Hot water immersion switch and thermostat operation (if able to be adjusted)
• Type of fuel your home has, such as gas, LPG, oil, air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps
• Boiler and how to use the central heating programmes / thermostats, testing the radiators
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them with you
• Electricity unit and how to safely isolate and reset electrical trip switches
• Mains water stopcock and how to isolate the water supply
• Gas emergency cut off and how to operate it
• Gas meter key (where applicable)
• Cooker and show you the cooker controls
• Where any extractor fans are and how to use them
• Switches for external lights
• How to access any garages or sheds and check they are empty with you
• Any locks, how to work them and check them with you
If you can’t attend your move in appointment?
Don’t worry, if you can’t be there as the licenced serving person, you can officially nominate someone to attend on your behalf. This can be a spouse/civil partner/partner or another serving person. To nominate a proxy to attend and act on your behalf please add them to the e-1132 system
If for any reason you need to change your move in date you can do this via the e-1132 system. If you can’t access this system to make the amendment, then please get in touch with our Home Services team as soon as possible.
14 Day welcome visit.
At your move in appointment, we will book a second visit with you for around 14 days later. This is to give you time to move in, get settled and have the chance to consider any further queries or concerns you may have about your new home. This takes about an hour and your Housing Officer will visit to go through how you have been settling in. Together you will complete a 14 Day Observation Form which is where we will record any snags you may have come across, and any special requests you would like to make.
If, within the first 14 days, you discover any pre-existing issues with the property, that do not require fixing, you can raise this with us at the 14 day welcome visit, which will be recorded as an observation. However, if it is something that requires a repair, such as a leaking tap, please do not wait but contact us as normal to raise a repair request and we will assign it to one of DIO’s maintenance contractors.
Exceptional circumstances – alternative accommodation
Your Accommodation Officer will stay with you until everything is sorted out. In the unlikely event that a fault that we cannot fix occurs, just before or at, Move In, your Accommodation Officer will arrange alternative accommodation. This will either be temporary furnished SFA, providing you with short-term temporary accommodation, or alternative permanent SFA (if available in the same location).
Should an alternative permanent SFA be the solution, you will have to change your own forwarding address details accordingly.
If a hotel option is used, your Accommodation Officer will accompany you to the hotel, helping to get you settled in and arranging to meet you on a regular basis until your accommodation is ready for Move In. Our Occupancy Services Team will, if necessary, arrange for your removals company to store your removal items and for them to be re-delivered when the SFA is ready. They can also arrange for any pets to be accommodated should your allocated hotel not allow pets.
On your move in day, your Housing Officer will take photographs of your gas and electric meters and record your meter readings. One of the first things you must do is contact the gas and electricity suppliers to give these readings, so that you are only billed for your own family’s usage and to create your personal account with them. Unfortunately, we can’t do this for you. If you have moved into a MOD fuel-supplied property, however, please find relevant info here In my home –Gas and energy - Pinnacle Service Families.
If you need to find out who supplies energy to your home, visit Ofgem. Once you have informed the current energy suppliers of the meter readings you are free to transfer the supply to an energy provider of your choice.
You are responsible for paying your energy bills from the date you or your proxy signed for the keys to your home.
Contact us in the first instance if something goes wrong in your home. Our team will assign each repair to DIO’s maintenance contractors VIVO. Their role is to keep your home maintained and fix any repairs required.
Emergencies
Contact us straight away. Call our call handlers at the National Service Centre at any time, they work 24/7 to cover emergency situations. If it’s a fire, gas leak or a major water leak, take emergency action immediately.
If there is a fire in your home
• Make sure everyone leaves the home straight away and gathers a safe distance away
• If it is safe to do so, close internal doors on your way out. This will help slow the progress of fire and spread of smoke
• Don’t attempt to put out the fire yourself, unless you can do so quickly and safely
• Dial 999 as soon as possible, and if your home is behind the wire, please follow local station orders
Once the emergency services have been informed, and you and your family are safe, contact the National Service Centre Repairs Team and we will arrange for a home visit, as well as provide you with advice and support, finding you alternative accommodation if needed. 0800 031 8628
If there is a major water leak in your home
• Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock (this may be located under the sink in the kitchen, in the bathroom, hall or under the stairs)
• Once the main water supply has been switched off, drain the system by turning on all the taps
• If the leak is affecting the electrical system, turn off the electricity supply at the main fuse box
Contact the National Service Centre to report the leak. We will help you with what to do next and organise for a VIVO engineer to come to your home
If you smell gas inside or outside your home, if you suspect you have a gas leak or you think carbon monoxide may be coming from a gas appliance in your home, call the Gas Emergency Services line straight away on 0800 111 999 (24/7 emergency line).
