DIGEST

DIGEST
February/March 2013
The magazine of the Defence Support Group

contents
Editor’s
intro
Welcome to the first
edition of Digest in 2013.
Hope you all enjoyed the
break and the festivities. In
this February issue we report what’s
been happening across the business
over the last few months.
There was improvement in DSG’s
results in the 2012 Civil Service People
Survey, read the summary on pages 6
and 7.
DSG has an enviable reputation for its
apprenticeship scheme, on pages 16
and 17 Donnington celebrated its
apprentices’ achievements at an
awards evening. Likewise, Colchester’s
own awards evening commended its
young apprentices on page 10.
With over 2500 DSG employees to
get to know, instead of selecting just
one for our regular 5 minutes with…
feature, you can now read up on three
of the best in each issue.
The round up of events from across
the country features on pages 22 and
23 and on page 24 why not try your
luck at winning an exclusive
opportunity for you and a companion
to a half day driving experience at the
Supacat driving centre in Devon.
Digest is a means of communicating
key corporate issues and news items,
successes and personnel achievements
across DSG. Thank you for all your
contributions to this edition, please
continue to send in your stories.
L-R, Adam Williams, Donnington
Apprentice of the Year with Geraint
Spearing, DSG Chief Operating Officer
Contents
03 Colchester retains title
04 News from DSG Bastion
05 Director Land Equipment Commendation for Land Supply
06 Improvement for DSG in 2012 CSPS results
08 Chief Executive shares mid year performance with workforce
09 DSG’s new Military Advisor
10 Celebrating the old and bringing in the new
11 Light Weapons team all fired up
12 Poster
14 Three of the best
15 Colchester completes ceremonial vehicle / LSBU continues to
harness relationship with suppliers
16 Awards evening celebrates apprentice achievements
17 Looking forward - development of the DSG business plan
18 Presentation of Imperial Service Medals
19 Duo’s diploma success / Defence Discount Service
20 Apprentices add value to the community
21 Former soldier takes part in Armistice Day ceremony / MOD
website moves to new government website
22 Across the country
24 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
Hannah Griffiths Donnington/Bicester 94480 2578
Rosemary Murphy-Paul Kinnegar 94914 3768
Nicola Thorpe LSBU 94480 3702
Angela Lloyd Sealand 95541 7157
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
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DIGEST February/March 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

usiness
Talking
point
“
At the last series of
Corporate Briefings, we
updated employees on
our future strategic
aspirations to expand
our capabilities and
deliver a fully integrated
growth programme
embracing a broad range of
land equipment support activities.
One of our declared core capabilities is providing support in
a deployed operational environment.
Aligned to this core capability, there are two important
projects in which DSG has a close involvement. The first is
our support to the equipment regeneration forward hub in
theatre, which increases our activities in Camp Bastion. The
second involves DSG working closely with the Land
customer in delivering the Herrick equipment exchange
point back in the UK.
The successful delivery of both these projects is crucial to
DSG if we are to demonstrate to our customers and the key
decision makers the growing extent of our capabilities and
expertise. We have already established two core teams with
people who have the necessary skills and knowledge to drive
these projects forward. However, we must supplement
these teams with others from across the business and if
necessary bring in new blood to the organisation where we
do not hold the required skills set in-house.
We must take these opportunities to enhance our
reputation in a positive way with total commitment and
focus our energies in delivering a service that exceeds the
expectations of our customers. We all have a key role to
play in the future success of DSG and I urge everyone to
grab the opportunity of expanding and growing their skills
and knowledge base for their personal development as well
as the benefit and future success of our business.
2013 is set to be as challenging as any other year and by
working together with a shared vision for the future we will
deliver the levels of service our customers expect and
deserve.
”
Best wishes,
Archie Hughes
Chief Executive
Colchester
retains
title
L-R, Emily Harrup, Colchester Travel Plan Club Co-ordinator;
Paul Lawrence, DSG Colchester Production Manager;
Andy Hursey Head of DSG Colchester Operating Unit
and Rachelle Ruston, Sustainable Travel Advisor for
Essex County Council
DSG Colchester triumphed at the recent
Colchester Business Awards by repeating its
success last year to win the Active and
Sustainable Travel award.
Colchester impressed with its level of commitment
in promoting sustainable travel. The site voluntarily
implemented a travel plan in 2010 and since then
cycling has become a key part of the site’s ethos. The
employees, including the senior management, make
regular use of the six pool bikes on site for business
and lunchtime rides. In addition, the site has also set
up a car sharing scheme and provides designated car
sharing spaces.
Andy Hursey, Head of Colchester Operating Unit
said, “Since we started promoting sustainable travel,
cycling to work has risen from seven per cent to an
impressive 16 per cent. We encourage cycling to
demonstrate our choice to help keep the planet as
healthy as possible and also to bring health benefits
to our employees as well as increasing morale and
unity in a fun activity. In this tough economic climate,
the car sharing initiative is proving popular, with
monetary benefit to the employees and reduction on
the impact to the environment. Car sharing is also
encouraged for business meetings, whilst the use of
video conferencing facilities reduce the need to
travel.”
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
3

