HMNB CLYDE Armed Forces Covenant Win a Merlin Pass - NFF

HermitageAcademyThe refurbished ServiceFamily Accommodationin HelensburghLomond Schoolis expected to be complete by 2016. Plansfor a third tranche of accommodation are inthe early stages that will address the currentneed for dual occupancy (sharing cabins)and allow us to accommodate increasingnumbers of trainees. In the long run, theaccommodation in HM NAVAL BASE CLYDEwill be amongst the newest across both theRoyal Navy and MOD.Service Families Accommodation (SFA)has also benefitted from a substantial £7million refurbishment programme conductedover the past year or so. Working withindustry partners Turner Estate Solutions,Mansell and the Bell Group, the DefenceInfrastructure Organisation (DIO) has helpedto deliver full internal upgrades to 130properties on the Colgrain estate, with eachproperty getting a new bathroom, kitchen,electrics and insulation. The programme hasalso provided external refurbishment to 143properties at the Upper Churchill estate,which now have new roofs and entrancecanopies, modern colours on the externalfacades and improved gardens, with sheds,patios and private fencing. The DIO hasalso delivered new play areas, upgradedroads, footpaths and lighting throughout thearea and a further £3 million investment isplanned for 2013-14.This is a remarkable success. Thematerial face-lift to Upper Churchill isalready translating to a step-change inthe community spirit. This improvementprogramme is drawing considerable praiseand recognition from longstanding and newlyjoining families alike. It provides a clearstatement of commitment to both our familiesand the area, as Helensburgh becomes‘Home of the Submarine Community’.Phase 3 of the project is already underwayand will result in all 225 properties on theUpper Churchill estate being upgraded byspring 2015. The take up of SFA will beclosely monitored to ensure supply matchesdemand, but today there are over 140properties in the Helensburgh area thatare ready for occupancy and a further 90properties are awaiting refurbishment beforebeing returned to the housing stock.Local InfrastructureProvision of medical, dental and educationservices for families will continue to betaken forward by engagement with localgovernment and the NHS to achieve the bestpossible service for families. Argyll and ButeCouncil provide a state funded SecondarySchool, Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh,along with four primary schools and aRoman Catholic primary school. In additionthere is a private school, Lomond School thatprovides education from nursery to 18 yearsold. All of the schools have the capacity tomeet the future demand likely to be placedon them by the dependants of Servicepersonnel stationed in Faslane. HMNB CLYDEhas a bespoke nursery and there are otherchildcare facilities in the Helensburgh area.There are two General Practices and fourNHS dentists in the area, all with spaces ontheir lists. New strategic development planshave been put in place by both local councilsto significantly develop the local areas,including a plan by West Dunbartonshire tobuild 5,000 quality houses over the next 10years. And within easy reach by the direct railand bus links are the cities of Glasgow andEdinburgh, providing even more services andthe opportunity for family employment.The Naval Base Commander and histeam remain engaged in influencing theappropriate local government authoritiesand agencies in and around the Clydearea to support the base porting of shipsand submarines in Faslane, reinforcing thelinks through the Military Covenant andlocal Community Covenants. HMNB CLYDEprovides a bus service to and from the SFAestates in the morning and evening, andthere is a commercial bus service that runsfrom the centre of Helensburgh, stoppingnear the north and south gates of thebase. Helensburgh is a self sufficient townand new businesses are investing in thearea including Waitrose, who are openinga new store in the late autumn of 2013,to complement the Co-op, Tesco andother local shops. There are also manyshopping outlets in nearby Dumbarton andClydebank and, of course, the full range ofshops in Glasgow to suit every need!If you are moving or considering a moveto Faslane, the friendly team at the HIVEwill be very pleased to hear from you andassist you in any way with your plans.Contact: Mrs Lorna Austin, Faslane HIVEInformation Office, The Families Centre,Churchill Square, Helensburgh, G84 9HL.Telephone 01436 678 029 or e-mail:NAVY PERS-PFCS HIVE FASLANE@mod.uk.Also available are information plannersand proforma on how to manage themove of children of school age so thatsufficient information, including thehandover of a child’s ability and progresscan be achieved between schools.Surrounding AreaWith countryside all around and spectacularscenery of lochs and mountains, the LochLomond and Trossachs National Park,Scotland’s first National Park, just threemiles from Helensburgh, the West Coastof Scotland is also terrific for those whoenjoy the outdoor life; the Base even hasits own artificial ski slope, and in the winterthe real slopes are just a couple of hoursaway. There are also great opportunitiesfor sailing, mountain biking, walking andclimbing right on the doorstep for a healthy,active lifestyle.These are exciting times in Faslane withimprovement to all of our facilities andexpansion setting the agenda. The next10 years represents a great opportunity tomake a positive difference to the lives of ourService personnel and their families and setthe standards in what is fast becoming oneof the best places in the country in which tobe based. And whatever they say about theweather, you will be assured of a very warmwelcome here.Failte gu Alba (Welcome to Scotland!)Autumn 2013hOMEPORT15information