Take the following steps immediately:
• Put out any naked flames
• Open all doors and windows to let air into your home
• Do not switch any electrical items on or off – leave all switches in your house alone
• Do not light a match, use a lighter, smoke, or do anything that may cause a flame to ignite
• Evacuate your home and call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999
Boiler and Heating Issues
DIO, and the engineers at VIVO, are here to help should you have an issue with your boiler or heating. In the meantime, have you tried the following?
• Do you have your boiler manual or instructions? If not, you can source these online.
• Is your boiler not firing up properly? Ensure that the programmer is set to on/constant, then turn the thermostat from its lowest setting up until you hear a click. This may help the boiler to fire up.
• Have reset the boiler?
• Have you tried bleeding your radiators?
• Is the pressure up to the correct point on the boiler?
Extreme Cold Weather
During the extreme cold weather, the condense pipe to your boiler can begin to freeze inside. This ice builds up within the pipe eventually resulting in a blockage. In most cases this then results in the boiler not working.
Specific error codes that may be displayed on the boiler screen will indicate this issue and the error codes may be one of the below depending on the make of boiler you have.
Fault Codes:
Baxi – E133 or E28
Ideal Boilers – L2, LF or F2
Glow-Worm – F28 or F29
Potterton – E133 or E28. Or, the error code may alternate between E1 and E33
Worcester Bosch – EA229 or D5
Vaillant – F28 or F29
Viessmann – F4
You may be able to get this resolved quickly by thawing the pipe where safe to do so by following the below process.
• Locate the Blockage • The pipe is likely to be frozen at its most exposed point, so check the open ends, or any bends in the pipe. Run your hand over the pipe until you feel a section which is colder than the rest, this is likely to be the area which is frozen. • Use hot (but not boiling) water to thaw the pipe • Using a jug, kettle or watering can, pour hot water along the length of the pipe. Repeat this until the pipe has thawed. DO NOT use boiling water as it can crack the pipe. If you use a kettle, leave the water to cool for at least 15 minutes after boiling before pouring over the pipe. Alternatively, use a hot water bottle or heat pack to slowly defrost the pipe. • Or use a hot water bottle placed over the coldest feeling part of the pipe.
Once thawed try re-setting the boiler and this should now work, if it does not, please give us a call.
If you’re still having problems with your boiler or heating system, contact us and let us know what’s wrong.
What information do we need?
If it’s just one radiator that won’t come on, we’ll need to know:
• Are both radiator valves turned on? If there is a thermostatic valve, is it turned to maximum?
• Is only part of the radiator heating up? If so, is it top or bottom?
If your central heating does not come on at all, we’ll need to know:
• Is the boiler functioning?
• If there is a pilot light on your boiler, is it lit?
• Is the water tank hot?
• Is the room thermostat to maximum?
• Is the pressure gauge on your boiler showing the needle in the green area?
• Have you tried to re-pressurise your boiler if the pressure gauge is showing below 1 bar?
• Do you know where your central heating pump is? Is it running? If it is, you’ll feel a slight vibration if you put your hand on the boiler.
• Is the boiler displaying any fault codes? If so, what are they?
• Do you know how to reset your boiler? Have you tried resetting your boiler?
Exceptional circumstances
We’ll also need to know if there are any exceptional circumstances. Are there any elderly people, people with disabilities or children under the age of two living in your home? If any of these circumstances apply to you, please let us know when you contact us.
Dealing with Damp & Mould
If a family discovers damp and mould issues whilst in the home, they should report it straight away to the National Service Centre –0800 031 8628. You can contact our Damp and Mould direct line using our main telephone number and selecting Option 1 then Option 4.
One of our National Service Centre team will ask you a series of questions to assess the severity of the damp & mould issue in your home. Following this assessment, we will then raise the initial task with VIVO and they will arrange for a specialist Damp & Mould ‘First Responder’ to visit your home.
As part of their visit, the First Responder may clean and treat areas of damp & mould. However, the main purpose of their visit is to:
• Assess the property to validate the telephone severity assessment
• Collect additional details about the issue
• Decide next steps including instructing professional surveys and/or scheduling works
• Provide advice on how to prevent or reduce damp & mould
• In severe cases, trigger a move-out
If the First Responder decides that either a professional survey or remediation works are required, VIVO will contact you directly to arrange a follow-up appointment.