news
News from
DSG Bastion
L-R, Steve Wilson, Barry Smith, Iain Trickett
and Tom Williams in fancy dress
Daz Dalzell recently returned to DSG
Bastion for his second year taking
over from Dave Burgess as the
General Manager. He brings us up to
speed with progress and recent
events in Camp Bastion.
Daz explains; “It seems like I have never
been away or have just been on an
extended R&R. The team are in fine spirit
and the workshop has had a much needed
facelift. The new logistics park, adjacent to
the workshop, is an excellent facility and
the Inspectors from the Protected Mobility
Platform team have setup an inspection bay
in the Dutch Barns within the park. It is
however, getting very cold and I just
wonder how long working outside will
last!”
There are also many new facilities around
Bastion which makes the limited time off
that the employees get all the more
pleasant. The new dining facility now
operated by KBR has excellent food. The
WiFi system coverage now extends to
cater for the DSG village with employees
able to connect to the World Wide Web
from the welfare suite. Over in Camp
Leatherneck there is a new Post Exchange,
supermarket and a beauty salon. Rumour
has it that even some of the men have
visited the salon to have their nails done!
The new Green Bean coffee shop is a
typical American affair with fully loaded
syrup coffees and cakes for all to indulge,
suffice to say some waistlines have
expanded.
He continues; “The enthusiasm of some
employees never cease to amaze me and
credit goes to a number of individuals who
entered the challenging Danish Contingent
L-R, Barry Graham with Matt Carr
(DANCON) 25 km march and 5 km
PEDRO runs. To date Iain Trickett from the
Jackal team has came in first in two
DANCON races and picked up a $100
prize for each event in the process. Up to
20 employees at a time attend the 5 km
PEDRO midnight runs held within the
helicopter compound on a regular basis.
The runs are often theme based, with
participants wearing fancy dress, and it has
been noted that Rob Butler takes great
pleasure in wearing his tutu dress with
pride on most occasions! Both events are
fund raising activities and have raised a lot
of money for numerous charities.”
Away from their families and loved ones,
the festive season is always a difficult time
for those in theatre. This year the team
were most grateful for the additional day
off Permanent Joint Headquarters gave the
team on Christmas day. This was preceded
by a sleigh race organised by the Theatre
Education Group on Christmas Eve. DSG
entered a team in fancy dress in the race
and we were placed 13th out of 14 teams
but everyone enjoyed the fun and after all
it’s the taking part that counts! Barry
L-R, Grant McIntyre receiving his
ISAF medal from Commander JFS
The American Forces Jazz band
Graham also took centre stage as the lead
cheerleader on the day. We were also
visited by an American Forces Jazz band on
23 December, raising spirits on the shop
floor on the Sunday afternoon. A BBQ was
organised on New Year’s Eve by Service
Support manager, David Davies, which was
very successful and as part of the evening
Dave Milsom organised a pool and darts
competition. Seeing in the New Year with a
few non-alcoholic beverages and excellent
food, good fun was had by all.
On the 1 January, Brigadier Duncan Capps,
Commander Joint Force Support visited
the workshop and took the opportunity to
present ISAF medals to eight team
members who were leaving. He thanked
the team for their continued and valuable
support to front line troops throughout
2012 and looked forward to our continued
support in 2013.
Finally, the team would like to say a fond
farewell to Dave Burgess who did a grand
job and is wished all the best for the future
in his new role as part of the DSG
Capability Growth Programme team.
L-R, Tom Williams receiving his
ISAF medal from Commander JFS
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DIGEST February/March 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
Director Land
Equipment
Commendation
for Land Supply
Major General Carew Wilks, Director
Land Equipment (DLE) recently
presented a DLE Certificate of
Commendation to the Land Supply
Business Unit (LSBU) for providing an
exceptional service to Land
Equipment.
The commendation recognises that
unsurpassed availability of spares in support
of operations was achieved through
innovative approaches to inventory
management activities whilst demonstrating
value for Defence.
LSBU provides an inventory management
service to the Land Equipment Operating
Centre (LEOC) and manages
approximately 300,000 parts. Prior to
assuming responsibility in 2009, service
levels of 70% were typical with inventory
purchases running consistently around
£250m and stock levels rising and stock
turnover reducing.
To address the stock control issues,
improve availability to the end user and
deliver best value, Andrew and his team
worked hard to improve processes and
apply new innovative working practices.
One of their key achievements is
introducing Demand Solutions, a
commercial off the shelf enterprise
resource planning software, which Andrew
previously used during his career in
industry. Andrew explained, “We already
had a licence to use the software so there
was no major new investment but it was
important we ran extensive testing to make
sure it suited our activities.
“Our own in-house Data Knowledge team
set about meeting my three major
requirements. Firstly, it had to react more
expediently to changes in demand history
and either increase or decrease suggested
quantities to provision and meet expected
demand based on history. Secondly, it had
to determine patterns in demand history
to enable smoothing of requirements and
allow the supply chain to improve its
delivery performance into the Authority
through more sensible production
schedules. Thirdly, it had to allow
development capability to include future
planned levels of activity at a platform level
to anticipate increases and decreases in
demand, allowing sufficient time to modify
stockholdings to ensure the necessary
levels of inventory are available to both
training fleets and war fighting
requirements.”
Andrew tasked Ian Wright, Head of the
Data Knowledge section and his team to
adopt and trial the product. They soon
recognised the system, now known as
Demand Solutions Inventory Planner
(DSIP), could meet the requirements.
Following proving the concept of operation,
the team wrote detailed work instructions,
delivered the necessary training,
preparation and validation work to roll out
the product across LEOC during 2011 and
the early part of 2012.
Receiving the certificate of commendation,
Andrew credits his team for their
commitment to delivering their service
offering. He said, “Everyone worked hard
to implement the use of the new software
and process. In the last 12 months, we
purchased 16% less stock than the previous
year, whilst demands only reduced by 3% in
the same period. At the same time stock
holdings reduced by 7% and service levels
are now steady at 90%. We still have much
work to do but this demonstrates the
agility of DSIP in reacting to changes in
demand activity and for the first time
provides us with the opportunity to truly
manage our customer’s inventory
effectively. Of course we can’t afford to
stand still if we want to continue
maintaining an effective service. Now that
both we and the customer see the benefits
of using the system, we are now jointly
focussed on working with the Project
Teams to further develop the software
capability to integrate HERRICK
redeployment activity.”
The full citation of the certificate reads as
follows, “The Land Supply Business Unit has
provided an exceptional service to Land
Equipment. Their procurement activity has
L-R, Major General Carew Wilks,
DLE with Andrew Sinclair,
Head of LSBU
“
The Land Supply
Business Unit has
provided an
exceptional service
to Land Equipment.
Their procurement
activity has ensured
unsurpassed
operational
availability, whilst
demonstrating
value for Defence.
”
ensured unsurpassed operational
availability, whilst demonstrating value for
Defence. They have used innovation,
imagination and industry best practice, but
above all else, they have shown a
commendable flexibility and commitment in
adapting their processes. The breadth of
services and number of Project Teams
supported has grown significantly in 2012,
and this change has been achieved due to
the dedication, hard work, initiative and
teamwork of all staff.”
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
5

2011 RE
2012 RE
news
Improvement for DSG
in 2012 CSPS results
The number of DSG employees
taking part in the 2012 Civil Service
People Survey (CSPS) increased by
2% to 60%, compared to 58% in 2011,
with the majority of the results also
seeing a positive shift.
With 84% of employees interested in their
work, this particular question remains
consistently high year on year. A key area
where DSG made significant improvements
is under the theme of leadership and
managing change, with the increase ranging
between +8 to +14%. In this particular
theme, there was a fairly high confidence in
the 2010 results but there was a drop in
the 2011 results. However, this year’s
increase demonstrates that despite sale on
the horizon, pay freeze and changes to
pensions, employee confidence in the
Board and senior managers improved.
Last year, the results for the Learning and
Development areas were of particular
concern to the DSG Board. Throughout
the year Archie Hughes, DSG’s Chief
Executive (CE), emphasised his
commitment to developing talent in the
workplace and establishing home-grown
business leaders of the future. This
commitment is starting to see the benefits
with this year’s result showing a 5%
increase and employees agreeing that there
are opportunities for them to develop their
career. The CE continues to fully support
and endorse a business-wide people
development programme. To date, the
business has spent £500k and committed
over 4000 man days on internal training,
covering areas such as health and safety;
sales and operation planning; audit; driver
training' manual handling and quality
HIGHS
My work
My Team
Inclusion and
Fair Treatment
Resources and Workload
I am interested
in my work
The people in my
team can be
relied upon to
help when things
get difficult
in my job
The people in
my team work
together to find
ways to improve
the service
we provide
I am treated
with respect by
the people
I work with
In my job I
am clear
about what is
expected of me
I have the
skills I need
to do my job
effectively
Senior
Managers are
sufficiently
visible in DSG
Overall I have
confidence in
the decisions
made by
DSG’s Senior
Managers
Percentage agree or strongly agree
82% 77% 70% 75% 72% 78% 57% 61%
84% 79% 71% 76% 77% 79% 42% 47%
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DIGEST February/March 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
assurance awareness.
Another improvement area for DSG seen
by employees is DSG taking action on
previous survey results. In the past
employees felt that no actions were taken
from the surveys. Anonymous feedback has
included, “We seem to have a lot of these
surveys but very little seems to change."
and “It is just another management
initiative that won’t be seen through, we
have seen these things before, the changes
that you are promised from these things
never happen.” Whilst 45% do not believe
that senior managers take action on the
results from the last survey, this has still
seen a massive improvement compared to
2011 when it was as high as 62%, so this
year’s result is a considerable positive step
of +17%. Achieving a similar increase, is
taking effective action. This year 54% of
employees agreed that actions were taken
on the results of the last survey compared
to just 37% in 2011.
Of course the positive response is not
across the board, with the government pay
freeze now in its second year, employee
morale on issues concerning pay and
benefits remains low, but as in previous
years, it is in line with employees views
across the whole Civil Service and not just
particular to DSG.
In November, Jane Williams took over the
role of HR Director from Derek Owen. As
DSG’s HR Director, she takes on the role
of Board Director and overall Champion
for CSPS. Jane said, “One of my main
priorities in this role is to continue with
the CSPS work already delivered through
the Steering Group and business activity.
During 2013, I want to make sure that all
the good work that’s already been done is
maintained, and more is also done
wherever possible, to see if we can achieve
a stronger response rate in the 2013
Survey.”
Commenting on the CSPS results, Archie
Hughes said, “Thank you to everyone who
took time to complete the survey. I would
like to have seen a greater increase in
participant numbers but it is still moving in
a positive direction, which is good news. I
have said on numerous occasions, how
important the survey is to us as a business
looking to improve and I believe that the
commitment of the DSG Board, senior
managers and work of the CSPS Steering
Group are all contributing to improved
results.
“All the business areas produced action
plans for their respective areas, which are
visible to everyone. This visibility means we
cannot hide. The owners must take
responsibility, address the actions from the
survey and ensure we meet our success
measures.
“I cannot emphasise enough the
importance of the survey. It’s your
opportunity to voice your concerns and
opinions and help us to understand what is
working well and where we need to
improve so I am hoping for a better
response rate next year.
“This year’s positive results clearly show
we are taking action from the last survey.
However, we need to keep up the
momentum and continue to drive
improvements with tangible benefits in our
working practices and deliver what we
promise.”
“
I cannot
emphasise enough
the importance of
the survey. It’s your
opportunity to
voice your concerns
and opinions and
help us to
understand what is
working well and
where we need to
improve so I am
hoping for a better
response rate
next year.
”
LOWS
Leadership and
managing change
Learning and
Development
Pay and
Benefits
Taking Action
I feel that
change is
managed
well in DSG
When changes
are made in
DSG they
are usually
for the better
I have the
opportunity
to contribute
my views
before decisions
are made
that affect me
There are
opportunities
to develop
my career
Compared to
other people
doing a similar
job in other
organisations
I feel my pay is
reasonable
I believe that
Senior Managers
in DSG will take
action on the
results from
this survey
I believe that
managers
where I work will
take action
on the results
from this survey
Percentage disagree or strongly disagree
SULTS
62% 61% 63% 55% 53% 62% 54%
SULTS
49% 49% 55% 50% 56% 45% 43%
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
7

