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Dreaming of tha C


Jenny Ward reports on the RAF FF visit to Cyprus


olin and I returned to Cyprus to talk to families and to run a number of the Federation’s interactive workshops on ‘Support to Families’. We were also interested to find out more about what it is really like for personnel and families on the island.


The Project Officer for our visit, Flt Lt Gareth Hodgson, had planned a busy programme for us and during our four days we managed to meet serving personnel and their families at Ayios Nikolaos, Episkopi and Akrotiri. While we were on the island, we also welcomed the opportunity to meet with Commander British Forces to find out more about his role and how he hopes to support Service families in Cyprus in the future.


We asked audiences what they thought about their life in Cyprus and whether or not they had really known what they had been letting themselves in for when they decided to volunteer for the assignment. Here we summarise some of the responses.


So what is life really like for families in Cyprus?


The families we met told us there are many good things about an accompanied posting to Cyprus. Of course the weather is a huge bonus, provided you like sunshine and high temperatures for much of the year! That may sound flippant, but some people don’t like living in hot climates so it’s something to think about if you are considering a tour there.


Families told us they try to make the most of their leisure time and an outdoor lifestyle is a great incentive… With an array of clubs and activities offered to families at all units it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills. But do think about how you’ll keep yourself occupied if you don’t like the great outdoors! During our brief visit it became apparent that many families also enjoy a great social life, both during the day and in the evening, and they make the most of their time there.


But if you are at home, then what can you do to keep yourself, and the children,


22


Envoy Winter 2012


www.raf-ff.org.uk


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