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London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic flame will arrive in the UK this Friday (May 18) at Royal Naval air station Culdrose. It is being flown in from Athens, and the Royal Navy are responsible for getting the UK torch relay started.
After an overnight stay at the air station, the flame will be flown to Land's End by 771 Naval Air Squadron. On landing, the aircrew will take the flame to the start of the London 2012 torch relay, so that its journey across the UK can begin.
The Olympic Flame will travel 8,000 miles across the UK to within 10 miles of 95% of the population - 8,000 torchbearers will carry it for approximately 300 metres each, until it reaches the Olympic Stadium on the eve of July 27. Click here to find out when the Flame will be near you.
Contacting the HASC: Your Feedback Wanted
The Navy Command Headquarters’ accommodation policy staff, who have been, and continue to, closely monitor the SFA allocations service provided by DIO Ops Accommodation as it transitions from the Housing Information Centres (HICs) to the Housing Allocations Service Centre (HASC), have asked us for feedback from Naval Service families of their recent experiences of the HASC - both good and bad. Whilst HASC telephone answering times have generally improved in recent weeks, we are still receiving reports of long waiting times and, more worryingly, reduced levels of service when compared to those delivered previously by the staff at the HICs. We would like to hear of your experiences of the HASC by email to:
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.We will ensure that your concerns and comments are passed on.
Benefits & Money Advice Clinic: Norton Manor Camp
The Royal British Legion & Citizens Advice Bureau Benefits And Money Advice Service will visit Norton Manor Camp on Thursday 17 May, offering one-to-one appointments. Appointments are available from 10:30 – 14:30. To book a slot contact the Welfare Office on: 01823 350525 / 362265 / 362471, or Military: 93780 ext 4265 / 4471.
Rewards For Forces
This is a free to join savings scheme for the Armed Forces community. Membership gives access to thousands of on-line and in-store discounts, from major high street shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. A monthly newsletter highlights the latest offers and super deals. There is an optional identification card that can be purchase for access to exclusive discounts. Click here for more information.
The Defence Budget
The Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, has announced (14 May 2012) that the Defence Budget is now in balance. For the first time in a generation everything in the Defence programme can be afforded. This is an important contribution to the Government’s national priority of bringing the deficit under control, and a key part of the Transforming Defence programme. Personnel should see the Defence Internal Brief 2012DIB/27 on the Defence Intranet for further detail, including the new Defence Vision ‘Defence in a Changing World’.
Diamond Jubilee: Armed Forces Muster
The Armed Forces will mount a spectacular tribute to The Queen for the Diamond Jubilee at Windsor on 19 May.
Nearly 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force will parade through Windsor Castle and town before Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh. They will then muster in the Castle grounds for a unique event before an audience of more than 3,000 Armed Forces personnel, their families, and veterans. An impressive, tri-Service flypast of current and historic aircraft will conclude the celebrations.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said: “The Parade and Muster will truly be a day to remember. It is an opportunity to highlight the unique relationship The Queen has with the men and women of the Armed Forces and of the role she fills in our lives.”
The custom of the Armed Forces paying tribute to the Monarch during a Jubilee year is an established tradition. Similar celebrations were held during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Silver Jubilee of King George V, and the Silver and Golden Jubilees of the present Queen.
The Parade and Muster will be the first time all three Services have visited The Queen for a dedicated event, and will be broadcast by BBC Television. Click here to visit the official website of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Naval Officers Fly High in Sea of Sand
In April, Royal Navy pilots James Birchall and André Milne completed what has been described as 'the toughest foot-race on Earth' - the gruelling Marathon des Sables race across the Sahara Desert. Click here for the full story of their amazing efforts.
Gardening Projects: Your Thoughts Wanted
BBC One is producing a new gardening makeover programme, and looking for a worthy project to transform. Keen to highlight the support from the families of servicemen and women, they want to know about any garden/outside projects that benefit the Service community, which need help with a transformation. They are looking to start this project soon and are asking for suggestions on worthy projects. If you have any ideas please contact the NFF. Perhaps there is a holiday home for service families that needs a new garden, a housing patch that needs a new play area for children, or a community that would like a new memorial space.
