HOMEPORTNEWS03
News from North of the Border
by Lorna Austin HIVE Information Officer Faslane HIVE
A
s the new HIVE information Officer at
Faslane, I first had to find out what a
HIVE was and what an Information Officer
was expected to do. To discover that there are
153 HIVEs around the world, serving Army,
Navy and Air Force personnel and their
families, providing them with information on
just about anything imaginable, sounded like
an exciting organisation to be involved in!
The big task ahead of me is to collate the
said information, which includes everything
from local schools to DIY shops. Then to
make a data base of HIVE Information
Sheets, so that it can be shared not only with
the people living locally but also with those
who may be moving to the area. Information
Sheets from other HIVEs will also only be an
e-mail away. Being impatient, I would like to
have all my information up-to-date straight
away but, in reality, I know that it is going to
take a few months. However, the good thing
is that while I’m gathering the details, I’m
learning so much more about the area that I
have lived in for the last 16 years.
Being married to a submariner, for more urgent hospital treatment. At HMS
years than I care to admit, I have a good CALEDONIA in Rosyth, the Royal Navy
Are you Covered? insight into the unique way of life here. mainly supervises the refit of ships, which can
Advice from Defence Estates
Faslane is not only home to the Vanguard prove very busy at times. Also located at
Class Trident submarines and the Swiftsure Caledonia is the regional office of FOSNNI
Class subs, but also the Mine Counter (Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and
Measure ships, which always seem to be very Northern Ireland), RN and RM Reserve Units,
busy zipping in and out at great speed. In a Sea Cadet training centre and a Royal
2007 Faslane will see the arrival of the new Marines Band. Both HMS GANNET and HMS
Astute Class attack submarines, which are CALEDONIA have been greatly reduced in
currently being built at Barrow-in-Furness. No manpower in recent years, leaving only the
doubt their arrival will bring great excitement die-hard few to carry on the good work.
and interest.
Recently, we were honoured by a royal visit to
F
ollowing a fire in a Family Quarter, it has Adding a splash of colour (not to mention the Faslane HIVE and Families’ Centre. HRH
become clear that unless you have told muscle!) is the Royal Marines’ Fleet Protection Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, met with
your insurance company that you are living in Group which has come across from families who use the facility and chatted to
rented accommodation they will not cover Arbroath. As the name suggests, they are dependants whose husbands, sons or dads
you for your liabilities towards the MOD (or here in the important capacity of protecting were at sea. The Duke was very interested to
other Landlord) for items such as carpets and the Trident submarines, and we warmly hear how those left behind coped with
cooker. This is standard across the insurance welcome the families that have braved the separation, and he also commented on the
industry – you will only be covered for items move to the west coast. good humour and resilience of the families.
you personally own. Any damage, whatever The Duke went on to see improvement plans
the cause, to uninsured items could result in a Although Faslane is the biggest naval for Churchill Square - one of the Family
large bill being issued, which is the establishment in Scotland, it is certainly not Quarters’ sites at Faslane, where the HIVE
responsibility of the tenant. the only place to find sailors. At HMS and Families’ Centre are located.
GANNET, near Prestwick in Ayrshire, there is
Ask your insurance company if you have a busy Search and Rescue team which covers So the big highlight of my first month in the
‘tenant’s liability cover’. a large area from North West Scotland to job was to host a royal visit - what will I do
Cumbria. Emergencies include going to the next month? You can contact Lorna on
Don’t delay – check your insurance details aid of mountain climbers or transporting 01436 678029 or e-mail:
today! G heavily pregnant mums and babies needing faslane@hivegb.co.uk G
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