Once you have your assignment order, or another reason for moving, such as leaving the service, you must let us know. To do this just book your pre-move out appointment. We provide a pre-move out appointment, where your Housing Officer comes to your home to go through the moving out process and advises on anything you need to do to get your home to standard. This lets you know what is required to avoid any potential charges at move out. We also come on the day of your move out to checking through the home with you before you leave.
What happens at a PMO appointment?
Your Housing Officer will come to your home and do a full review of it with you. They will advise of any steps you need to take to bring your home up to the move out standard. They will help you during this busy time for you and your family and will
• Identify any furniture supplied by the MOD that needs to be removed
• Talk to you about the cleanliness standard that is required when you move out
• Confirm your official move out date and time
• Thoroughly check your home with you and ask you to sign the Pre-Move Out Form to confirm you understand their recommendations to help bring your home to move out standards (link). Type of things checked include;
• The condition of
• Baths, toilets, and sinks
• Fencing, paths and patios
• Cooker and kitchen units
• Electricity consumer unit
• Floor coverings
• Curtains and blinds
• Whether all fans and focal point fires are working
• Whether any double-glazing units need replacing
• Any decorating requirements, confirming the date of the last internal decoration
• Any work that will need to take place in the garden
At this appointment your Housing Officer will give you an indication of what it will cost you if your home does not meet the move out standard in the areas identified when you come to leave.
Move Out Appointment
Your Housing Officer will visit your home, check through everything with you and formally take over responsibility of the home. They will:
Check the condition of your home
Your Housing Officer will have copies of all the forms for your home with them, such as the Move In Form and the 14 Day Observation Form you completed together at move in. They will use this information and the pre-move out data to help when they check the condition of your home against the move out standards (link).
Anything that does not meet the required standard will lead to you being charged but this will have been discussed in detail with you at the pre-move out so should never come as a surprise.
Capture your utility meter readings
Your Housing Officer will record all utility meter numbers, suppliers and meter readings on the Move Out form. If your home is fitted with oil-fired central heating supplied from an individual oil tank they will take the oil fuel reading.
Don’t forget you are responsible for letting your utility suppliers know that you are moving out and supplying them with them the final meter readings, so you aren’t incorrectly charged. Unfortunately, we cannot do this for you.
Record your new address
To help us get in touch with you if necessary once you have moved on, we will record your new address details. This is regardless of whether you are moving into another Service Family Accommodation or not.
Furniture
During your move out appointment, your Housing Officer will check that all MOD-supplied furniture items have been removed from the house.
Keys
So that the home remains safe once you leave and we can get it ready for the next family, your Housing Officer will take all of the keys from you. They will record how many you have for each lock and ensure these are kept safe until another family moves in.
At the end of the appointment, you will be asked to sign the Move Out Form and the Repairs Charge Sheet (if applicable). You will be given a printed copy of the Move Out Form and the Repairs Charge Sheet for your records.
Bathrooms, WCs
• ensure baths, sinks, WCs, floors, and fluorescent lights covers are clean
• taps and showerheads must be thoroughly descaled
• shower cubicles, screens and shower curtains should be cleaned and stain free
• air vents and fans should be clean, and all pull cords cleaned.
Carpets
• must be clean, stain and infestation free
• if you’ve have had any cats and dogs living in the SFA you’ll need to arrange professional cleaning or show you have used an appropriate pesticide and/or deodorizing treatment.
Curtains and blinds
• if you have used your own curtains or blinds, they will need removing
• curtains provided with your SFA will need to be ironed, hung and in a clean condition.
Decorations
• walls and paintwork must be washed down, and all finger marks removed
• if you have repainted any of your walls, ceilings, or any other paintwork, you must repaint them, returning the walls to silk magnolia and ceilings to matt white (see painting section 1.5 in detailed online move out standards)
• wallpaper, decorative borders or painted stencil work must be removed and made good, and walls redecorated
• picture hooks (you are advised to leave only 4 picture hooks per room), all other picture hooks, nails, poster adhesive (e.g. Blu-Tack) and shelving must be removed, and walls made good.
Kitchen
• kitchen sinks, cupboards, drawers, worktops, and all surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly
• cooker should be degreased, cleaned and ready for immediate use by the next family
• wall tiles and floor tiles should be degreased, cleaned and dry
• the fluorescent light cover must be removed, cleaned, and refitted.
Gas and electricity meters
If you have had a key/card meter installed:
• you must arrange for replacement with a standard meter before Move Out.
Pets
For families who have had pets, particularly cats and dogs:
• make sure there are no pet hairs or pest infestation in the SFA
• if you have installed a cat flap this must be removed, and the door panels reinstated
• make sure any damage to the garden is repaired correctly and any faeces removed.
