DIGEST

DIGEST
December/January 2013
The magazine of the Defence Support Group

contents
Editor’s
intro
Welcome to the
December edition of
Digest in which we report
what’s been happening across
the business over the last few
months.
We continue to receive high praise for
the successful operation of the
Equipment Sustainability System
Regeneration Capability in Bastion, the
latest is a commendation from the
Commander Equipment Capability, read
the full citation on page 5.
Just over a year since transferring to
DSG, the Ashchurch site has made
significant improvements to the stock
management of Bowman, find out more
on page 6.
Developing skills in-house is important
to ensure we have the right capabilities
to deliver our services, on page 15,
DSG Donnington introduces four
apprentices who have joined the supply
chain.
Working with the local fire service,
DSG Warminster carried out a
simulated fire exercise to test its
Business Continuity Plan on page 17.
The round up of events from across the
country features on pages 22 and 23
and you can win an Apple iPad Mini in
our competition on page 24.
Thank you for all your contributions to
this edition, please continue to send in
your stories and achievements and may
we take this opportunity of wishing you
and your families a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
Warrior © Photographer Steve Dock /UK
MOD Crown Copyright 2012
Contents
03 Talking Point / DSG’s Minister visits Warminster
04 News from DSG Bastion
05 Commander Equipment Capability Commendation for
Bastion facility
06 Transformation of Bowman stock management
07 Completion of Foxhound Project / Safety first
08 Sales and Operations Planning mobilisation day
09 Catterick completes Pinzgauer programme / Savings from
salvaging swivels
10 Poster
12 Back to the shop floor / DSG welcomes new Jordanian
Military Liaison Officer
13 DSG’s COO reflects back on his first nine months in the job
14 5 Minutes with… / Chris’s fire fighting duty comes to an end
15 Four new links in the chain
16 Graduate placement programme comes to an end / Shooting
star
17 Playing with fire
18 Across the country
20 Competition time
DIGEST points of contact
Editor: Venus Tingzon
Phone: 94391 3217/01264 383217
Email: Venus.Tingzon@dsg.mod.uk
Post: DSG Corporate Communications, Sedgemoor Building,
Monxton Road, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8HT
Editorial Board
Brian Griffiths Abbeywood 93523 0159
Yvonne Dowden Ashchurch 94249 4419
Roz Cronin Bovington 94374 3909
Lorna Morris Catterick 94731 2062
Karen Emery Colchester/Aldershot/Longmoor 94660 6893
Position Vacant Donnington/Bicester 94480 2578
Rosemary Murphy-Paul Kinnegar 94914 3768
Nicola Thorpe LSBU 94480 3702
Lynda Holloway Sealand 95541 7745
Teresa Evans Stafford 95551 5173
Arlene Hamilton Stirling 94741 8373
Kathy Tuck Warminster/Sennybridge 94381 3233
Designed by: Isabel Butcher - email: designis@designis.co.uk
2
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

usiness
Talking
point
“
Succession planning
and developing talent in the
workplace are key factors
in the success of any
organisation regardless of
whether it is in the private
or public sectors. Now that
we are well down our
transformation path towards
more efficient and effective processes
and procedures, we must focus our attention on establishing a
stable of homegrown business leaders of the future.
We have an enviable reputation for delivering outstanding
apprentices through our various schemes run across many
parts of our business. It is clear to me that we must also
concentrate on developing the individuals who show
commitment and promise, and try to create opportunities for
them so that they can fulfil their ambitions and maximise their
full potential. Therefore, I fully support and endorse a businesswide
people development programme, which aims to ensure
that we help match individual aspiration with business need.
The excellent reputation that is the hallmark of DSG’s
employees is one that was hard won and should be cherished.
Gaining a good reputation is much harder to achieve and retain
than a bad one so it is important we all remember the high
regard in which our customers, our industry peers and the
wider defence community hold our business and make every
effort to sustain it into the future.
On a personal note and as 2012 draws to a close, I thank you
all for your significant contributions, both large and small, made
this year in helping DSG become the success it deserves to be.
You should be proud of what you have all achieved and
continue to achieve in all you do and contribute to our
business. I am certainly proud of our workforce and try to
make sure everyone at every level knows it.
I make no apology for repeating my annual message that next
year will be just as challenging as previous years and we must
never lose focus on continuing to deliver best value in
everything we do.
Finally, I take this opportunity of wishing you all and your
families a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous
New Year.
”
Best wishes,
Archie Hughes
Chief Executive
DSG’s
Minister
visits
Warminster
Fourth from left Philip Dunne MP in the
DSG Warminster workshop
Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence
Equipment, Support and Technology recently
toured one of DSG Warminster’s workshops
as part of his first official visit to Army HQ.
Prior to his walk around the workshop, Archie
Hughes, DSG Chief Executive hosted the Minister
along with Major General Paul Jaques, Director
General Logistics Support and Equipment Land
Forces (DG LS&E). The themes in the briefing from
DG LS&E included the importance of DSG to the
Army, the sale of DSG, Op HERRICK transition
end-to-end process, Herrick Exchange Point and
Total Support Force which are all key projects
currently underpinned in DSG’s Capability Growth
Programme.
The tour which followed gave the Minister the
opportunity to understand and see the controlled
management support DSG provides to the Land
Training Fleet under a successful partnering
agreement with Army HQ.
Speaking to Digest about his first visit the Minister
said, “DSG’s key contribution to front line support is
known across MOD but it is useful for me to see at
first hand the breadth and depth of repairs in the
workshop. Whilst there are likely to be concerns
amongst the employees on the sale of DSG, every
skilled craftsmen and women I met appears
determined to continue providing vital support to
our Armed Forces and the on-going operations in
theatre.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
3

news
News from
DSG Bastion
Matt Carr, Head of Production brings us
the latest update from Camp Bastion.
At the end of September, DSG completed its
second full year of operating the Equipment
Sustainability System Regeneration Capability
workshop in Camp Bastion. The team
achieved 92% target output by regenerating
792 urgent operational platforms as well as
delivering cost benefits of over £60M, proving
the huge benefit of having a regeneration
facility in theatre to support the ongoing
campaign. The site continually receives praise
from all those who visit but more importantly
from the end users.
Of notable praise was when Jon Thompson,
MOD’s Permanent Secretary visited the
workshop and presented the team with a
Commander Equipment Capability Certificate
of Commendation for our resilience and
inspirational professionalism during Operation
HERRICK 16.
