Information - NFF

Fun Day in support of Armed Forces Day. The
residential areas are quiet, with green space and
play parks. There are several good schools in the
area, with shops and supermarkets and it is less
than an hour’s drive into the hustle and bustle of
Glasgow, or you can hop on a direct train at the
local station.
Accommodation on the base is “probably the best in
Defence” according to Base Logistics Commander
Stuart Somerville, and from our tour of Neptune
Village we can see what he means. There has
been massive regeneration with newly built
accommodation and top class community facilities.
There is a general store, hairdressers, coffee shop
with Wi-Fi, restaurant and several bars. HMNB
CLYDE offers a superb range of sporting facilities to
personnel and their families, including a gym, sports
courts, bowling alley and dry ski slope!
During our visit we experienced all sorts of weather;
it can change from sunshine to rain in a moment and
then change right back again! Whilst we cannot deny
getting a little soggy at times I must quote the famous
Scottish comedian, Billy Connelly, who said ‘If you don’t
like the Scottish Weather just wait 20 Minutes!’ A plus
point to the changeable weather is the lush greenery it
produces – the beauty of the rolling hills and dramatic
skies is really rather breathtaking.
Whilst the weather can be a little greyer in Scotland,
there are some definite plus points for life north of
the border. Scotland’s independent Government is
responsible for health and education. The Scottish
NHS offers free eye tests and prescriptions to
patients, and free or reduced cost dental care; whilst
the Scottish education system provides free university
education for those who have lived in Scotland for
the last three years. For full information and eligibility
details visit: www.scotland.gov.uk.
Maritime Change Programme (MCP)
The changes set out in the MCP mean that HMNB
CLYDE will become the Submarine Centre of
Specialisation for the Royal Navy. Whilst there is a
lot of change coming in the years ahead, it provides
the base with a full and pre-determined schedule;
somewhat of a security for the community.
The large influx of workers will be a challenge
and brings concerns over adequate provision
of housing, schooling and spousal employment
opportunities, as well as continuity of employment
for personnel during the transition. However, the
Captain of HMS NEPTUNE, Captain Tarr OBE,
introduced us to the ‘Firm Base’ initiative. This
framework engages local authorities on matters
where the military population touches the wider
community, for example, housing, employment,
education and healthcare provision. The idea
is to ‘Support the Service Person, Engage the
Community’. Captain Tarr went on to say that the
local Government is very much behind the MCP
migration and local facilities are prepared; there is
plenty of space in the local schools, hospitals and in
NHS dental surgeries.
On the accommodation front the ambition is to
house the majority of families within the local
community. Submariners are likely to stay at
Faslane for the duration of their career and this
sort of stability encourages families out of Service
accommodation and into their own homes. Whilst
properties within Helensburgh are a higher value
than some areas, the prices drop considerably if
you look just a few miles further out.
Families looking to move to Faslane in the future
should contact the community support teams.
The local HIVE can provide information on
housing, schools, shopping and leisure facilities.
NPFS (Naval Personal and Family Service & Royal
Marines Welfare) offer a tour of the base and
facilities to families. Visit our website: www.nff.
org.uk for contact details of your nearest HIVE
and NPFS office.
RSR Braeholm is offering two nights’ free bed &
breakfast to personnel and their immediate family
members who are looking to move to the area
under the MCP. For details, contact Braeholm on:
01436 671 880.
The Chain of Command at HMNB CLYDE is
keen for continued NFF involvement; for us
to communicate the busy and changing nature
of Service life to the MOD. There is a lot of
distance between MOD Headquarters in London
and those based at Faslane, and some unique
challenges that must be acknowledged.
If you’re a Naval Service family living north of the
border and have an issue or view you would like
to raise please get in touch with the NFF.
The MCP is generating a real sense of change
in the brisk Scottish air. Unfortunately whilst we
were in Scotland there was also the threat of
volcanic ash in the air; our flights home were
cancelled and an impromptu road trip home
began! Anyway, a very insightful visit and warm
Scottish welcome!
Many thanks to HMNB CLYDE for their invitation
and to our wonderful host, WO1 Bob Cawley, RM.
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HOMEPORT AUTUMN 2011 31