news
Chief Executive shares
mid year performance
with workforce
Archie Hughes, DSG CE briefing the Longmoor workforce
The end of November saw the start of
the DSG bi-annual corporate briefing
by Archie Hughes, DSG Chief
Executive. Considering that the topic
most employees wish to address is the
sale of DSG, there were slight changes
to the traditional format with Keith
Norris, DSG’s Strategy Director
joining Archie to give the workforce an
update on the business’s forward
strategy and sale.
The briefing opened with Archie delivering
the mid year business and financial
performance, which is indicating another
profitable year for DSG. At DSG’s flag ship
workshop in Bastion, the end users not only
recognise the advantage of front line
support but MOD has benefited from over
£74M in cost avoidance in the last two
years. He went on to say that whilst the
majority of work carried out is on
platforms, electro optics and calibration
activity are also on the increase. He also
said that, with HM Treasury now approving a
contract extension for DSG to continue its
pivotal role in supporting the Equipment
Sustainability System facility up to
September 2014, DSG needs a constant
flow of volunteers and that there are
opportunities for deployments across all
skills sets including vehicle mechanics,
logistics and administration support.
Archie mentioned other sites demonstrating
improved performance including
Warminster, which had an impressive Direct
Labour Utilisation and Land Supply
continued to deliver excellent financial
performance.
He explained that DSG is on target to meet
its four internal business measures of quality,
delivery, efficiency and financial performance
used by Ministers, Parliament and customers
to measure DSG’s overall business
performance. He presented the mid year
point delivery of critical programmes which
is at an impressive 99% but he encouraged
the sites to remain focussed and maintain
output and hit the end of year delivery
criteria.
Following the business review, he presented
the results of the 2012 Civil Service People
Survey (CSPS) and reported that in general
the results across the themes were positive.
He reiterated his commitment to the CSPS
and plans to continue to take action on
people development. He said that whilst
the business aims to match the aspirations
of those who want to progress, in reality
following a period of downsizing it was
difficult to meet these aspirations right away
but the business is working towards
realising opportunities for those who want
to advance. He also touched on the
negative response to pay and benefits and
how the pay freeze is imposed government
wide and is one in which DSG has no
influence.
Keith Norris then reflected on how DSG
had reshaped over the last two years. Keith
said that DSG achieved vertical and
horizontal growth by moving away from the
traditional maintenance, repair and overhaul
capabilities and growing its range of
capabilities to establish its role as a credible
end-to-end support provider. He touched
on the DSG Capability Growth Programme,
which opens up opportunities for DSG to
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news
“
I am proud that
despite the
uncertainties for
the future, DSG
employees continue
to deliver an
outstanding service
and commit to the
ethos of delivering
our mission and
vision to be a
trusted partner of
the Armed Forces.
”
continue to develop and grow its capabilities
to provide fleet management support
solutions. Keith also said that the good
work DSG provides supporting the
Operational Training Equipment Pack and
the Reinforcing fleets are good foundations
for DSG’s aspiration to develop as a fleet
manager, which is the major thrust of the
future strategy. Whilst there is still much
work to build on DSG’s capability offering,
DSG is in line to deepen its role as a
Strategic Support Supplier.
Keith Norris, DSG Strategy Director briefing the Land Supply Business Unit in Donnington
He then finished with an update on sale. He
said that MOD’s Business Strategy and
Governance team is progressing with the
sale process and the overview of the sale
project plan he shared with the audience
indicates completion of sale by the summer
of 2014. Prior to the briefing, DSG sites had
the opportunity to raise questions
concerning sale. To help alleviate concerns
amongst the workforce, Keith addressed the
top five pertinent questions which included
TUPE and pension rights, prospective buyers
and the likelihood of closures pre and post
sale.
Concluding the briefing Archie said, “The
direction of travel is clear, DSG is for sale.
Our biggest strength is that we are unique
in our offering and are renowned for our
services not only now but from years gone
by. Irrespective of whether or not we are in
the public or private sector, there is a
requirement for the services we deliver.
Any prospective buyer of DSG is looking to
make an investment in our capabilities and
us, therefore we should view the sale in a
positive way. Any new owner may have
complementary skills in such areas as fleet
management, which would build on our own
range of capabilities. I am proud that
despite the uncertainties for the future,
DSG employees continue to deliver an
outstanding service and commit to the
ethos of delivering our mission and vision to
be a trusted partner of the Armed Forces.”
DSG’s new Military Advisor
Derek Hull, former Military Advisor
to the DSG Chief Executive left
DSG and the army at the end of
November to pursue new
opportunities. Lt Col Neil Stace has
taken over the role.
Neil received a commission in to the
REME after completing an electronic
engineering degree at Shrivenham in 1987.
In the early nineties he served in
Germany with 22 Air Defence Regiment,
6 Battalion REME in Bordon and the
Kings Own Royal Border Regiment in
Catterick. During this period he also
completed tours in Bosnia and Kosovo.
In 2003, after completing a Masters
degree in Design of Information Systems,
Neil moved away from the engineering
field in to the world of Digitization and
Information Management and was
involved in the Multinational
Interoperability Programme.
Following a tour in the field of
Information Operations, Neil diversified
yet again and spent two years as a
Counter Insurgency Instructor mostly in
Afghanistan training the Afghan soldiers
and police in the art of “Hearts and
Minds”.
Prior to his posting to DSG, Neil spent
two years in Army Headquarters,
Equipment Directorate responsible for
the redeployment of equipment from Op
HERRICK and the delivery of contingency
capability for future operations.
Neil’s role as the Military Advisor is to
provide guidance and advice on any
military matters in particular the plethora
of change initiatives, implementation of
Army 2020, the delivery of the Land Fleet
Requirement and the return to
contingent operations.
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
9