Garden
• grass must be cut, and all grass cuttings removed
• flower beds/borders need to be dug over and tidy
• entrance areas, paths and patios should be swept clean and weed free
• drainpipe wells should be clear of leaves and rubbish
• compost heaps and any leaf piles should be removed or dug into the garden
• if you’ve put in a pond, it will need to be removed and the ground restored
• hedges and shrubs should be tidy and kept to a manageable level between September and February. In the nesting season (in the UK this is between February and August) check hedges for any nests before starting any works.
• if you’ve damaged the grass or it has died you need to re-grass or repair
• rubbish outside and in garages or outbuildings must be removed. Rubbish bins should be empty and clean inside and out
• satellite dishes may be left in place. However, if removed, any damage caused because of fitting must be made good. Any TV aerial boosters provided must remain in the property.
Service Families Accommodation
There are four Service Families Accommodation areas associated with RAF Odiham: Burghfield is located 22 miles away on the outskirts of Reading, Church Crookham is located 7 miles away, Alton is also located 7 miles away and finally we have quarters located just outside the main gates to RAF Odiham.
Odiham Families Accommodation
There are 97 officer and 296 other rank properties at Odiham, ranging from terraced housing to semi-detached and detached houses. The quarters are situated about 1 mile outside the village of Odiham. There is a shop on the patch. The village has a reasonable selection of shops, as well as a Post Office. The closest major supermarket is in Hook, about three miles from the Station.
A bus service is available to the village. It then goes either into Basingstoke, in the West, or Camberley to the East. Public transport runs every hour and more regularly in the ‘rush hour’. The closest railway station is at Hook, which is on the London Waterloo line. Services to Reading depart from Basingstoke. Road links are good, being 3 miles from junction 5 on the M3 and close to the A34.
The local secondary school is within walking distance of the Station, as are the junior and infant schools. Sixth form colleges are all a bus journey away.
Alton Families Accommodation
Alton Families Quarters are about 7 miles south of RAF Odiham. The 48 quarters are on a private housing estate, about 1 mile from the town centre. There are no Service facilities, but Alton is a small town with a reasonable selection of shops, including some of the high street chain stores. Sainsbury’s is just behind the main shopping area. There is a sports centre, community centre and a small cinema. The railway station is on the outskirts of the town. Transport is provided for service personnel working standard day shifts. One of the secondary schools and the sixth form college are within walking distance of the accommodation.
Humphrey Park Accommodation
Humphrey Park Accommodation is about 6 miles from RAF Odiham. This is a development of 140 terraced houses, with small gardens, in Church Crookham on the outskirts of Fleet. Transport is provided for Service personnel working a standard day shift, 0800-1700 hrs. There is a play park for the children. The secondary schools are a bus journey from the accommodation. The shopping centre in Fleet is about 2 miles away from the quarters. In the town, there are various food stores and a good selection of shops.
The quarters are also close to Aldershot and Farnham, where there are large Tesco and Sainsbury’s outlets. Fleet is on the main railway line to London. There is a bus service which runs past the quarters to the railway station. There is one bus a day, each way, from Redfield’s Garden Centre (next to quarters) to Odiham (term time only) and one every two hours to Camberley, where there is a large Marks & Spencer store.
Quetta Park Accommodation
Quetta Park is shared SFA with Army personnel from Church Crookham and Aldershot and is about 8 miles from RAF Odiham. There are currently about 80 RAF families living there. The estate consists of terraced houses and is well laid out, with a large grass area on which children can play. There is a purpose-built community centre. Buses run from quarters into Fleet once an hour. It is also possible to travel to Aldershot and Farnborough on public transport. Transport is provided for service personnel on working days. Fleet has a sports centre, concert venue and a nightclub. Other social facilities may be found in the nearby town of Aldershot, including a dry-ski slope and cinema. The secondary schools are a bus journey away from the accommodation.
Burghfield Accommodation
The quarters are on an estate on the outskirts of the village of Burghfield. There are 153 houses, which were originally built to accommodate American families attached to Greenham Common. There is one quarter that acts as the community centre for the estate. Burghfield village has a small number of shops. It is about 5 miles from Reading, which has excellent shopping facilities. RAF Odiham is 20 miles south of Burghfield. There is no service transport available, so it is desirable that dependents can drive, if you are considering living here. However, there is a bus service into Reading from the estate. The secondary school is within walking distance of the accommodation. In 2007 the Clayhill Community Centre was reinstated for use by the local Burghfield community. This facility is a focus for community activities at Burghfield.