Fitters Matt Davies, Louise Sincock and Jeff
Walker completed the regeneration of the
second and last Rough Terrain Cargo Handling
vehicle held in Kandahar. Carrying out the
regeneration in Kandahar gave the fitters the
opportunity to experience the working and
living conditions in a deployed military base
other than Bastion. It removed the need of
the military moving the vehicle back to
Bastion, which not only saved time but also
reduced the risk of danger from improvised
explosive device if driven in the austere and
hostile operational environment.
DSG provides the only support to
examinations on fuel carrying vehicles within
Afghanistan, so were asked if it was possible to
carry out the examinations in Kabul. Stuart
Sexton and Andy Mapplebeck rose to the
challenge and flew to Kabul to conduct the
required ADR examinations on two Dennis
Eagle tankers. Whilst they managed to
complete the task within a few hours, due to
Front row L-R, Graham Taylor, Kyle Barnett, ASM Neil Siddall, Alan (Reg) Williams,
Back row L-R, Andy Mappelbeck, Wullie Nairns, Stephen Wilson, Barry Smith
flight times it meant an overnight stay for the
pair. However, Stuart’s cockney accent and
close hair cut bared resemblance to the actor
Ross Kemp and after a brief discussion with
the SAS, the pair managed to bag a few seats
on their Hercules and flew back landing in the
hours of darkness.
We also completed the first Warrior
observation point vehicle variant to pass
through the regeneration process this month.
This was the regeneration of our third
Warrior.
Our workshop's close working relationship
with the theatre Equipment Support Battalion
was further strengthened by an invite to DSG
employees with previous REME service to take
part in a range of activities to celebrate the
formation of REME 70 years ago. The day
started with a Church service where the
Battalion Padre gave a short message and led
in a few hymns. Needless to say the DSG
employees’ performance clearly showed the
need for a few singing lessons. There were a
number of events arranged over the day with
eight teams of 10 persons competing. The first
of the day was a technical challenge, which
required the teams to build a vehicle for
assembly at a chosen location, drive down a
ramp and then travel for 20 metres whilst
steering through a chicane and have the
capability of indirectly firing a water balloon.
The scoring scheme consisted of assembly
time, course completion time and number of
insurgents taken out. In true DSG fashion we
ensured the vehicle complied with the latest
932B standard but unfortunately this had a
detrimental effect on the assembly time
leading us to come in third place. We must say
a special thanks to Dave Burgess for donating
his bed frame for use as a chassis.
Dave Burgess has now finished his term as
General Manager passing it over to Mark
(Daz) Dalzell. We would like to pass on our
thanks to Dave who shows a great
commitment to DSG and has a great passion
for what we are supporting as well as a
constant energy in driving for improvement.
Team challenge
Barry Smith driving DSG’s Bed-ford
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DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
PUS with the Bastion team
in the ESS facility
Commander
Equipment
Capability
Commendation
for Bastion facility
During a recent visit to theatre, Jon
Thompson, MOD’s new Permanent
Under Secretary, visited the Equipment
Sustainability System Regeneration
Facility (ESS RC) in Bastion, managed by
DSG, presented a Commander
Equipment Capability Certificate of
Commendation.
The full citation of the certificate reads as
follows, “The Equipment Sustainability System
Regeneration Capability (ESS RC) comprises of
123 personnel from the Defence Support
Group (DSG), Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR)
and General Dynamics. They have been
supporting UK forces in Afghanistan as part of
Op HERRICK since 2009 and have proven to
be a significant force multiplier throughout all
areas of operations. Each man and woman is a
volunteer, supporting our Armed Forces and
their year long deployments are a testament to
their professionalism and dedication.
“The tens of thousands of equipments
deployed to support UK Forces in Afghanistan
can only be sustainable in the long term with
the appropriate equipment support regime in
place that extends to deep repair and
maintenance. Before the creation of the ESS
RC no such coherent plan existed and they
have been at the forefront of synchronising this
activity across all platforms and lines of
communication whilst overcoming operational
frictions.
“As at 1 September 2012 members of the ESS
RC have delivered 1261 regenerated
equipments to UK forces, 5200 items of
calibration and 247 ISTAR assets. The
tradesmen and women have delivered
additional repairs to all deployed equipments
from generators to armoured fighting vehicles
which have proved vital in maintaining the
immediate combat power of UK forces.
Constantly faced with varied complex
engineering challenges the dedication and
commitment shown by the staff has never
faltered, and they are often found working
deep into the night to ensure that battle
winning equipment is returned to the user.
“The ESS RC is now at Full Operating
Capability and repairs over 75 complex
equipments every month, offering the UK tax
payers a cost saving of over £62M. Most
importantly, through the deep regeneration
process they have significantly increased the
vehicle availability to commanders. Their work
not only increases reliability but vehicle
survivability and there is no doubt that their
work has saved British Servicemen’s lives.
“This has been a truly pivotal period for all
deployed ESS RC personnel during which they
have set an exceptionally high benchmark for
others to follow. They are rightly commended
for their resilience and inspirational
professionalism in the face of austere and
stressful conditions.”
Applauding the team’s award, Archie Hughes,
DSG Chief Executive told Digest, “The
contribution our employees’ make continues
to strengthen and deliver an outstanding
service. UK politicians, Army Chiefs and senior
MOD civil servants all recognise the excellent
support our team contributes to operations.
When we initially began support in Bastion we
had a team of 29 employees operating from
rubb shelters, now the team has quadrupled in
number and we are operating from a purpose
built facility. The ESS RC facility is a DSG
success story and through the sheer
commitment and professionalism of the
volunteers, this award is another fine example
of DSG employees’ growing reputation for
excellence in helping support our colleagues in
the Armed Forces.”
L-R, PUS with John Cooper and Louisa Griffiths
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
5

news
Transformation of
Bowman stock
management
In April this year, DSG Ashchurch took
over responsibility for managing the
Bowman activity. The site now carries
out level 1 testing; stock management
and accounting; receipts, issues and
storage of all Bowman assets on and off
platforms across the entire Land
systems fleet. This includes legacy
equipment and the new range of
platforms such as the Foxhound.
This was a major undertaking from the
beginning and required a new team to manage
it. The team of managers, administrative and
warehouse employees was established and
sited in a dedicated communications
workshop within the site. The team followed a
four phased approach towards the Bowman
activity:
Phase 1 was to carry out a full audit of all
Bowman assets on the Ashchurch fleet, which
was in excess of 2200 platforms.
Phase 2 required a visual inspection of all
platforms fitted with Bowman to ensure they
were correctly stored.