news
Celebrating the old
and bringing in the
new
In a celebration of apprentice
achievements, three Colchester
apprentices received their deeds from
Andy Hursey, Head of DSG
Colchester Operating Unit.
Amongst family members and colleagues,
Andrew Bennington, Darren Blackery and
Richard Edwards celebrated the successful
completion of their three year
apprenticeship.
In his speech Andy Hursey said, “We can
only run our apprenticeship scheme with
the help and support of our apprentice
masters. I would like to thank them for
sharing their expertise and knowledge,
which are invaluable in mentoring and is a
fundamental part of our scheme. I would
also like to thank Brian Steel from the
Colchester Institute, our training partner,
for the hard work and support they have
provided to ensure our apprentices passed
their qualifications.”
As well as receiving their deeds, the trio
received congratulations and an advanced
apprenticeship certificate from Brian.
Teresa Hooper, Learning Development
Advisor added, “Apprenticeships are not
easy, there is a lot of paperwork and
studying involved with National Vocational
Qualifications; key skills, standard base
training and the technical certificate. To
remain focussed throughout three years of
studying is difficult and that is why we
rightly celebrate their achievement and
completion. I am so very proud of Richard,
L-R, Teresa Hooper, DSG Colchester Learning & Development Advisor; Joseph Olsen;
Andy Hursey, Head of DSG Colchester Operating Unit and Elliott Harrod
Andrew and Darren for their accomplishments,
well done!
“Of course the evening wouldn’t be a
success had it not been for those
responsible in the background. A special
thanks to Pauline Scott and Karen Emery
for ensuring the evening went smoothly,
year 1 apprentices Elliott Harrod and
Joseph Olsen for setting up the evening and
keeping the refreshments topped up, they
did a great job. Also thanks to Phil Puxley
for taking the photographs and last but not
least thank you to the washer uppers, you
know who you are.”
All three apprentices are now working at
the In-Barracks Equipment Support Site in
Woolwich, applying their lessons learnt in
their roles as Vehicle mechanics.
Following in their footsteps are year 1
apprentices Elliot Harrod and Joseph Olsen
who started their apprenticeship at the site
in September after successfully completing
the MOD Apprentice Selection Test
(MODAST). They have a lot of hard work
ahead of them, but it started long before
they secured their places, by having to sit
the MODAST and beating 47 others to
secure their apprenticeship. They are now
studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle
Maintenance and Repair at Ipswich College.
Elliott and Joseph are familiar with
apprenticeship schemes. Jo trained as a
Blacksmith and Elliott as a Paint Sprayer.
When not studying or working, Jo enjoys
working on VW’s or spending time with his
little boy Oskar who is nearly eight months.
Elliott also likes tinkering with cars and is a
keen climber and film buff, with Aliens being
his favourite.
We wish them both every success with
their apprenticeship.
L-R, Andrew Bennington with Andy Hursey L-R, Darren Blackery with Andy Hursey L-R, Richard Edwards with Andy Hursey
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Light Weapons
team all fired up
The Light Weapons workshop in
Donnington is a centre of excellence
for armourer support and has an
established reputation with its
customers for delivery and quality. To
further enhance the workshop’s
capability, Chris Giles, Team Leader
Front Line Command Authority
(FLCA), heads up the FLCA team,
which consists of members located in
the DSG Donnington, Bovington,
Catterick, Colchester and
Warminster sites.
As a complete one stop solution, the FLCA
team consists of skilled armourers
responsible for all on demand inspection
and level 1 to 3 repair activities at their
respective sites, whilst some of the team
members provide the same activities but
through mobile support. In the past 12
months, the team supported 132 separate
mobile support requirements, primarily
providing inspection and range support
throughout the whole of the UK.
Locations covered include all units and
schools in and around the M25 and central
London; the South East; in Cornwall to
support the Army Cadet Force; Bodmin in
the South West; 2-Mercian in Northern
Ireland and all the way up to support the 3
Scots in Fort George in Scotland, as well as
other key locations across the country.
Ian Heighway, Fleet manager acts as the
conduit for deploying Mobile Support
Teams (MST). He is the first point of
contact for all military units requiring light
weapons support. In the past, Ian worked
closely with Lt Col Plater, Military Contract
Monitoring Officer (MCMO) who recently
retired, ensuring that requests are
securitised, justified and offer best value. In
the interim, Major Eddie Thomas has taken
on the role of MCMO. Ian told Digest,
“The nature of the work is unpredictable,
with last minute urgent requirements not
uncommon. However, with a dedicated
support pool we can deploy MST’s at very
short notice.”
Alex Moore, Light Weapons Business
manager told Digest, “Providing a mobile
support function demonstrates our
flexibility and commitment in keeping
equipment down time to a minimum. The
majority of the workload involves
Armourers from Business Stream 2 and the DSG Donnington
Light Weapons Management team
conducting Mandatory Equipment
Inspections at schools and colleges in the
South West and the London area.
Supporting the cadets is part of our service
level agreement and since 2003 we have
had an onsite support team at the cadet
forces’ live firing annual shooting
competition in Bisley. The team ensures
the rifles are not only in pristine condition
but most importantly are safe for use.”
The FLCA team from across the sites
recently gathered together for their first
ever team meeting. The session, held in
Donnington, enabled the team to discuss
issues from business plans to future
activities and gave them all the opportunity
to put a face to a voice of other members
they may have previously spoken to on the
phone but have never met in person.
Alex added, “Having the support teams
spread out across the country is beneficial
for the customer but it means that the
small teams tend to operate on their own
rather than as part of the overall FLCA
team. To bring unity to the team we plan
on holding more group meetings as this
session proved a great forum for
knowledge transfer and sharing.”
As a testament to the Light Weapons
professionalism and flexibility, Lt Col C S
“
To bring unity to
the team we plan
on holding more
group meetings as
this session proved
a great forum for
knowledge transfer
and sharing.
”
Maconochie, Commanding Officer 3rd
Battalion The Rifles said, “I would like to
take this opportunity to thank you for
providing tradesman assistance to 3 Rifles
as the Battalion prepared to launch on Op
HERRICK 16. The two tradesmen
inspectors were a welcome addition, easing
the pressures on my own armourers by
providing a wealth of experience and depth
of knowledge. They both provided a
thorough and detailed inspection regime
approaching the task with professionalism
and flexibility in a constant moving
programme, allowing my soldiers to
undertake essential military training.”
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
11