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Five Education
Schools:
Page 80: Odiham
Page 80: Humphrey & Quetta Park
Page 81: Alton
Page 81: Burghfield
Page 82: Station Learning Centre
Page 82: CEAS
Page 83: Independent and State Boarding Schools
Schools
Information on schools in Hampshire is available on the internet at http://www.hants.gov.uk. For information about a particular school, please contact the school direct for a prospectus.
Odiham
Infants
Buryfields Infants School
Buryfileds, Odiham
Junior
Mayhill Junior School
The Bury, Odiham RG29 1NE
RG29 1NB 01256 702667 01256 702973
Primary Secondary
Long Sutton CE(C) Primary School
Robert Mays School
Hyde Road, Long Sutton West Street, Odiham RG29 1ST RG29 1NA 01256 862238 01256 702700
Sixth Form Colleges, Colleges of Further/Higher Education
Alton College
Farnborough College of Technology Old Odiham Road, Alton Has various sites
The Personal Learning Advisor (PLA) provides information and guidance on personal development, the Enhanced and Standard Learning Credit Schemes and further and higher education, and bespoke courses with local, national colleges and universities. In addition, there is an ongoing programme of GCSE Maths and English adult classes available to service, civilian personnel and dependents.
Furthermore, the Learning Centre Open Day held in May gathers numerous education and training providers for all station personnel and dependents to explore their future education opportunities. For those leaving the Service, the Resettlement and Education Co-ordinator (REC), provides information and advice on the resettlement process and arranges counselling interviews with the Regional Resettlement Advisor.
The points of contact are: PLA, Ext 7570, REC, Ext 7180 and the Learning Centre Clerk, Ext 5237.
The Education Centre facilities includes a Station Library complimented with a 24 hrs access broadband Wi-Fi computer suite and Student Tea Bar. In addition, 4 classrooms, the TDF Lecture Hall and a Briefing facility, fully equipped with computer presentation equipment, are available for section training or group meetings and can be booked through the FD Clerk, Ext 5212.
Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS)
What is CEAS?
CEAS is part of the MOD’s Directorate for Children and Young People (DCYP) and is established as a service for Service parents and their families, which can provide information, advice and, sometimes, direct support with any issue relating to the education of their children. Whether you are on the move or staying put, you can contact CEAS using the details below.
Any issue?
CEAS will help you with any issue relating to your children’s education and if we are unable to, we will point you in the direction of someone who can. In particular, we can help you with:
• Admissions to schools and admission appeals
The procedures for admitting children to schools have become more complex in recent years. Mobile Service parents sometimes find it hard, initially, to secure places for their children at the schools they want. If you are in this situation, please do not struggle on your own – we can help you.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN)
It can be hard enough having a child with SEN without having to deal with the complexities of UK education systems together with the implications of mobility or deployment. If you register your child with us, we can help you to deal with many of these issues and/or local authorities. Just contact us to find out more. If you have a child with SEN and you are posted overseas, you must contact us before you accept the posting.
• Boarding Education
If you want to establish educational continuity for your children, you may wish to consider boarding education for them. JSP 752 states that you must contact CEAS prior to making a commitment to any school.
• Retention of quarters
If your child has started GCSEs, ‘A’ Levels or is undergoing a statutory assessment of his/her SEN and a posting comes up, you can seek support from CEAS with retaining your quarter to allow these courses or assessments to be completed before your family has to move. Sometimes, other potential educational difficulties for your child caused by an assignment in a new location can be considered for such support.
Independent and State Boarding Schools
The MOD provides an allowance for eligible service personnel to educate their children at a boarding school.
State Boarding Schools’ Association Factfile
• There are over 30 state boarding schools in England
• Education is free – parents pay only for boarding costs
• Some schools are comprehensive, others are selective
• Most schools are mixed, several are single sex
• The majority accept boarders from the age of 11
• Admissions are limited to UK and EU nationals, and those with a right of residence in the UK
• Many schools offer a wide variety of flexible boarding options... and all at a fraction of the cost of boarding in the independent sector.
Where do I go for more information?
Check out our website at www.sbsa.org.uk
Call the Boarding Schools’ Association on Tel: 020 7798 1580
Order a free Parents’ Guide to State Boarding Schools from our website or call the BSA – details above. Turn to the back of this Guide to see a full directory of Independent and State Boarding Schools who welcome service children, many of whom also offer service bursaries or discounts.
A co-educational prep school offering both day and boarding, located in East Cranmore, Somerset.
At All Hallows School, we pride ourselves on offering a dynamic and enriching curriculum that embraces a wide array of opportunities.
Sports, Art, Creative Design, Forest School, Music, Performing Arts, an array of extra-curricular activities and extensive after school club programme is nurturing the potential of each and every pupil.