Phase 3 involved removing all Line Replaceable
Units (LRU’s) and ancillaries from 1000
Complete Equipment Schedules and then
account, serialise and return the stock to the
Bowman warehouse. More than 20,000 LRU’s
were accounted for following the audit.
Phase 4 involved the reconciliation on to the
Army’s Unicom stock management system as
well as simplifying and putting in place
transactional processes to improve data
accuracy.
As well as meeting the statement of work
within the contract, the team delivered other
activities beyond the specification, including
integration and testing of new from trade
equipment and urgent operation requests,
timely delivery of Bowman to units directly
supporting the London Olympics; refit and
delivery of dismounted headquarter kits and
issue of equipment to contingency fleets. The
team continuously make improvements to
processes and working areas to promote a
professional, productive and effective working
environment, this has included re-configuring
the working and storage areas resulting in the
ease and visibility of all Bowman products.
Whilst the implementation of a Bowman
Equipment Schedule during the receipt
process not only enables the testing and
conditioning of the equipment prior to
storage, it also helps maintain stock accuracy.
The team showcased the transformation in
managing the Bowman activity to the
customer community as well as the National
Audit Office during recent visits to the site.
First to visit was Lt Col Dominic Robinson,
from Army HQ’s Information Systems Branch,
who was accompanied by a representative
from DLE Commercial. They left extremely
impressed with the work completed so far as
well as the transformation improvements
made since award of the contract. The Lt Col
passed on his thanks to all employees involved
and encouraged the team to keep up the good
work.
On a separate visit Lt Gen Chris Deverell,
COM(L), was encouraged by the changes
made since his last visit to the site two years
ago when he was in another role. In particular
he was impressed with the Bowman
equipment management. The National Audit
Office also paid a visit and complimented on
“
We delivered
key improvements
particularly in the
Bowman activity but
there are still a
number of challenges
ahead and I am
confident we have a
motivated, skilled
team and collectively
we are working
towards the same
mission in improving
our support to the
customer.
”
the tremendous transformation of the
Bowman operation.
Wayne Baker, Head of Site, told Digest,
“Everyone at Ashchurch embraces the transfer
to DSG. We delivered key improvements
particularly in the Bowman activity but there
are still a number of challenges ahead and I am
confident we have a motivated, skilled team
and collectively we are working towards the
same mission in improving our support to the
customer.”
Level 1 vehicle testing on Foxhound
Weekly stock taking
Level 1 gold suite testing
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DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
Completion of Foxhound
project
DSG Bovington recently completed the
pod assembly and integration for 203 of
the new Urgent Operational
Requirement (UOR) Foxhound vehicles.
The assembly, integration and test line was the
first significant scale of its kind in DSG. The
workshop was transformed to integrate the
production assembly line, with dedicated bays
kitted with special tooling, jigs, fasteners and
standard operating procedures. Items for
fitment at each stage of the production were
The Foxhound team at the assembly line in Bovington
stored, picked and kitted from the warehouse
and delivered daily to the line side.
The skilled team worked intimately alongside
Thales engineers responsible for the fitment of
communications equipment as well as with
Force Protection engineers. Although, there
was a contracted specification of work, the
team also undertook wider support including
manufacture and modification of parts to
support the emerging vehicle design to deliver
cost saving improvements.
Kevin Langdon, Value Stream manager for
Foxhound explained, “Working on the
Foxhound programme has given the team the
The Foxhound team with completed Foxhound vehicles
opportunity to demonstrate their diverse range
of skills and the flexibility to cope with change. I am very pleased to have been part of a team responsible for delivering the Foxhound UOR.”
Jason Spicer, Programme manager said, “It was an extremely challenging project and an education to say the least but with the right skill sets,
determination and adoption of lean techniques, centring around flow and standard operations, the team successfully completed our
contractual quota. We are proud that we have been able to provide support to the new platform for front line operations.”
Safety
first
A group of managers and team leaders
from DSG Donnington received
certificates from the Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
recently for completing the Managing
Safely and Working Safely courses.
The IOSH is the world's biggest professional
health and safety membership organisation
committed to raising awareness and standards
in health and safety. The aim of the course was
to create greater awareness of potential
hazards and improve risk assessments in local
areas.
Feedback from the course was very positive.
Many found the delivery of the training for
each module informative and found it helpful
to discuss the key points in the training group.
Following the course, the managers viewed
their work areas in a different light and started
putting improvements in place to eliminate or
Some of the recipients of the
Managing Safely certificate
lessen risks. This included change in the
process on the Warrior line to reduce vehicle
movement and the use of an external crane to
move Rarden cannons to reduce manual
handling.
The team leaders who attended the Working
Safely training commented that having worked
in the same environment for so many years
they have become oblivious to some potential
hazards. However, the recent training
refreshed their outlook and helped them
identify potential risks they haven’t previously
noticed. They are confident they can put in
Some of the recipients of the
Working Safely certificate
place changes to make their working
environment much safer.
Graham Sargent, Head of Business Stream 1
said, “The IOSH training is part of
Donnington’s overall back to basics training
programme planned for our managers over the
next 18 months, which is part of DSG’s
commitment to people development. I am
very pleased those who attended the course
were proactive and already applied lessons
learnt to ensure that work areas are properly
managed and health and safety standards in the
workplace continue to improve.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
7

news
Sales and Operations
Planning mobilisation day
In the August issue of Digest we
reported on plans for the roll out of a
Sales and Operations Planning
(S&OP) project designed to embed in
DSG disciplined processes and
procedures aimed at delivering
greater efficiencies and better
management across all of the DSG
business areas.
Under the lead of Andy Hursey, the team’s
primary focus and objective included
embedding a range of S&OP processes in
the business designed to meet DSG’s
ongoing requirements. These included a
framework of meetings that ensure S&OP
operates effectively and efficiently,
presentation of training and education
materials at road shows held across various
DSG sites and developing accurate
Integrated Business Reporting to provide
the business with timely performance and
management information.
Reaching a major mile-stone and achieving
the key objectives, the Project team
formally handed over responsibility for
implementing the S&OP processes to the
DSG businesses at a Mobilisation event
held on 27 September at Donnington.
Over 80 people from throughout the
business attended to review the new
processes and tools. Representatives from
the different business streams shared how
they intend making S&OP work in their
roles and ultimately contributing towards
its success across DSG. Along with formal
presentations, board displays and break-out
rooms, everyone was able to discuss and
exchange views and ideas.