Foxhound

13
Foxhound © Photographer Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC / UK MOD Crown Copyright 2013

news
Three of the best
Janet Knight, New Services Provision Team member, Ashchurch
Janet joined the MOD in 1993 as part of the production control team. Seven years later she
set up and ran the Customer Services facility. Following the birth of her third child she
returned on a part time basis into the role of data collection and analysis. She now works full
time as a team member of the New Services Provision.
The best thing my parents taught me is… to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.
Sometimes it's very easy to lose patience or get angry so it's good to just step back and think about how
the other party may be feeling before leaping in and doing something you may regret afterwards.
The most extravagant thing I have ever bought… is an embossing tool. One of my hobbies is making card and I saw a
demonstration of the embossing tool at the craft fair at the NEC one year. I thought it was brilliant but when I go it home and
started to play with it I found it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Not one of my better purchases!
I am not a politician but if I were... I’d probably get it wrong as much as the next person. I’d like to say that during my political
career I would make a positive difference to lots of people somewhere but that would really make me one in a million!
If I could be anyone else I’d be… my mum. She is always happy and content with life no matter what gets thrown at her and she
has the ability to see the lighter side of the bad things and stay calm in a crisis. In short, she takes life in her stride.
I'm very bad at... dieting. I have a very sweet tooth and have to have regular sweetie fixes or I turn into Mrs Nasty. However, this
does make me very easy to bribe! After indulging over Christmas, I’m now back on fruit teas and Ryvita!
Mark Ashby, Purchasing Officer, Bovington
Prior to joining DSG in 2002, Mark worked for another government agency, the Benefits
Agency. He is married with a young family.
My proudest moment is… the birth of my two daughters, Darcie is now four and Amaya is 15 months
old.
In 5 years time I hope to… still be in employment!
The worst thing you could say to me is… you are looking scruffy today.
My biggest regret is… not buying my first house earlier than I did and before the property market stagnated.
A shop I can’t walk past without buying something in is… Carhartt in Covent Garden, it sells really cool clothes.
Danny Gooding, Team leader - Lights, Colchester
Danny joined DSG 15 years ago. He started work on the maintenance section before moving
on to a semi-skilled role. On passing an adult apprenticeship he became a level 2 vehicle fitter
and then moved to an examiner role. He has held Team leader roles in various sections but
still has his sight on progressing further.
I'm good at… Football, though it was in my younger days. Fishing, when I get the time and sleeping.
Everyone knows not to approach me till at least 10 in the morning.
The best age to be is… 18 years old, when the world was my oyster.
On my last holiday… I haven't had a holiday abroad for about 10 years, so looking forward to maybe getting some sun soon.
The most surprising thing that's ever happened to me was… After expressing an interest in a Team leader role, I was actually
selected against some strong competition. I feel empowered running my own team.
The three things I’d want on a desert island are… A fishing rod to catch something to eat, Kelly Brook for something to look at
and to pass the time, and some champagne. With just Kelly and me on the island, you never know my luck.
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Colchester completes
ceremonial vehicle
DSG Colchester recently converted a Land
Rover Wolf 90 Hard Top to a ceremonial vehicle
for the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).
As the requirement was not a standard repair, Karl Hall,
DSG vehicle mechanic was given the task of completing
the project and Major Birley, DSG Colchester’s Military
Contract Monitoring Officer negotiated and defined the
parameters and timescales with Sargent Sanders from
the HAC.
Once the project outline was agreed, Karl along with
help from vehicle electrician, Steve Beaumont and metal
fabricator, Stuart Robinson set about bringing the
vehicle to ceremonial standard. They replaced various
components such as the fitted for radio wiring,
batteries, alternator and seats. They also removed the
hard top and the original roll cage. Gavin Humm, metal
L-R, Major Longbottom; Karl Hall, DSG vehicle mechanic; Chris Osborne,
DSG Value Stream manager and Sergeant Sanders
fabricator, stepped in to remove the dents from the bodywork. Karl then came up with an idea to fabricate checker plating for
fitment on top of the door capping, around the top of the back body, across the rear x-member and inside the vehicle body.
Whilst the plating was under construction, the vehicle transferred to painters Paul Varletta, John Armour and Paul Adams who applied
high gloss green paint to the now smooth bodywork before Karl started fitting the new parts including new seats. The added
checker plate panels gave the vehicle a smart finished look and after the final polish, the vehicle was ready for delivery to the HAC.
Karl accompanied by his Value Stream manager and planner, Chris Osborne loaded the vehicle onto a recovery truck and headed to
Finsbury Barracks and finally handed the vehicle over to HAC Commanding Officer, Lt Col Wilkinson.
Karl told Digest, “Although Chris and I handed the vehicle back to the HAC, we would not have completed the project without all
the hard work by everyone involved.”
LSBU continues to harness
relationship with suppliers
LSBU employee checking out the new Foxhound
DSG Land Supply Business Unit (LSBU) remains
committed to improving its employees understanding of
the platforms they support.
As a key supplier and advocate of LSBU’S Supplier Relationship
Management (SRM) programme, General Dynamics Land
Systems - Force Protection Europe (GDLS-FPE) reciprocated
with a knowledge sharing exercise by showcasing the new
Foxhound vehicle at Donnington, enabling the LSBU employees
to familiarise themselves with the platform.
Paul Rule, Spares General manager from GDLS-FPE said, “We
are seeing real benefits from the SRM programme and the
innovative contract we have in place with LSBU to support this
vehicle. GDLS-FPE and LSBU have developed a close working
relationship in the delivery of spares for the Foxhound platform
and our joint understanding of our key business drivers has
already benefited both Defence Equipment and Support and
front line troops. The challenge now is supporting the vehicle in
operations but I have no doubt that the partnership approach
has demonstrated benefits and will continue to deliver the
required results for all concerned.”
Neil Harris, Change leader from LSBU added, “Working with
GDLS-FPE as a new supplier gives LSBU the opportunity to trial
some innovative contractual terms such as the joint Business
Transformation Agreement (BTA). The BTA jointly sets out our
plans to improve the delivery of spares in terms of performance,
cost and time, the operational availability of Foxhound through
life in order to enhance value for money and optimise the cost
of ownership.”
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
15