Join us in shaping a bright future for your child at All Hallows School, contact us today.
All Hallows School in Somerset is a prep school that focuses on academic excellence while prioritising the well-being of its pupils.
The school encourages creative thinking and offers a broad curriculum to help children discover their strengths and passions.
With an extensive extra-curricular program, All Hallows school believes that every child has something valuable to contribute to the community.
All Hallows also prepares pupils for senior school by nurturing their self-confidence and self-belief. As part of the Monkton Family of Schools, they assist in finding the right senior school for each pupil.
The school provides boarding facilities at the heart of the main building, caring and compassionate house parents create a home away from home for pupils. All Hallows offers individualised development programs, including creative and sports opportunities.
The school also has a long history of supporting military families and understands the challenges that can come with being a military family. Furthermore, eligible families can receive financial assistance through the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), paying just CEA and 10% school fees, making an independent education at All Hallows affordable.
For more information or to schedule a tour, interested families can contact the school’s registrar Jackie truelove, admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk
CO-ED DAY & BOARDING full, weekly, flexi & occasional
Outdoor education is an intrinsic part of Frensham Heights, from Forest School in the early years through to incredibly challenging high-altitude expeditions for the older students. The programme for all activities begins with learning the specific skillset needed to prepare the students for their experiential learning – the real adventures. As their practical skills develop and their experiences widen, students develop massively in confidence, empathy, resilience, collaboration and communication. Our main outcome is to develop the students’ self-confidence and sense of pride, their ability to step out of their comfort zones and not be afraid to make mistakes. To learn to deal with both success and failure and to get back up and try again each time. To be authentic and learn to trust, both themselves and others.
But this ethos doesn’t end with outdoor education, it runs through all elements of the school – academic, creative and pastoral.
If you’re ready to discover a refreshingly different education, head to frensham.org/visit-us to book onto a tour.
CONFIDENCE WITH HUMILITY. A HOME FROM HOME.
We are a truly special school family for boys, centred around a quest for excellence
VISIT US
Contact our Registrar to arrange a tour Email: admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk
The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester
An exceptional start in life for boys aged 4-13 thepilgrims-school.co.uk/boarding
16 Wessex Avenue, RAF Odiham. That’s where I spent 3 years aged 3-6, with my father a Wing Commander flying Pumas. Two years later, I started here at The Pilgrims’ School as a boarder thanks to the CEA. And now I find myself back in a somewhat different capacity!
We understand the needs of Forces families. No doors are closed. We offer excellence on many fronts, and we help our boys to flourish in a uniquely special environment, rooted in heritage and with an eye to the future; much like the Forces. Our emphasis is upon who boys become on their pilgrim’s journey – on their character, judgement and thinking skills – as well as upon developing their abilities.
With a morning minibus route from Basingstoke, and 20% off fees for Forces families, we can serve both Odiham day boys as well as boarders. I’d be delighted to welcome you for a visit!
Tim Butcher, Headmaster
Six Leisure
Page 89: Station Sports Facilities
Page 89: RAF Odiham Station Location
Page 90: The Local Area
Page 90: Transport
Page 91: Things to do – Places to go
Station Sports Facilities
All Service personnel and their dependents over the age of 16 years are entitled to use the sports facilities, although children between the age of 16 and 18 years must do so under the supervision of an authorised adult. Children under the age of 16 years must not be allowed access unless taking part in an authorised club’s activities. Civilians employed by the MOD and their dependents may also use the facilities through joining the Civilian Sports Club. Other civilians may use the facilities as members of authorised clubs only; the PEd Flt can offer further advice as necessary. Personal insurance must be sought by all contractors/ civilians (including 16-18 year olds)and Civilian Sport Club members; contact the PEd Flt for further details. The PEd Staff conduct inductions and Station Health Environment and Fire (SHEF) briefs between 1200 and 1400 on Thursdays. All users (without exception) must attend an induction and sign the SHEF orders for use of the sports facilities. Access can be gained to the sports facilities after normal working hours by authorised personnel in possession of a swipe card which can be purchased via the station cashier for £5 which will be refunded on return. Personnel who are authorised to use the facilities must not allow unauthorised persons and particularly children under the age of 16 years to enter the facilities. Further advice can be sought from SNCO PEd Flt on ext 7320.
RAF Odiham Station Location
RAF Odiham is situated approximately 2½ miles from J5 on the south side of the M3
Coming from London take the first exit at the top of the motorway slip road, from Southampton go all the way round the roundabout (the 4th exit)
At the roundabout at the end of the short piece of dual carriageway take the third exit to Alton/North Warnborough.