Archie Hughes, DSG Chief Executive,
opened introductions and emphasised the
Attendees of S&OP mobilisation day during break-out sessions
“
importance of S&OP in managing current
workloads and meeting the changing
customer environment. Supported by a
board sponsor, the S&OP project team
followed and explained each of the process
steps in detail.
Geraint Spearing, DSG Chief Operating
Officer, closed the event by outlining the
path for the future development of the
process and opening the forum for a
question and answer session.
The feedback from the event was very
positive, with 94% of the attendees
confirming they were confident in moving
forward with the implementation of S&OP
in their areas.
Having successfully delivered the project,
Andy Hursey returned as Head of
Operating Unit at Colchester and Steve
Davis is now taking ownership and leading
the project in his role as S&OP Business
Process Owner and handles Supply.
Assisting him in their roles as Step Leads
The project
established a solid
foundation with S&OP
operating throughout
the business. My
thanks to all those
involved in the
development and
implementation of
the process.
”
are Mark Alston, New Service Provision;
Dave Carter, Demand; and Peter Higginson,
Integrated Reconciliation and Senior
Management Review.
Steve said, “We have analysed the feedback
and supporting information from the
mobilisation day. It is both informative and
useful in helping us plan the next stage in
the S&OP journey.”
S&OP mobilisation day briefing
In summing up Andy Hursey, said, “The
project established a solid foundation with
S&OP operating throughout the business.
My thanks to all those involved in the
development and implementation of the
process. Everyone across the business is
committed to supporting Steve in the
journey towards a fully effective and mature
S&OP process.”
8
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
The DSG Pinzgauer team with representatives from NCHQ and the SLV PT
Catterick completes
Pinzgauer programme
In the August 2011 issue of Digest, we
reported on the mini trial work DSG
Donnington and Catterick completed
for the Navy Command
Headquarters (NCHQ) to inspect,
regenerate and rebuild to worthy
condition, including Stage A
waterproofing, five 4x4 EURO II
Pinzgauers.
The success of the trial resulted in DSG
Catterick receiving a task for the
refurbishment of another 45 vehicles. The
programme has recently come to an end,
with the vehicles now delivered to the
customer for support to the deployability
of the Lead Commando Group.
Brought into service after 1993, the
Pinzgauer two year refurbishment
programme undertaken by Catterick was
the most in depth work carried out to
date. The site faced a significant number of
challenges during the refurbishment of the
vehicles, in particular problems with
sourcing of spares and confirming technical
and build standard specifications given that
the vehicle was out of production for more
than five years and ownership of the
Design Authority rights have undergone a
series of handovers. A lot of the lessons
learnt will no doubt be of use when, on
current planning assumptions, the
Pinzgauer Life Extension Programme starts
in 2014 for the vehicles to remain in
service until 2030.
Speaking on the success of the programme,
Major Simon Powell, Programme manager,
Light Logistic Vehicles said, “DSG Catterick
rose to the challenges and applied
innovative solutions to overcome the
issues. The high quality of the output from
the programme is testimony to the skill,
determination and professionalism of the
DSG Catterick workshop technicians,
spares supply specialists and of their
management team. There is no doubt in
the minds of the programme management
team in Specialist and Logistic Vehicles
Savings from
salvaging swivels
DSG Land Supply’s Repair Management team has now been successfully operating for over two
years. In its first year of operation the team delivered savings in excess of £1.3 million to the
customer and to date that figure has doubled.
Such significant savings are due to the team’s ethos and effort in constantly looking for new ways to make
improvements and get best value for defence.
Another fine example is the recent savings made by Repair manager, Andy Barrass. He has recently amended
a contract with a contractor, which will save the MOD just under £700,000 over the vehicles current
service life for a swivel for the Pinzgauer. The saving is a result of a new solution to refurbish the old
swivels rather than produce from new. A business case generated by Andy was submitted and
approved by the project team and a contract amendment made.
Andy told Digest, “We work closely with our contractors to find ways of not only delivering savings
but also making sure that repair management requirements are addressed promptly. In this
particular situation, the innovative solution is not only delivering savings but also as the contractor is
no longer producing from new and requiring a minimum order quantity, the contractor is also able to
maintain stock at optimum levels, which keeps downtime to a minimum.”
L-R, Gordon Dryden, DSG VSM with
Capt Tony Philogene from NCHQ
Project Team and of the NCHQ staff that
DSG Catterick proved to be a centre of
excellence for Pinzgauer support and
vehicle refurbishment and that the 45
vehicles will prove to be the vanguard for
the refurbishment of the wider fleet in
years to come. DSG Catterick must be
justifiably proud of their achievement and,
on behalf of the Programme Board, we
wish to express our personal thanks for a
job well done.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
9

13 Pounder First World War Guns

© Photographer Sgt Ian Houlding RLC/UK MOD Crown Copyright 2012

news
Back to the
shop floor
Members of the Senior Management
Team (SMT) in DSG Donnington have
gone back to the shop floor to
experience what goes on at the sharp
end.
The ‘back to the shop floor’ programme was
in response to the feedback and low scores
received under the theme of Leadership and
Managing Change from the 2011 Civil Service
People Survey. In a drive to commit to
making improvements and improve the SMT’s
visibility, they spent time across the various
functions in both the workshop and office
environments, experiencing first-hand the
positives and frustrations employees deal with
on a daily basis.
During the programme each SMT member
visited a different team and not only did they
shadow the employees but also often
undertook their role with them. The exercise
proved useful and highlighted the frustrations
experienced by those carrying out their roles
including problems with acquisition of
consumable items, shop floor layout and
quality of parts. Whilst there were negative
issues to address, there were also plenty of
positives, with the attitude and application of
the employees they met impressing them and
showcasing the good working practices in
place.
Following the exercise, the SMT recorded
over 260 actions. Each action was assigned to
an owner deemed most suitable to determine
the root cause and resolution. It was agreed
that only the originator could authorise
closure of an action ensuring the benefits
were experienced at the right level. To date
there is significant progress, with 150 of the
actions closing in just four months and
developments and progress still on-going to
achieve full completion.
Graham Sargent, Head of Business Stream 1
said, “The SMT is committed to delivering the
improvements our employees want to see.
L-R, Gill Cherry, HR manager with
Pete Williams rebuilding an SA80
Spending time with the workforce has proven
very useful and due to the positive feedback
we received, we now plan to continue rolling
out the activities across the rest of the
business stream into Ashchurch, Sealand and
Stafford. Our aim is to achieve identifiable
and enduring improvements that everyone
can identify with and be part of.”