news
Awards evening celebrates
apprentice achievements
LIST OF DONNINGTON
AWARD WINNERS
Gareth Hopton
1st Year apprentice of the year
Jak Renshaw
1st Year runner up
Luke Gosling
2nd Year apprentice of the year
Scott Jarvis
2nd Year runner up
Adam Williams
3rd Year apprentice of the year
Jack Jones
3rd Year runner up
At the recent annual DSG Donnington
apprentice awards evening, 16
apprentices received their deeds from
Geraint Spearing, DSG’s Chief
Operating Officer.
Barry Potts, Training Supervisor, gave an
opening address followed by Graham
Sargent, Head of Business Stream 1.
Graham welcomed everyone, which
included the apprentices’ families. He
explained that the Donnington Apprentice
Training centre runs a three phase standards
based apprenticeship training programme.
Each apprentice progresses to the next
phase upon reaching the standards in both
practical and academic fields, as required by
the training and skill specifications for each
trade. He added that working one to one
Adam Williams, Donnington apprentice
of the year with Geraint Spearing,
DSG Chief Operating Officer
Geraint with the apprentices
with a skilled mentor the apprentices’
practical hands on experience element of
their training enabled them to work on real
life saving equipment used at the front line
such as the Warrior armoured fighting
vehicle.
Graham told Digest, “The DSG Donnington
Apprentice Training Centre has been in
operation since 1948 and is a fine example
of our commitment to maintaining a skilled
workforce. Over the years we have gained
an enviable record of turning-out qualified
and skilled technicians of the highest calibre
with many excelling in the numerous MOD
and external competitions we encourage
them to enter. We rely heavily on the
support we get from our various partners
in the apprenticeship scheme, from our
colleagues in MOD, to schools and colleges
and of course our other training providers.”
Three of this year’s graduating mechanical
apprentices also carried out segments of
their training at DSG Stafford. They made
the daily travel from Donnington to Stafford
to gain experience on other equipment and
also to acquire further work based evidence
to complete their National Vocational
Qualification Level 3.
Following Graham was Geraint, who
commended and presented certificates of
merit to the Donnington apprentices who
won awards by competing against some of
the best apprentices from across the MOD
at the Tom Nevard Memorial competition.
Divided into phase and trade sections, the
Gareth Hopton
The Jim Ritchie Trophy
Ben Howson
The Allen Howells Trophy
Roby Pennington
The Norman Wright Shield
Alex Breakwell
The Gordon Richards Cup
Jacky Tommy
The Works Committee Cup
Luke Gosling
The Trevor Lacey Trophy
Charlie Cummings
The Health and Safety Award
week long competition tested the
apprentices on their skills in electronics,
mechatronics, mechanical hand skills and
machining. Amongst the victorious were
Gareth Hopton who won 1st place in the
Machining Phase 1 and following on from his
success in last year’s competition, Luke
Gosling won 1st place in the Machining
Phase 2. Teaming up with two apprentices
from Abbey Wood, Jack Jones and Marc
Piddock came second in the team
competition. Marginally missing out on
awards were Ryan Fox-Novak who came
runner up in the 1st Phase Hand Fitting, Jack
Jones secured runner up in the 2nd Phase
Hand Fitting and Chris Jones in Machining.
The winners formally received their awards
at a ceremony in London in December.
Michael Jenks received a certificate of merit
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news
for his commitment to training and for not
having had a single day’s sick absence
throughout his three years training.
The presentation to Adam Williams of the
coveted DSG Donnington Apprentice of the
Year concluded the evening’s proceedings.
In his speech Geraint said, “We believe that
by investing in our people we improve the
quality of our business processes and retain
a fully qualified, motivated and multitalented
workforce and that is why the
apprentice scheme is of such importance to
us and why we continue to support it even
in these difficult economic times. There is
greater competition for places year on year,
which means the apprentices we take on
show us the potential to enhance our skill
base and by celebrating their outstanding
achievements tonight is a testament to all
L-R, Jack Jones and Marc Piddock at the
Tom Nevard Competition
their hard work. Like many managers and
directors in DSG I can vouch that an
apprenticeship is a passport that will help
shape your careers for the future in
Ryan Fox Novak at the
Tom Nevard Competition
whatever way you want. Graduating is the
start of another milestone in your lives so
grasp the opportunities open to you and
realise your dreams.”
Looking forward - development
of the DSG business plan
DSG produces an annual Corporate
Strategic Plan, which traditionally
looks at capturing the customers’
demand over the next five years as
well as shaping and positioning the
business to capture current and
future work.
A key part of the planning process is the
Strategic Market Assessment (SMA), a
two day event bringing together the
Executive Board and senior managers
from across all operating units and
functions to present, analyse and discuss
the business going forward.
Representatives from the National Trades
Unions; PCS and Prospect also attended
the SMA, which took place at DSG
Donnington in December.
On day one, the Strategy team’s
presentation covered the strategic
context and environment for the next
five years. Led by Keith Norris, DSG
Strategy Director, the team shared how
DSG needs to shape itself to address the
outcomes of Army 2020, the evolving
Land Equipment Support Strategy, the
Defence Material Strategy, Defence
Reform and Sale. The team also gave an
update on DSG’s Capability Growth
Programme (CGP) and gave the
opportunity for the rest of the business
to test and challenge the CGP as well as
provide constructive feedback and
comments.
Day two focussed on each of the
operating units. Representation from
each site presented their forward
business projections and customer
requirements. The development of the
New Commercial Arrangement and the
production, by Defence Equipment and
Support, of a five year Statement of Work
along with an understanding of the
customers’ funding profile for the next
five years, means the operating units are
now better placed than in previous years
to develop their individual plans.
Archie Hughes, DSG Chief Executive said,
“The SMA is a very worthwhile and
important forum, which tests our
understanding of the key issues and
planning assumptions and helps us create
a plan that not only gains agreement
internally but also endorsement from our
Owner and customer. The next stage of
the process is to refine the business and
financial projections and produce a
robust plan for endorsement from our
Minister before putting the plan in place
by 1 April 2013.”
The attendees also helped raised money
for the Help the Heroes charity. As well
as passing a collection box around over
the two days, anyone who forgot to put
their phone on silent received a fine. In
total they raised £272 towards the
charity.
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
17

news
Presentation of
Imperial Service Medals
Archie Hughes, DSG’s Chief
Executive recently presented the
Imperial Service Medal (ISM) to four
former DSG employees. The ISM is
in recognition of meritorious and
loyal service to MOD, and collectively
they clocked up 136 years service.
Paul Curtis from Warminster received his
medal whilst his wife Sue watched proudly.
Paul started his working life at the age of
15 at a local engineering company in
Warminster as an apprentice welder. He
joined 27 Command Workshop REME in
1978 as a general fitter. He continued in
the role until he transferred to the
welding shop in the early 90’s before
moving to a role to refurbish Bedford
trucks. He concluded his career working
on the REMUS Land Rover section. Upon
leaving DSG in March 2012, Paul
completed 34 years service.
Continuing the celebration of long service,
Matthew Wrigley from Sealand completed
almost 27 years service. He joined as an
Electrical Aircraft fitter at the then known
7 Squadron. He undertook various roles
before finally settling in the Test Solutions
department as a Programmer. Matthew’s
most memorable task was repairing a
communication radio fitted to a 1945
Merlin Spitfire for the Station Commander
at the time. After repairing the set he
went to High Wycombe to fit it and had
the opportunity to sit in the driving seat of
the Spitfire, which he thought was great
fun.
Two former employees from Donnington
also received the ISM. First to receive his
medal was Timothy Wilderspin with over
35 years service. He joined as an
apprentice in 1976 at 34 Base Workshop
REME. He later became a fitter, Leading
Charge Hand and then Team leader before
retiring in March 2012. Although Tim
spent the majority of his time in
Donnington, he also spent a period of time
at 23 Base Workshop REME in Germany.
George Stewart, the second medal
recipient completed almost 40 years
service. He joined as a casual Welder in
1972 before being taken on permanently
at 34 Central Workshop REME,
Donnington. Achievements in his career
include achieving the grade of Welder
in1975 and Senior Craftsman in 1992. He
also substituted as a Team leader during
2007 before finally retiring in March 2012.
Archie Hughes said, “The ISM recipients
have shown dedication and loyalty to
MOD. Each and every one rightly deserve
this important honour, which we must
remember is only within the gift of Her
Majesty The Queen.”
“L-R, Archie Hughes with Matthew Wrigley
The ISM recipients
have shown dedication
and loyalty to MOD.
Each and every one
rightly deserve this
important honour,
which we must
remember is only within
the gift of Her Majesty
The Queen.
”
L-R, Archie Hughes with George Stewart L-R, Archie Hughes with Paul Curtis L-R, Archie Hughes with Timothy Wilderspin
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news
Duo’s diploma success
Having both completed the
Chartered Management Institute
(CMI) Level 5 in Management and
Leadership, Paul Grearson, Senior
Production manager from DSG
Warminster and Ian Rockett,
Training manager for DSG
Warminster and Bovington,
recently received their diplomas
from Wiltshire College in a
graduation ceremony at Salisbury
Cathedral.
Paul and Ian wanted to obtain a
qualification, which enables them to
build on their management skills and
expand their knowledge in all areas of
wider management and the DSG
business. Nick Morgan, Head of
Warminster Operating Unit
recognised their enthusiasm and gave
approval and support to their studies.
Designed for middle managers and
aspiring senior business leaders, the
CMI Level 5 qualification in
Management and Leadership develops
key skills such as managing resources,
recruitment and information
management whilst also developing
core management skills and practices.
From December 2011 to September
2012, Paul and Ian carried out practical
Ian at his graduation
Paul at his graduation
work-based assignments provided by
Wiltshire College in their own time,
which not only minimised time away
from work but their studies were also
relevant to their active role in DSG.
They concluded the course with an indepth
project using the skill sets
learned during the course.
Paul, who has been in the post of
Senior Production manager since 2009,
said, “I felt the time was right to start
learning again but I wanted to study for
a qualification, which was relevant and
would give me an even better
foundation in my current role.
Although obtaining the qualification in
such a small amount of time was a lot
of work I really enjoyed the content
and unlike some other courses I could
relate every module we covered to
DSG and our processes.”
Ian added, “The CMI was a challenging
course and it revealed a lot of new
areas of management I had not
previously come across and I now look
forward to applying those skills to my
role in the future.”
Paul and Ian’s diploma success has
gained them both Chartered
membership to the CMI.
Defence Discount Service
In October last year, MOD launched a new Defence Discount Service, as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, in
recognition of service in the Armed Forces. Over 24,000 members have already registered with the scheme.
The Defence Discount Service offers a wide range of discounts and privileges online and is open to
members of the Armed Forces community, including serving and Reserves personnel, Armed Forces
veterans, spouses and partners of Service personnel, and bereaved spouses and partners. It is also open
to MOD civil servants, members of the Cadet Forces and NATO personnel serving in UK-based posts.
In addition, members can also obtain for a small cost of £4.99 the Defence Privilege Card, which
is valid for five years and entitles the holder to discounts in certain high street stores. It is a key
part of the new Defence Discount Service and is the only card of its type, which has the
support of MOD.
Many high profile companies are engaged with the Defence Discount Service including Vodafone,
KFC, Vue Cinemas and a number of major supermarkets, clothing stores and technology
companies. With discounts available on cars, laptops, supermarket shopping, holidays and mobile
phones. Participating companies across the country also accept the privilege card in-store.
The list of companies are growing and MOD expects many more companies will now come
forward to offer meaningful discounts and help make life a little easier for our Armed Forces
community. To access go to, www.defencediscountservice.co.uk.
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
19