At the roundabout in North Warnborough take the first exit to Alton/Odiham.
At the roundabout at Odiham village take the second exit.
RAF Odiham is 0.6 of a mile up the hill (the Alton road) on the left hand side.
The Local Area
Odiham, a particularly attractive village, is located northeast of the airfield, and has a good selection of shops, as well as a sub-post office and branches of Lloyds and Barclays Banks.
The nearest towns are Farnham and Basingstoke. Farnham lies on the River Wey, just across the county border in Surrey. It is an historic town, with a twelfth century Norman castle and fine examples of Georgian architecture. The town has a good variety of shops. Basingstoke is situated to the north-west, and has a large shopping centre as well as a leisure centre (with ice rink, swimming pool, bowling alley, sports centre, bingo hall and cinema complex), and large Sainsbury’s and Tesco superstores.
Other shopping areas include Farnborough, Reading, Camberley, Alton and excellent facilities in historic Guilford, while London itself is just under an hour by train from Hook. There is also a major superstore complex at ‘The Meadows’, Sandhurst, comprising Tesco, Homebase, and the largest Marks & Spencers in the UK.
Every Sunday, there is a large outdoor market at Blackbush Airfield on the A30, six miles northeast of Odiham.
There is a golf course in Alton, a 15-minute drive away. There is also a golf course in Aldershot, where armed forces personnel can play at reduced rates.
Basingstoke and Reading have much to offer for the more energetic night-owls amongst you, but bear in mind that many of the pubs have a ‘smart dress’ code (i.e. no trainers!).
Transport
Stn Motor Home
This facility is for hire to all RAF Odiham personnel. The terms, conditions, charges and booking instructions can be found on the Stn SIF SharePoint page under Motor Home.
Stn Minibus
The Stn owns a 12-seater minibus, which is available for hire at a very favourable rate. Personnel who require further information should contact MT Control on ext 7364.
Buses
Information on bus timetables is shown on the notice board in the bus shelter in Kersley Crescent, or can be obtained by phoning Travel Line on 0871 2002233.
Bus Number 13 – runs approximately every hour, between Odiham to Basingstoke – There is a more frequent service early morning – operator Fleet Buzz
Bus Number 13 – runs approximately every hour – operator Fleet Buzz
Taxis
Capital Cars – 01256 761760
Hart Taxis – 01252 616149 www.harttaxis.com
Cycle
There are many interesting rides in the vicinity of the Station. However, for the more adventurous, why not take your bike along on the train and explore areas further afield? Apply to South West Trains for details.
Things to do – Places to go
Locally
The Watercress Line – a 10 mile journey by steam locomotive between Alresford and Alton. Tel: 01962 733810
Rural Life Centre – Between Frensham and Tilford, on the Reeds Road, there is a large open air exhibition of farming as it has been over the years. Tel: 01252 795571
Birdworld and Underwater World – Adjacent to Forest Lodge Garden Centre, at Holt Pound, on the outskirts of Farnham. This wildlife complex has a large collection of birds, extensive gardens, an aquarium complex and refreshment facilities. Tel: 01420 22992/01420 22140
Thorpe Park – A theme park with rides, attraction and shows, near Staines. Tel: 0871 663 1673
Marwell Zoo – A good zoological park, just six miles south of Winchester. Tel: 01962 777407
Wellington Country Park – is on the Hampshire/Berkshire border between Reading and Basingstoke. It is just off the A33 on the B3349. Tel: 0118 9326444
Alice Holt Forest – is run by the Forestry Commission. It has a vast amount of walks and you can hire bikes to cycle around the dedicated cycle routes. There is also a café at the site. Entry is free but you do have to pay for parking. It is situated near Farnham.
Chessington World of Adventure – A theme park with rides and a small zoo located 12 miles from London on the A243. Tel: 0871 663 4477
Legoland – is situated at Windsor. Tel: 0871 222 2001
Further Afield
Portsmouth and Southsea. Easily reachable by road or rail. The towns offer many all year round attractions, as well as the sea.
Just across the water, by ferry or jetfoil, is the delightful Isle of Wight, waiting to be explored.
New Forest. Just over an hour by road – change once at Basingstoke, by rail – and you are in the heart of the New Forest, with miles of woodland and open country to explore by car, cycle or on foot. Attractions include:
• Visitor Centre (Lyndhurst) – A first timer must. Tel: 023 80283444
• Beaulieu – Motor museum, house and grounds. Tel: 01590 612354
• Bucker’s Hard – Dockyard for Nelson’s Fleet. Tel: 01590 616203
Windsor. As well as enjoying a walk or drive in the ‘Great Park’, visit the castle, take a boat on the Thames, or just wander through the town and call at the Theatre Royal or the Royalty & Empire exhibition in Windsor Central Station.