L-R, Graham Sargent, Head of Business
Stream 1 with Duncan Beattie
undertaking PEWS activity on Baan
L-R, Kevin Ashley, Technical Services manager
de-fuelling a Warrior vehicle with Rick Butler
L-R, Tony Owen, Change manager with
Allen Gripton discussing output
DSG welcomes new Jordanian
Military Liaison Officer
After spending two years in Andover, Lt Col
Wajeeh Khlefat returned to Jordan to take
up his new job in the Head Quarters of
the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) Royal
Maintenance Corps.
During his time in Andover, Wajeeh was
responsible for the delivery of the
interests of the JAF’s Al Hussein
Project via the Government-to-
Government Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), which runs
until the 31 March 2015.
Ron Sumner, DSG Overseas
Business manager said, “It was a
great pleasure working with Wajeeh
over the last two years. Not only
has he brought many positive things to the project during his time
with us but he also leaves it in a better place. All his friends and
colleagues in DSG will greatly miss him but we
wish him every success in his new post and his
family all the best on their return to Jordan.”
Lt Col Omar Al-Zatari who replaces Wajeeh
is settling well in Andover with his family who
are all looking forward to the
adventure ahead of them. Ron
added, “I am looking forward to
working with Omar during his time
here in the UK ensuring that the JAF
and their land forces are fully
equipped and supported for many
years to come through the MOU.”
L-R, Ron Sumner, DSG Overseas Business
manager with Lt Col Wajeeh Khlefat
12
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
DSG’s COO
reflects back
on his first
nine months
in the job
Just nine months into his appointment
as DSG’s Chief Operating Officer,
Geraint Spearing is still busy dealing
with the challenges of his new role. In
his first few months, he took a trip to
see the DSG team at Camp Bastion.
During his trip he met Commander
Joint Force Support (Afghanistan),
Brigadier Ewen McLay, who expressed
how pleased he was with the support
DSG is delivering to operations through
the regeneration facility and provided
an insight into current and future
operations, emphasising the important
of the close working role that REME
and DSG could provide as part of the
transition redeployment process.
Geraint told Digest, “With over 30,000
people in Bastion, the size and scale of the
military operation is very impressive. Nestled
in the camp are the 100 plus DSG employees
operating the Equipment Sustainability System
workshop, with the vital role of maximising
equipment availability for the Operational
Commanders. My visit gave me the
opportunity to spend time in the workshop
meeting and talking to the DSG employees to
gain an understanding of what it was like
working in an operational environment, how
they were coping with living away from their
families and also hoping to find out what
frustrations they face in carrying out their
important roles. Like the rest of the
organisation I am extremely proud of their
role in supporting our forces and enhancing
DSG’s ever-growing reputation. It is through
their commitment and professionalism that
we receive numerous accolades for our
successful contribution to front line
operations.”
Geraint added, “It was important for me to
see first hand the work going on at the front
line to help me fully understand all of my new
responsibilities. However, DSG’s total
operational footprint is great, as well as the
workshop in Afghanistan we also have over 40
dispersed locations made up of main sites, sub
sites, in-barracks support sites and other
embedded support functions, so it’s certainly
keeping me busy.”
A key project for Geraint on appointment
was the roll out of a co-ordinated project
approach to implementing a Sales and
Operational Planning (S&OP) process and
policy across DSG, which aims to deliver
greater efficiencies and better management
across its businesses. Geraint said, “As board
champion for S&OP, I am pleased that under
the project lead of Andy Hursey, the project
has met all its objectives and is now
successfully embedded across the business.”
On a final note, he added, “Going forward, I
recently introduced some changes to improve
our business structure to deliver further cost
savings whilst at the same time offering our
employees real development opportunities
and career progression in line with our
“
Going forward, I
recently introduced
some changes to
improve our business
structure to deliver
further cost savings
whilst at the same
time offering our
employees real
development
opportunities and
career progression in
line with our People
Development
programme.
”
People Development programme. The
internal changes seek to build and develop
our operational output and I am confident my
senior team will achieve a seamless transition
with no detrimental effect to our business
performance.”
Geraint Spearing meeting members of the Bastion team during his visit
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
13

news
5 minutes with…
Ronnie Simpson, Fitter Motor Transport Reinforcing Fleet
and Unite Convenor, Stirling.
Ronnie completed an apprenticeship with 26 Command Workshop
REME before spending some time working in industry. He returned
to the Civil Service in 2000 to work on the gun line in Stirling and is
now supporting the Reinforcing Fleet. He is also a Convenor for
Unite Union.
If I weren’t talking to you… I would be
on the shop floor or in the union office
reading endless e-mails.
Even though I know I shouldn’t, I can’t
help… Occasionally telling people what I
think about them, as George Bernard Shaw
said, “The power of accurate observation is
commonly called cynicism by those who
have not got it.”
My perfect day would be… With family,
just relaxing.
I won… The Individual Pistol trophy at
Corpsam in 1992 for the Army with a 9 mm
Browning HP, although I think someone else
was shooting at my target!
Those closest to me describe me as…
On a good day; thorough, insightful, and
inquisitive, but on a bad day, grumpy and
procrastinating. Personally I feel that I bring
confidence, resourcefulness and rigour to
everything I do, cross the t’s and dot the I’s I
say.
If I could go back in time, I would tell
my ten year old self … Never forget who
you are and definitely don’t believe anyone
unless you verify it first.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is… Do
unto others as you would have them do
unto you.
My secret talent is… Cooking; hence the
reason I’m a tad chunky.
If I could change anything about myself
I’d… Try to avoid the habit of
procrastinating when something important
needs to be done.
The last film I saw was… Whisky
Galore! by Compton MacKenzie. One of the
classic Ealing Studio comedies… poor
Captain Waggett!
If I had to appear in a reality TV show, I
would appear in... None. I’d rather watch
paint dry or grass grow. Watching reality TV,
or even soaps, is just a time thief – don’t do it.
“
I bring confidence,
resourcefulness
and rigour to
everything I do.
”
At Christmas… It shouldn’t be just about
food, television and new toys; there is wine,
brandy and port too! Really, I’ll be sharing
the spirit of Christmas with family and
friends and as a traditionalist, it will be
turkey and the works, roast tatties, parsnips
and of course brussel sprouts… bring on the
holiday.
Chris’s fire fighting
duty comes to an end
After 27 years of fire fighting in the
Warminster area, DSG Warminster
employee, Chris Reaney recently
retired from his position as a retained
fireman with Wiltshire Fire and
Rescue service.