Introduction of the Self Preference System for SFA Applications
The Self Preference of SFA is anticipated to go live around Tuesday 29 May 2012.
The automated system will improve the allocation process for Service families. Families can track their applications and receive quicker responses to requests through the dedicated online service. Families can express a preference for available SFA properties that match entitlement and posting location, and will have access to more information on properties, including photographs and floor plans. The new system also allows families to self-book all appointments relating to their move, once an allocation has been made.
Please bear in mind that there is NO guarantee that you will get any of your preferences as other families may have also expressed interest in them.
The NFF is confident that the new system will improve the allocation process for families; please be patient whilst any glitches are resolved. Further information on SFAs and floor plans will be added over time as the system is developed. If you have any issues utilising the new system, let the NFF know.
Contacting the Housing Allocation Service Centre (HASC)
The HASC offers a free phone telephone number for Service families calling with Service Accommodation allocation and entitlement queries. Callers should be aware that whilst 0800 numbers are free to call from land lines, you may incur a cost if calling from a mobile. However, if you have inclusive minutes on your mobile phone contract you can call the 01904 418 000 number and the call will be included in your contract minutes. The HASC contact numbers are as follows: Freephone: 0800 169 6322, Standard rate: 01904 418 000, Military: 94510 8000, Overseas: +44 (0)1904 418000.
Don’t forget to choose the right option for your area when calling the HASC. The options are:
Portsmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, Falmouth, Gosport, Taunton, Helston, Chivenor and Lympstone = Option 4
All of Scotland = Option 5
Poole, Bristol and Yeovilton = Option 8
Changes to HASC Telephone Opening Hours
The HASC is in the middle of managing the transition of work from the Housing Information Centres. The clearance of new staff continues to be affected by restrictions that have been placed on security vetting. As such there is a shortage of staff available to handle telephone calls and allocations, and families may experience difficulties when contacting the Centre. As such the HASC will be operating revised telephone opening hours of 08:30 – 13:00 until advised otherwise. If you have problems contacting the HASC the NFF would like to know. Click here for further information on the changeover from HICs to HASC.
SSAFA Forces Help - Additional Needs & Disability Conference 2012
The conference will be held on Wednesday 23 May in London. It is an opportunity for forces families who have dependants with additional needs or disabilities to get together and discuss the issues that matter. For further information contact Jane Barnes on: 02074639234 or e-mail:
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Information Fair: Gosport
Families and personnel are invited to head over to the Crossley Community Centre,Grange Lane, Gosport, on Thursday 31 May for an information fair. The event runs from 13:30 – 15:45 and is a chance to find out about the support services, information sources, and discounts available for Service families. There will be free refreshments, so why not pop along for a cuppa and find out more what is on offer for you? For more information contact Gemma Railton on: 02392 524511 or:
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New Armed Forces Pension Scheme - Find out more
The Armed Forces Pension Schemes will change for all Service personnel in April 2015.
There is an opportunity for you to find out how the changes will affect you, and to let the MOD know your views on how the new Pension Scheme should be designed. Future Armed Forces Pension Scheme Consultations will be taking place in Naval Service Establishments throughout the county: 18 Apr – NCHQ, 24 Apr – Devonport, 25 Apr – Lympstone, 26 Apr – Yeovilton, 8 May – Sultan, 21 May – Faslane, 31 May – Collingwood. The consultations are open to personnel and families. To book your place serving personnel should contact their Unit HR Admin Staff.
Naval Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2012
The Naval Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey has been sent to 8,900 serving personnel for their spouse or civil partner to complete. If you receive a questionnaire please complete it. The information is used to inform and guide future policy decisions. The data will also contribute to the Armed Forces Covenant Report to Parliament along with data from the Army and RAF. Please take your chance to have your say.
The 2011 Naval Service headlines were published in the Summer edition of Homeport.The 2011 Tri -Service data can be found on the MOD FOI website. For more information on the Families CAS please contact Paul Cox in the HR Research team, Directorate Naval Personnel Strategy. Tel: 023 9262 5496 or email:
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