Apprentices add value
to the community
One of DSG’s values is to positively
contribute to our community.
Recently, five apprentices from DSG
Bovington showed their commitment
to this value by completing the
refurbishment of a Land Rover 101
used as a community outreach vehicle
in Bovington and its surrounding
areas.
The vehicle, now known as the Viking 101,
was a former MOD ambulance prior to its
new use as a mobile outreach vehicle for
local youngsters. As the Viking is mobile it
acts as a youth club for isolated
communities with no resources of their
own. It provides a safe environment for
young people normally between the ages of
14 to 17 who are out on the streets
especially in areas perceived as hotspots.
The club provides advice, information, hot
drinks and blankets as well as promoting
sexual heath screening. The vehicle is
equipped with games machines, internet
access and leaflets to help build
relationships between the teenagers and
youth workers.
Apprentices Callum Ramsell, Sam Alvey and
Jay Oliver tackled the first task of washing
and preparing the vehicle for repaint.
Under guidance from painters Andy
Collings and Nigel Legg the guys removed
all the flaky paint and moss and in less than
24 hours they completed prepping the
vehicle by masking the windows, lights and
electrical connections and then primed it.
During the prep the apprentices realised
that the fuel tank was leaking and needed
replacing. The problem was solved by
Rowan Ward and Che Osborne who
worked together to make some slight
modifications to the fuel tank and fitted
new gaskets to the tank before applying the
final coats of paint.
As the apprentices de-masked and tidied up
the vehicle, they then found that the vehicle
would not start. With the expertise of
Gordon Lowe, Bovington’s Land Rover
expert, they began to run a series of
diagnostic tests before they identified a
problem with the fuel pump. After resoldering
and cleaning all the electrical
connectors the vehicle was fit and ready for
action.
DSG Bovington and Warminster Training
manager and Bovington Youth Worker, Ian
Rockett said, “The apprentices worked very
well as a team. Thanks to their combined
efforts they managed to complete the
whole project in less than three days. The
mentors on hand gave them some very
helpful hints and tips and their newly
acquired skills and knowledge of paint shop
procedures, petrol vehicles and systems are
useful evidence towards their studies.
Thanks must also go to Matt Hall for his
seamless co-ordination of the project. The
Viking is now back in the community and its
new look has increased interest with
significantly more young people coming
The Viking 101 before the refurbishment
L-R, Painters; Andy Collings and Nigel Legg with apprentices; Rowan Ward, Che Osborne,
Sam Alvey, Callum Ramsell, Jay Oliver and Training Manager, Ian Rockett
over to see what’s happening.”
Area Youth Worker and Vikings
driver/operator Steve Lacey added, “I am
really pleased with the help of the
apprentices. It is important that the Viking
remains mobile so that we can go anywhere
we are needed and wanted and continue
providing important community support to
the youths. As well as helping tackle antisocial
behaviour, improve access to sexual
heath services for both information and
advice and act as a central point for the
youngsters to use.”
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Former soldier takes
part in Armistice Day
ceremony
As a former serving soldier with the
Royal Tank Regiment, Dave Marsh
laid a wreath as a representative of
the regiment at 1100 hours on 11
November at the Menin Gate in
Ypres, Belgium on Armistice Day.
It’s a known fact that many of the
hundreds of thousands of British soldiers
who marched out of Ypres through the
Menin Gate to the front line trenches did
not return. This fact is not lost on the
locals with Armistice Day made a public
holiday in Belgium. This respect continues
today with a poignant ritual by the fire
brigade of Ypres. At 2000 hours every
day, 365 days a year they form up at the
Menin gate and play the Last Post as they
have done since 1918, except for the four
years of German occupation during
World War 2.
Dave, Value Stream manager Trojan and
Titan at DSG Bovington told Digest, “As
well as having the honour of laying the
wreath, the trip also gave me the
opportunity to catch up with my old
tankie comrade Chris Lock who was
laying a wreath on behalf of the Northern
Ireland Veterans Association whilst his
lovely wife Milena was laying a wreath on
behalf of the Czech and Slovak
Legionnaires.”
He added, “The town was filled to
capacity, with the crowds from young to
old forming a narrow passageway as the
parade formed in the small square but
Dave Marsh holding a wreath in the background
thanks to the organisation of the Last
Post Association the parade ran with
military precision. The highly respected
ceremony had many representations
from different organisations with many
veterans, firemen, police, various local
and commonwealth armed forces
present. Personally, I was pleased to
see representation from the Sikh
community, with their traditional
multicoloured flower wreaths. The
music coming from the marching bands
still makes the hairs on the back of my
neck stand up.
“Many thousands lined the way to the
Menin gate. I can still remember the
throngs of people with tears in their
eyes waving their poppies.
“The service began with many words on
peace and its cost and continuing cost as
well as many dedications and pledges. At
1100 hours, the local fire brigade played
the Last Post, followed by a lament by a
piper from the Royal Scots Dragoon
Guards. The wreath laying followed with
over 120 wreaths in total laid layer upon
layer and placed with great reverence and
respect.
“It was truly an honour to have the
opportunity of taking part in such a
special ceremony. It was a very moving
and fitting tribute to all of the fallen who
are still respected and never forgotten.”
MOD website moves to
new government website
Reminder that the MOD website closed in December
and all content for the Department is now available on
the Inside Government section of the new government
website www.gov.uk/mod.
GOV.UK is the one place for the public and stakeholders to find
government services and information, and all government
departmental websites are expected to move to it by 2014.
All the content on the current MOD website has been captured
on the UK Government Web Archive provided by the National
Archives.
The Departmental Digital Leaders granted DSG’s website an
exemption from transferring to .gov.uk, therefore our site
remains in place and accessible by logging on to
www.dsg.mod.uk.
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
21