Known locally as Rambo, Chris’s
involvement with the fire service started
when joining the onsite fire fighting team.
In August 1985 he joined the Wiltshire fire
brigade as a retained fireman and in 1989
was promoted to Leading Fire Fighter
before moving to Sub Officer in 2000 after
a two year period standing in for a sick
colleague. As Sub Officer, Chris was
responsible and in charge of major
incidents involving two or more appliances.
Amongst the incidents he took part in were
fires in Heytesbury House, Marlborough
High Street and a fire in Warminster
Market Place. Other notable rescues and
accidents involved troops and vehicles on
Salisbury Plain Training Area.
His noteworthy commendations during his
career include receiving the Fire Service
Long Service and Good Conduct medal, the
Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal and the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
Chris, who works on the Mastiff variants
for Warminster’s Heavy B Vehicle Repair
team, spoke of his thoughts on retirement,
“I would like to thank Nick Morgan, Head
of Warminster Operating Unit for
supporting my role as a retained fireman.
Without employers like DSG, the retained
fire service would never operate. Whilst I
enjoyed my time with the fire service, I’m
now enjoying not being woken up in the
Chris in uniform with his
certificate of service
middle of the night with the callouts and
also spending more time with my family.”
14
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
Four new links
in the chain
Four graduate apprentices beat off strong competition to take
part in a three-year development programme to optimise the
supply chain and grow capability in DSG Donnington.
John Price, Adam Woodhall, Emma Bailey and Scott Boulton will
undergo a structured programme with the aim of achieving chartered
status within three years. As well as job experience, they will also work
towards a professional qualification in Logistics Operations and Institute
of Operations Management delivered by Telford College of Arts and
Technology and Dudley College. Emma said, “I am very excited being
given this opportunity. The people here at DSG are very welcoming
and friendly.”
The scheme requires the apprentices to become active participants and
aims to develop their curiosity, competency and creativity whilst
becoming analysts for the supply chain. Such learning helps the
apprentices become critical thinkers, able to engage in in-depth
investigations with people, objects, materials and ideas by drawing
meaning and understanding from those experiences.
The importance of investigation of supply chain principles cannot be
overstated. The apprentices have the unique opportunity to directly
observe and understand supply chain processes and bring new vision
and ideas as they develop effective techniques for observing and testing
everything around them. These experiences are vital if the DSG supply
chain of the future is to remain effective and fit for purpose.
The four apprentices started in September and are already working on
projects linked with the procurement of line side goods and improving
inventory record accuracy, incorporating a bar-coding solution line side
on the SUSAT’s and segmenting the local inventory to evaluate new
methods of procurement and delivery.
Commenting on the scheme, Tim Stubbs, Donnington’s Supply Chain
manager said, “It is an exciting opportunity to develop key skills within
the organisation and ensure we have a skilled team with the capabilities
to take the supply chain forward and become best in class in the
future.”
Meet the new team members to the supply chain.
Name: John Price
Name: Adam Woodhall
Name: Emma Bailey
Name: Scott Boulton
Age: 37
Age: 22
Age: 21
Age: 22
From: Telford
From: Wolverhampton
From: Preston
From: Sandwell
Interesting Fact:
Football Association
Level 2 qualified football
coach and referee.
Fav Curry: Pork Jalfrezi
Interesting Fact:
Became a dad in his first
week at DSG.
Fav Curry: Chicken
Tikka Massalla
Interesting Fact: Lived
in Stuttgart and speaks
German.
Fav Curry: Chicken
Korma
Interesting Fact: Rugby
Football Union qualified
rugby coach.
Fav Curry: Chicken
Tikka Massalla
News in Brief
Congratulations to Ian Hoy MBE, general
engineer from DSG Colchester on
completion of 40 years service. One of the
highlights of Ian's career was receiving the
MBE in 1999 from HM The Queen in
recognition of his service to the King’s Troop
Royal Horse Artillery for the 13 Pounder
Guns, all of which are still in use for royal
ceremonial duties.
L-R, Ian Hoy with Dave Edmunds, Head of Business Stream 2
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
15

news
Graduate placement
programme comes to an end
Joe Bragg joined DSG Land Supply
Business Unit (LSBU) in March on a
five month graduate placement
programme. In Digest’s June issue, Joe
spoke about how he got on the
scheme and what he hoped to learn
from the experience. Having
completed his placement, Joe tells us
how it all went.
What have you learnt?
Over the last five months I have learnt a
great deal about both the commercial
function and the Land environment. Before
coming to DSG I had never worked in Land
and was therefore unaware of the process
of getting spares to theatre and the
pressure of urgent operational
requirements. Along with this I have also
been involved in setting a number of
more unusual contracts with varying
issues such as using the United Kingdom
Defence Procurement Office to contract
with companies in the US.
Would you recommend LSBU as a
placement for a commercial
graduate?
I have already recommended
LSBU as a placement
for future graduates, especially in the Net
Additional Costs of Military Operations cell
due to the high pace and variety of work
involved. I believe that LSBU offers the
perfect range of experiences to help
develop the relevant commercial skills that
are required on this scheme.
What do you think LSBU could do to
improve?
While there are a number of very
good practices in LSBU,
such as the new
compliance team
and the use of
electronic
procurement
systems, I
believe LSBU
would benefit
from an
increased level
of publicity about
the work it carries
out, especially with
the Project Teams
(PTs) in
Shooting star
Abbey Wood. Overall, I believe LSBU does
a fantastic job with staff under considerable
pressure from both requesting units and the
PTs so they deserve the praise.
What’s your most enjoyable
experience?
I have got to know so many people whilst
working at LSBU, so although not work
related, the highlight was seeing Lis, Stacy
and Reg dancing in a local pub after a curry
and a few, well actually, too many drinks.
What next?
I will now mobilise with 2 Military
Intelligence and deploy to Afghanistan. My
tour will last approximately six months,
however, I won’t actually return to work
until August 2013. On my return, the
Defence Commercial Graduate Programme
will allocate me a job. This could be
anywhere in MOD, however, I have stated a
preference for either Land or Intelligence,
Surveillance, Target Acquisition and
Reconnaissance as an Officer Commanding.
Finally?
I would like to take this opportunity to wish
everyone all the best for the future. Thank
you all for being so welcoming and friendly,
Following team GB’s medal success at
the Olympics, DSG’s very own Phil
Alcock, Process manager from DSG
Donnington recently won five gold
medals in the Territorial Army (TA)
long range small bore rifle
competition.
