9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1986 - Page 0102
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 1986 |
| Transcription |
THE 9TH/lZTl-i ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL points of contact between the soldier and civilian are the local pubs (Waggon and Horses, Queen Elizabeth, Cross Keys enjoy current popularity). Audley End in the nearest full time BR Station, it is on the main Liverpool Street/Cambridge line. London is 40 minutes away. and the service is fre- quent. Local bus services are infrequent and their routes tortuous. but there are bus routes from Saffron Walden to all the principal towns. The general opinion is that the ability to drive is a must for soldiers and their wives. Cambridge, Harlow and Bishops Stortford offer good, modern shopping facilities; the former two have pedestrian precincts and the latter a large “Sainsbury’s”. Saffron Walden is regarded as being expensive, (as reported in “Which" magazine). largely a result of the influx of London commuters. The NAAFI is well stocked (and staffed by depen- dents) and considered handy for light shopping. On camp there is a NAAFI, Com- munity Centre and the three Messes. The Barracks has a large gymnasium and two squash courts with the pos- sibility of a future build for a swimming pool. Saffron Walden has a large and modern leisure centre with a swimming pool. Cambridge has two double.billing cinemas and theatres, including fringe productions, are quite good. Saffron Walden has an Amateur Dramatic Soc- iety which has produced some laudable plays. For the outdoor enthusiast there is much to do. Hunting. riding. shooting, and fishing (including sea and coarse) opportunities are plentiful. For the jogger or distance mnner there are miles of roads and challenging hills as well as the private flatness of the airfield. For the rambler, there are tracks through wood and field where wild-life abound. The educational standard of schools in the area is considered good. Carver Barracks is centrally placed for schools in the catchment area, and children are bused to and from school. The Saffron Walden Library is well stocked and helpful, and the library has a display of background information and of current local events. There is a visiting Mobile Library which will obtain books for subscribers on request. Evening classes are run in Saffron Walden dur- ing term time offering a variety of subjects from languages and sciences to home computing, needle work and flower arranging. Jobs for dependents are available locally, although prospective employees must be prepared to compete with the locals and go in search of employment. The Civil Labour Force in Camp is around 19 of which 10 are part-time and 9 full-time, and currently 12 wives occupy posts as part-time Mess Hands. The NAAFI also employs dependents as does “Service Systems", the camp contract cleaners. Some wives work in the town as shop assistants, typists, nurses etc. ’Squadron hanger accommodation is not complete some vehicles are kept in the old RAF hangers |
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