Theatres. Some of the major theatres in the area are listed below.
• The Haymarket – Basingstoke. Has its own professional repertory company and also shows amateur productions. Tel: 01256 844244
• The Hexagon – Reading. A major theatre for touring productions, including pantomime, rock and pop concerts, opera, ballet and straight drama. Tel: 0118 960606
• The Theatre Royal – Windsor. An excellent provincial theatre, having mainly touring productions, which run from 3 to 5 weeks. Tel: 09068 323366
• The Anvil – Basingstoke. The Anvil is the major concert hall in the south of England, with acoustics, which are among the best in the country. The programme runs include most types of music from classical to folk and pop, as well as ballet, children’s shows and comedy. Tel: 01256 844244
Emergencies
Police
Dial 999 – ask for Police
State clearly the location of the incident
Fire
Dial 999 – ask for Fire Brigade
State clearly the location of the fire
Medical
For Ambulance in an Emergency: Dial 999 –ask for Ambulance State clearly the location of the patient
You don’t have to be a civilian to gain civilian qualifications. With more than 200 qualifications and 400 modules to choose from, and the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world, the OU can improve your knowledge, progress your career and fill your downtime.
What’s stopping you?
OF BOARDING DIRECTORY SCHOOLS
THE NUMBER ONE BOARDING SCHOOLS DIRECTORY AIMED AT MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
Looking
Buy
Looking to Buy or Remortgage? At DK Financial we offer:
Remortgage?
Looking to Buy or Remortgage?
Looking to Buy or Remortgage?
✓
& impartial brokers
✓ Expert mortgage & insurance advice from professional & impartial brokers
✓ Expert mortgage & insurance advice from professional & impartial brokers
✓ Expert mortgage & insurance advice from professional & impartial brokers
✓ Expert mortgage & insurance advice from professional & impartial brokers
✓ Access to competitive deals & rates not available on the high street
✓ Access to competitive deals & rates not available on the high street
✓ Access competitive deals rates not available on the high street
✓ Access to competitive deals & rates not available on the high street
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for DK Financial’s invaluable help throughout the mortgage application process. Their expertise and guidance made a significant difference in securing the loan working closely with myself and the lenders even out of office hours addressing my concerns patiently during such a stressful time.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for DK Financial’s invaluable help throughout the mortgage application process. Their expertise and guidance made a significant difference in securing the loan working closely with myself and the lenders even out of office hours addressing my concerns patiently during such a stressful time.”
✓ Access to competitive deals & rates not available on the high street
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
available on the high street
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for DK Financial’s invaluable help throughout the mortgage application process. Their expertise and guidance made a significant difference in securing the loan working closely with myself and the lenders even out of office hours addressing my concerns patiently during such a stressful time.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for DK Financial’s invaluable help throughout the mortgage application process. Their expertise and guidance made a significant difference in securing the loan working closely with myself and the lenders even out of office hours addressing my concerns patiently during such a stressful time.”
✓
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
✓ One point of contact from start to finish
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
point of contact from start to finish
✓
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ Flexible meeting times, with availability during evenings & weekends
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓
✓ Tailored
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
✓ Regular reviews of lenders interest rates after application to ensure you have the most competitive rate available to you until completion.
insurance to ensure you are
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
✓ Tailored life insurance, income protection & buildings insurance to ensure you are protected
Tomorrow’s Role Models, Shaped Today
Nestled in the Malvern Hills, our schools offer a safe, rural environment where children grow through friendship, opportunity, and exploration. Whether at The Downs Malvern (6 months to 13 years) or as a senior boarder at Malvern College (13 to 18), each child is welcomed into a warm, supportive, and nurturing community—a true home from home that becomes a lifelong connection.
We have a long history of supporting Forces families, and fully understand and appreciate the unique challenges posed by relocations and deployments. Our schools provide stability, consistency, and a caring environment where children thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Best of all, families eligible for CEA funding pay just 10% of boarding fees, making a top-tier education remarkably affordable.
The Downs Malvern: Small Independent School of the Year 2024
Both The Downs Malvern and Malvern College have a proud history of welcoming the children of Forces families to their home in the Malvern Hills.
Safe, supportive and inspiring: where curiosity meets opportunity and children learn to navigate their world with confidence, whichever path they choose.
Malvern: www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk www.malverncollege.org.uk The Downs Malvern: Winner of Small Independent School of the Year 2024