Phil was eligible to enter as he is a serving
member of the Royal Mercian and
Lancastrian Yeomanry, based in Telford,
where he is a Lance Corporal within REME.
Over two days, five competitions took
place at the Bisley ranges in Surrey. Phil
entered all five competitions using a .22
target rifle at ranges of both 50 and 100
metres with target sizes of 100mm and
200mm respectively.
As the first competition progressed Phil
found himself challenging for a medal. He
held his nerve to gain his first gold. His
success continued in the second
competition where he bagged another gold.
On a roll, Phil then went on to win two
further gold medals in the third and fourth
competitions.
When the last competition got under way,
all the other competitors were gunning for
Phil, though not literally, to try and prevent
him from having a clean sweep. Alas,
despite all their best shooting there was
only going to be one winner and that was
Phil.
After the competition, Phil received an
invitation to shoot for the National TA
team with the challenge of competing
against the Army, Navy and Air Force
regular and reserve teams. It was a
prestigious honour for which Phil also
received his colours.
In September, Phil competed in the national
competition and against tough opposition
he eventually finished eleventh overall in
the individual standings and in doing so he
helped the TA to achieve third in the team
Phil Alcock in uniform
competition.
Congratulation Phil on your success, we
wish you luck in future competitions.
16
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
Playing
with fire
DSG Warminster recently carried out a
joint exercise with Wiltshire Fire and
Rescue Service to test the service’s
response in a fire emergency and DSG’s
Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
DSG Warminster has a special relationship
with the local fire service, with three of our
employees also retained personnel serving in
the fire and rescue service. A few months ago
the site shared its extensive knowledge of the
vehicles that form the Operational Equipment
Training Pack fleet by hosting a visit by the
local fire station personnel to see up close the
new range of equipment in use in operational
theatre.
The BCP exercise began with a simulated fire
in the 4A Workshop. The local fire service
team arrived on site within seven minutes
from raising the call. Other crews from
Salisbury, Mere and Tisbury were mobilised in
support. To set the scene and give realism to
the exercise, the mains power to the building
was turned off to simulate the loss of the
electrical supply, while using smoke generators
to fill the building with smoke and a propane
burner strategically positioned on the
mezzanine floor above the staff canteen
provided a realistic fire core.
DSG Duty manager, Dan Rogers met the
incoming fire crews and explained that
employees and contractors were missing in
the building. Wearing self-contained breathing
apparatus, the fire teams carried out a search
and rescue mission. They located collapsed or
trapped casualties and successfully got them
out of the building. There were over 50 fire
fighters and five fire engines in attendance,
including senior fire service managers and
observers. A local church group from
Salisbury set up a feeding station in a safe area
“
The exercise was a
huge success from
both DSG’s and the
Wiltshire Fire and
Rescue Service’s
perspectives. For us,
having the ability to
actually physically test
our BCP is important
to ensure we are able
to fully apply and
”
develop our plans.
to provide a welcome snack for the fire crews
and exercise participants.
Following the exercise, the DSG team invoked
the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) as a
desktop exercise to deal with the loss of
power to the 4A main workshop facility.
Using Babcocks, the onsite facility contractor,
the team sent a request asking for the cost
and timescale for setting up temporary
heating and power supplies to 4A. Another
estimate requested was for temporary heating
to Building 1A, a contingency building available
on loan from the Land Training Fleet should
the need arise.
Throughout the simulated exercise which
lasted almost three hours, Production
manager, Paul Grearson acted as an observer
for DSG. He said, “The exercise was beneficial
Firemen rescue a trapped
casualty in Accident Repair, 4A
for DSG in testing our BCP and ensuring we
have plans in place to maintain continuous
operational effectiveness.”
Compliance manager, Mark Fisher, who also
acts as Warminster’s Business Continuity
planner, added, “The exercise was a huge
success from both DSG’s and the Wiltshire
Fire and Rescue Service’s perspectives. For us,
having the ability to actually physically test our
BCP is important to ensure we are able to
fully apply and develop our plans. For the
local fire crews, they now have valuable
intelligence of the site layout should they
attend a future emergency at the site. We are
grateful for the assistance and support the fire
service provides to help us with our BCP and
disaster recovery plans.”
Church volunteers from Salisbury
provide fire crews with a welcome meal
A briefing for the fire crew prior to entering the
building to rescue trapped employees
Firemen manning the pump after extinguishing
the fire in the 4A canteen
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
17

across the country
Across the c
Trio
triumphs at
ultra
marathon
challenge
Wullie Nairns from DSG Stirling, Iain Trickett and Chris
Chaffey both from DSG Bovington, who are all currently
deployed in Bastion, recently triumphed in the ultra
marathon challenge.
The ultra marathon totals 50 miles with a target completion of 14
hours. To sustain energy for this tough challenge, the trio consumed
more than 11,000 calories and drank more than 14 litres of fluid.
Iain told Digest, “I’ve done plenty of running in the past but mostly
shorter distances like five km. In August, I took part in the Camp
Bastion half marathon competing against 600 competitors, my
finishing time of 1 hour 18 minutes placed me in seventh place
overall. In the US Air Force five km run, I conquered the rocky
circuit and approximately 800 competitors to win first place with a
finishing time of 17 minutes 10 seconds. “
“A couple of months before the event, I fitted in training of around
50-70 miles a week in between my working week of up to 82 hours.
My aim was to hit 50 miles in under eight hours and 30 minutes.
Generally, 50 miles would take up to 14 hours so I said that if I
raised over £1000, I would complete the 50 miles and then continue
to run until the 14 hours was up, which by my calculation would
mean completing up to 75 miles.
“I was hoping that part of the race would be completed in darkness
which would ease the extremity of running in the heat but we
started the run in daylight hours making it even more challenging
and almost impossible to stay hydrated. Volunteers from
civilians to colonels ran with me in sections of 10 miles
encouraging me to push on. I eventually completed the 14
hours target and achieved just over 70 miles.
“I had numerous reasons to take up this challenge. I wanted
to give back something to those who have suffered to protect
us, military personnel who are injured pay such a high price,
suffering mental and physical scars, resulting in a discharge and
the prospect of facing a whole different world outside of the
Armed Forces. My brother is a Royal Marine Commando and
suffered an injury, which is more than likely going to end up
resulting in a medical discharge so that’s my biggest
motivation to carry out this ultra marathon. You can still
donate by going to www.justgiving.com/trickysultramarathon.”
Wullie added, “When Tricky told me that he was thinking
about doing an ultra marathon in aid of the Royal Marine
Benevolent Fund it planted the seed in my own mind. I have
completed an ultra marathon before and raised money for
other good causes in the process.