across the country
Across the c
Morocco Sahara
desert trek update
In the October issue of Digest we reported that John
Potter, Technical manager from the Land Supply
Business Unit was embarking on a challenging 100km,
eight day trek through the Moroccan Sahara desert to
raise money for the Antony Nolan Trust.
Recounting his experience, John told
Digest, “The trek was an experience
that I will never forget! From snoring
trekkers to grumpy camels, there are so
many memories and the desert was not
at all what I expected.
“The terrain varied from deep soft sand
to hard baked dust bowls, to rock
strewn landscapes. We saw very little
fauna, apart from the ever present scarab
beetles meandering through the sandy
wilderness. There were other animals,
which were more elusive such as birds,
lizards and a solitary Cape hare. Luckily, I didn’t see any
scorpions, snakes or spiders.
“The weather was also a bit of a surprise, as it rained on us two
days in a row! I knew I should have taken a proper waterproof,
instead of a 99p pack-a-mac! Having said that, the rain was a
welcome relief from the heat on the first day, and a 12 hour
sand storm on the second! There were quite a few locals
wandering the desert, with Berbers seen on most days leading
their goats, camels or donkeys through the desert as if going to
the corner shop and carrying very little to get them through
the punishing heat. Local children would gingerly approach the
camp to sell their wares, necklaces, wrist bands or fossils to
help support their families.
“Sleep was welcome by the end of the day, although with the
help of a few bottles of wine, some caroused into the early
hours. To escape the snoring brigade, I spent most nights
sleeping under the stars. Waking up to the sunrise was one of
the highlights that will stay with me always.
“Other highlights include climbing the Shagaga, a 100m high
dune, being blown away not only by the sand storm that raged
all around us, but also by the vista of dunes on all sides.
Running down the back of the dune was also a blast!
“The entertainment laid on by our guides, cooks and cameleers
was great fun and often involved getting volunteers from the
trekkers to dance and sing around a camp fire.
“The low point was getting Delhi belly in the middle of a sand
storm and the toilets that were set up at camp.
“I have raised around £600 for the Trust and had an enjoyable
challenge
doing it. A
massive thank
you to every
one who
supported
me and my
friends in this
endeavour.”
The Moroccan Sahara desert
John Potter
Charity begins at
home
The Mo Bros from Bovington
Employees from DSG Bovington along with their friends and
families dug deep into their pockets to help support a variety
of charity events over the last couple of months.
During the month of November, over 27 Bovington employees took
part in the annual Movember event. The purpose was to join forces
with fellow Mo Bros around the world and raise money to fund the
fight against prostate and testicular cancer. As in previous years, the
month of Movember was challenging, with some Mo Bros seeing rapid
lip hair growth before day seven, whilst others by day 18 were still
struggling to display more than a shadow. The moustaches on display
were varied, some were dyed black whilst others pink, some were left
unmanaged and others significantly groomed. The usual problems
hampered the growers and the attempts to resolve them made the
entire month a tedious and complicated love hate relationship between
man and moustache, with the biting of the stray whiskers, the probing
of the whiskers with the tip of the tongue and the continual stroking of
the whiskers in a wise thoughtful manner. However, it's all over for
another year, the razors are back in action and the Mo Bros retreated
into normal civilisation. The total money raised was £412.10.
A cake sale, with all the cakes lovingly prepared and baked by the Mo
Bros Hairy Bakers from building 103 helped to raise the total as well as
a football raffle, with a good result for Phil Mancini for picking the
winning team. Phil also brought in from home and sold biscuit shaped
moustaches. A collection box for staff to put into at will bumped up
the amount. Special big thumbs up to the Mo Bros for putting in £30,
equating to a pound for each day they'd been growing their moustache.
In support of another cancer charity, the finance team baked and sold
cakes to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. On the day of the
bake sale several other people on site generously donated cakes
including flapjacks, peanut butter slices and lemon cakes. A good
turnout made it a fantastic event as well as raising £258.58 for the
charity.
Doing his bit, Jason Spicer took part in a 30-hour charity carp fishing
match, which involved 24 teams of two at Todber Manor in Dorset. The
total amount raised in aid of Cancer Research UK was £10k of which
Jason personally raised £1400.
Finally, John Sawyer, Josh Amey, and Tony Pavey arranged and completed
a sea kayak from Weymouth to Kimmeridge. They raised just over
£1600 for the Forest Holme Hospice in Poole for kayaking the 15 miles
distance.
Congratulations to all those who made a tremendous effort in their
chosen events and well done to all the Bovington employees for your
support and contributions.
22
DIGEST February/March 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk

across the country
untry
What a load of bowls
Determined to repeat their magnificent win of 2009,
seven teams from DSG Donnington travelled to
Nottingham to fight for the 2012 MOD Tenpin Bowling
Championship trophy.
Over 200 teams of four players from all over the UK took part
in the fiercely contested competition. During the course of
the competition each team plays three matches, with the
highest scoring crowned champion. Whilst some competitors
took it as a bit of fun, others took it very seriously.
One of Donnington’s teams was The Four Amigos. Donned
with sombreros and Movember moustaches, the team
consisting of Merv Davies, Ade White, Reg Barnes and Steve
Johnson got off to a flyer in the first round, notching up a score
of 563. The team had an upper hand with both Merv and Ade
surviving members of the winning team of 2009.
In the second round some four hours later, following plenty of liquid refreshment, the bowling arms
of the DSG teams flowed more smoothly and they all seemed rid of any nerves. The Four Amigos
posted a score of 593, only seven short of the elusive 600 that some teams only dream about.
Their end of day score put them in high contention for first place with only 27 pins behind the
leaders. The other DSG teams were also well positioned, with More Ale Please in twentieth place.
The following day the team standing in first place bowled early and completed their final round
with 511, a good score but The Four Amigos knew that it was beatable, they just had to bowl at
least 539 to move into the lead.
With the target set, The Four Amigos began their round with strikes and spares, all the while
keeping their goal in sight and finishing with another good score of 561. This put pressure on the
later bowlers to bowl their best scores to be in with a chance of catching up. The other DSG
teams struggled, blaming difficult lane conditions for the cause rather than the alcohol consumed!
On Tuesday morning the final result announced The Four Amigos as the 2012 MOD Tenpin Bowling
Champions, winning by just four pins with a final total score of 1717. The trophy is back in its
rightful place at DSG Donnington, when it arrives that is!
Merv Davies
Ade White
Reg Barnes
Steve Johnson
Movember mania
As part of the Movember epidemic that gripped
the UK in 2012, members of the DSG Donnington
workforce started a month of moustache growing
in aid of awareness of men’s health, specifically
prostate and testicular cancer.
Moustaches of all shapes, sizes and colours gradually
appeared, with even some of the Mo Bros resembling
actors from 1970’s adult movies and some managing to
grow more hair on their top lip than anywhere else.
In total, over £600 is
going to the cause
The Mo Bros from Donnington
thanks to the efforts
of all Donnington employees from across all areas of the business. Most have now relinquished their
facial hair just in time for the cold wind and ice to have a double effect on them.
At DSG Sennybridge, John Redman and Andy Perkins also did their bit for Movember. By growing,
grooming and trimming their moustache and between them John and Andy raised £210.
After receiving many compliments on his moustache, Andy is keeping his new look, whilst John on the
other hand couldn’t wait to shave his off and by 1 December it was gone!
Congratulations to everyone and hopefully next year more people will take part and raise awareness
and money for such a good cause.
L-R, John Redman and Andy Perkins
www.dsg.mod.uk February/March 2013 DIGEST
23

competition
COMPETITION
For this month’s competition, Supacat has kindly donated an
exclusive opportunity for the winner along with a
companion to a half day driving experience testing out the
range of Supacat vehicles including Jackal and Coyote at
their test centre in Devon. All you have to do to win, is to
simply provide the answer which starts, ends or contains the
word “cat” from the given clues. Good luck!
1. Usually a type of store or a section within a supermarket offering already
cooked or prepared foods such as cheese, hams and salads.
2. Type of multi-hulled boat or ship consisting of two hulls.
3. The capital of Oman.
4. A type of portrait that greatly exaggerates certain striking characteristics or
distorts the essence of a subject to create an easily identifiable visual likeness.
5. Daley Thompson won the gold medal at this event in the Olympic Games in
1980 and 1984.
6. York Minster is a type of what.
The closing date for the competition is Thursday 28 February 2013.
The winner of last month’s competition and winning the Apple iPad mini is
Dave Clare from Sealand.
The correct answers were:
1. France
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Germany
5. Scotland
6. Mexico
Please send all your entries in to the Editor by Thursday 28 February 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.
24
DIGEST February/March 2013 www.dsg.mod.uk