“A charity which is close to my heart is the Make A Wish,
L-R, Wullie Nairns, Ian Trickett and Chris Chaffey
which grants wishes to children who are battling life-threatening
conditions. I know first hand the outstanding work of the charity,
providing children and families with everlasting memories and a
welcome short-term distraction from the battle they face with their
various conditions. I decided to tag along and set myself a target of
completing the 50 miles in less than 10 hours. I am pleased to
report I completed the 50 miles in 9 hours 45 minutes and raised in
excess of $700 from donations in theatre and family and friends
back at home are still collecting for this worthwhile cause.”
Concluding a recount of the experience, Chris said, “Having already
taken part in many running events for charity during my deployment,
the ultra marathon planned towards the end of my tour was
something I was keen to take part in as it would be a great way to
end the year of events.
“The event itself went really well, we all had an amazing run despite
the heat really taking its toll. We all hit our donation targets for our
chosen charities and personally I managed to hit my target of just
over £1000 for Cancer Research UK. I really enjoyed the
experience and the significant amount we raised between us has
encouraged me to definitely consider doing more in the future. A
big thank you to my running partners who all did extremely well and
to every one who supported us.”
TOWIE in Bastion
They may not be the stars from The Only Way is Essex tv reality show
but they are from Essex. The volunteers from DSG Colchester deployed
in Bastion as part of the Equipment Sustainability System Team
18
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

across the country
untry
Super Spartan Race
One man
and his
unicycle
helping
casualties
Not my usual look! Covered in mud and crawling under barbed wire.
© www.epicaction.co.uk/Photographer Richard Burley
As Digest editor, the articles relating to personal challenges have
inspired me to take on a challenge of my own, the Super Spartan
Race.
I suggested to my personal trainer Andy that he put a team together for the
Spartan Sprint Race, a five km obstacle course race designed to test resilience,
strength and stamina. He agreed but instead registered a team of eight
including myself for the Super Spartan, which meant contending with another
seven km.
Eight weeks leading up to the event, the team and I met up every Saturday
morning for outdoor training sessions, which included running, weight bearing
and aerobic exercises.
We had all seen video footage so we had some idea of the obstacles in store,
and the day itself certainly lived up to it. We jumped over fire, crawled under
barbed wire, carried sandbags, waded through rivers, climbed up ropes, over
scramble nets, walked over balance beams and of course there was lots of mud.
That was all in the first six km and for the remaining six km we repeated the
course again but this time carrying a brick, no brick at the finish line, no medal.
Our finish time was slower than we hoped but this was due largely to the sheer
number of people participating, leading to lots of queuing for obstacles and
walking rather than running. I crossed the finishing line with my brick still inhand
and was presented with my medal, but my once pristine trainers were no
longer white. Thankfully though I still had my trainers as I nearly lost them
when I got stuck in mud, surviving only after two burly men came to my rescue
and pulled me out.
Building a good rapport as a team we are going to attempt the Toughmudder
next year, another similar race but 19km in distance and with more severe
obstacles with the frighteningly sounding cliff hanger, electroshock therapy and
arctic enema!
Still on a high that I managed to complete the Super Spartan, I applied for the
Basingstoke half marathon despite only having four weeks to train. I was
pleased with my finishing time of two hours five minutes, but I was aiming for
less than two hours. However, I blame the cold I developed three days before
the race and the side stitch I got nine miles in that slowed me down. Now, that
I have completed a half marathon I am now tempted to tackle a full marathon
but not sure if my little legs can manage it.
(Well she certainly kept that quiet from me – Allan Robertson)
Mike on his unicycle with one of his support team,
Joe Toye, providing encouragement
Mike Telfer from DSG Warminster, currently
deployed in Bastion, braved the 45 degree
heat of the Afghan desert to complete a
10km ride on a unicycle in aid of the British
Limbless Ex-servicemen’s Association
(BLESMA).
Mike learnt to ride the unicycle when he was 15
years old. He was inspired to give it a go by his
Godmother's blind brother who rode a unicycle.
Within a year, Mike mastered the single wheeled
cycle, becoming quite proficient but put it away
and left it gathering dust in storage until deciding
to take it to Bastion. He had heard that Bastion
was a very large camp with plenty of opportunities
for running so he thought he would unicycle
instead and hone his riding skills.
Mike completed the ride in one hour and 45
minutes, without once falling off or stopping and
raising $1,000 so far with more money pledged.
He said, “Doing that distance on a mixture of sand,
gravel and Tarmac, in the extreme heat without
falling off, was extremely difficult. It was my
personal challenge but worth doing for BLESMA.
“BLESMA is DSG Bastion's chosen charity and it
does a fantastic job helping severely injured
servicemen, many of whom sustained their injuries
in Afghanistan.
“It took place on my day off and I had a great
support team on the day from my friends Gordon
Alley from Warminster and Joe Toye from
Chippenham on bicycles.
“I also had a pick-up truck following me round
with plenty of water on board and snacks and best
of all I got the challenge finished before the hottest
part of the day.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2013 DIGEST
19

competition
COMPETITION
For this month’s competition, Imperial Commercials has
kindly donated an Apple iPad mini. All you have to do to
win, is to name the country related to the Christmas
themed question. Good luck!
1. The popular Christmas pantomime, Puss in Boots was written by Charles
Perrault, where was he born?
2. Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, is a territory of which
country?
3. In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO?
4. Stollen is a traditional cake, usually eaten during the Christmas season
originates from which country?
5. Singer Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics was born on December
25 1954. In which country was she born?
6. The poinsettia flower widely used as a Christmas decoration is a native of
which country?
The closing date for the competition is Thursday 3 January 2013.
The winner of last month’s competition and winning
the Land Rover experience day is Becki Sanders
from Warminster.The correct answers were:
1. Vampire
2. Trick or treat
3. Jack O Lantern
4. Toffee apples
5. Halloween
6. Superstition
Please send all your entries in to the Editor by Thursday 3 January 2013.
E-mail: venus.tingzon@dsg.mod.uk
Intranet: Click on the link on the dsg.net homepage
Fax: 94391 5458 / 01264 385458
Post: DSG Corporate Communications, Sedgemoor Building,
Monxton Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8HT
Name:
Business Unit/Department:
Telephone Number:
ENTRY FORM
RULES OF ENTRY
The competition is restricted to
DSG employees only.
Only one entry per person will be accepted.
20
DIGEST December/January 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk