Forces Radio BFBS's posts

Tickets for the 2018 spectacular are now on sale. BFBS Scotland's Mark McKenzie spoke to Brigadier David Allfrey shortly before the ticket office opened this morning. Over 100,000 tickets are expected to be snapped up in the first day alone. "The Sky’s The Limit" for the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo when “Scotland’s “Year of Young People” and The Royal Air Force 100 will provide the inspiration. Tickets are available from the Tattoo’s official website at www.edintattoo.co.uk or +44 [0] 131 225 1188

Tommy Davidson, the Secretary of The Ancre Somme Association Scotland joined Mark McKenzie on BFBS Scotland Breakfast with more information on how they will be spreading the poppy in 2018 Read more about the Ribbon of poppies here: http://www.forces.net/news/ribbon-poppies-commemorate-wwi-centenary

Award winning military comedy Damn The Torpedoes is back for a third run.

The newly formed Bedale & RAF Leeming branch of the RAF Association is looking for new members. The RAF Association offers friendship, help and support to the ‘RAF family’. This includes current and former serving RAF personnel, their spouses, widows, widowers and other dependants. From something as simple as a visit to chat, to financial support in a time of need, the Association is there to help. The majority of this support is delivered by local Branch members, on a voluntary basis. By becoming a member you can enjoy getting together with like-minded people and take part in a range of social events, from raising funds in support of the annual Wings Week Appeal to helping a veteran in his or her garden. Branch Chairman, Wing Commander Chris Thorpe, said: “I’d urge anyone who is serving or who has served in the RAF, or indeed anyone who is interested in supporting the Association, to come along to one of our meetings to see what we’re all about. It’s free to visit us and we’re always keen to meet new people.” There are many former RAF personnel and their families living in this part of North Yorkshire. This new branch, which includes many serving personnel, offers the opportunity for current and former RAF members to work together for the benefit of others.

A new play capturing the real life experiences of five Normandy veterans is coming to North Yorkshire. Chris Kaye finds out more from Fred Greenhow.

Stress management is being taught to service personnel to help boost their mental resilience. Bomb disposal charity, the Felix Fund, has been working with units across the country to deliver mindfulness courses. Archie Humphries is from Richmond devised the programme. He's been telling Chris Kaye how these exercises can help you cope with high pressure situations. #relax #MentalHealth #chill #BFBS #stress #advice #radio #Army #RAF #Navy #welfare #conflict #war

The 10th annual Paras 10 endurance race has taken place in Catterick Garrison. The event raises money for the charity - Support Our Paras. A team from Gurkha Company at the Infantry Training Centre completed the course and the commander of C Wing has been telling Chris Kaye about their objectives of the 10 miler. #BFBS #Gurkha #Catterick #Army #Yorkshire #Paras #running #tabbing

Reaction to the Paras 10 endurance race in Catterick Garrison.

LCpl Ross Titcombe & LCpl James Irving are in the middle of a world record attempt. The duo are aiming to scale the three peaks in the fastest time possible and raise money for a good cause at the same time. Chris Kaye has been getting a progress report from Anthony Rolland who is part of their support team.

2 Signal Regiment have taken to the sloping cobbles of Micklegate for the annual soap box race in York. They went head to head against scores of hand built go karts including a chariot, a coffin and a replica Noddy car. Vehicle mechanic , Craftsman Naill Coyne, was in the driving seat for the Army. But admitted to Chris Kaye the team didn't have much construction time. IMAGE: Crown copyright (C) (L-R) Capt Jamie Brooks OC, Cfn Niall Coyne, Cfn Ryan Lazenby & Sgt Matt Halliwell

An Army veteran from Leeds has been recognised for his work with the homeless in the region. David Hedley has been presented with a Hero Award after he set up an outdoor kitchen to feed people who find themselves sleeping rough. David has been telling Chris Kaye on the Forces Breakfast about the honour.

The ultimate 10-mile endurance race – the Paras 10 hits Catterick on Sunday 3rd September. Runners & tabbers will descend on the Infantry Training Centre to tackle the course actually used for Parachute Regiment selection. Stephen Cooper is the Director of Charities for Support Our Paras and has organised 10th anniversary event. He's been sharing his reaction to the milestone with Chris Kaye.

Richmond war hero John Jeffries is preparing to leap out of a plane, not once, but twice next month. John is 95-years-old and will do two tandem jumps on behalf of the Northumbria Blood Bikes charity.

A teenager from Barnard Castle has recorded a remembrance song with the help of a military charity. 13-year-old Kirsty McLachlan wrote & performed "Road To Home" thanks to support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. The young folk singer was gifted some time in a local recording studio following the loss her dad Cpl Robin McLachlan in a road collision while he was serving in Germany. Kirsty speaks to Chris Kaye on the Forces Breakfast.

Forget the pipe and slippers! Life is not slowing down for this Army veteran. Arnham hero John Jeffries is planning two parachute jumps this September for charity more than seventy years since he last leaped from a plane. The nonagenarian from Richmond has been speaking to Chris Kaye.

Two soldiers will attempt to break the world record for climbing the Three Peaks. LCpl Ross Titcombe & LCpl James Irving aim to climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon & Scarfell Pike in under 43 hours. The pair are raising money for military charity BLESMA - a cause that supports limbless veterans. The duo embark on their challenge on Friday 1st September. #charity #Army

The Prince of Wales has led centenary commemorations for the Battle of Passchendaele at Tyne Cot. Almost 12,00 servicemen are buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. The memorial also bears the names of nearly 35,000 men who died in the Ypres Salient 100 years ago. Prolonged rain during the offensive turned the battlefield into a swamp where Allied Forces sustained over 320,000 casualties. First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones has been telling Chris Kaye about his impressions during his first visit there.

The Duke of Cambridge has led centenary commemorations for the Battle of Passchendaele. It was marked with the traditional Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres - one hundred years since one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. It was followed by a memorial concert in the market square which included a poem read by Dame Helen Mirren, a performance by Alfie Boe and projections on the Cloth Hall.

One of the bloodiest battles of the First World War is being marked in the Flanders region of Belgium. Both Allied & German forces suffered more than 450,000 casualties for just an 8km gain on the frontline at the Battle of Passchendaele one hundred years ago. Dr Peter Johnston from the National Army Museum in London has been sharing the story of Talbot Kelly who fought in the battle with Chris Kaye.

Discover the pleasure of reading over the summer holidays with your children with free activity packs. Georgina Dutton from Catterick Hive tells Chris Kaye how you can claim yours.

The real life Jack Reacher, Lt Col Mark John, has presented the author of the crime series with a special plaque. The outgoing commanding officer of 1st Regiment Royal Military Police handed over the gift to Lee Child at a literary festival in Harrogate. Chris Kaye reports.

The seven-a-side football tournament returns to Catterick Garrison on Sat 5th Aug. Chris Kaye finds out what to expect from Dhan Pariyar from the BGNC Youth Club.

Find out what to expect from this epic live outdoor show featuring 1500 volunteers set against the backdrop of Auckland Castle. Debra Willison reveals how the production is different this year and how to claim your forces discount.

Bestselling crime writer Lee Child reveals what he thinks of the big screen adaptation of his military police anti-hero.

RAF Leeming Community Primary School have been shortlisted for £10,000 worth of renovations. They are one of six finalists in the Dulux ‘Smarter Spaces’ competition. The winners will have an area of their school redesigned with new paint, furniture & lighting. But they need YOUR help. Cast your vote for RAF Leeming School at www.schoolofdreams.co.uk More importantly share the link with family, friends and work colleagues and get behind their bid. Chris Kaye speaks to head teacher Rob Campbell.

Justin Henderson from the Help For Heroes recovery centre in Catterick shares his experiences of the Warrior Games in Chicago with Chris Kaye.

A beneficiary from Phoenix House personnel recovery centre is now back in Catterick after competing at the Warrior Games. Laura Knowles took part in the sports contest for wounded, injured & sick veterans in Chicago against members of the US & Australian armed forces. The former musician from the Band of the Welsh Guards shares her experiences with Chris Kaye.

An Army reserve unit from Darlington have celebrated their half century with a beating retreat in the town. Chris Kaye speaks to Officer Commanding Major Neil Coatsworth.

Wing Commander Nick Robson Chairman of UK Armed Forces Tug of War Association chatting with Jay James and Hal Stewart on the #BigWednesdayShow. The interview took place directly after the Inter service Athletics at HMS Temeraire. Listen to Forces Radio BFBS on FM, online or via the free app - Apple > http://apple.co/1NPLjVw or Android > http://bit.ly/1TZFixd

Ahead of its official opening, Padre James Harding, gave Chris Kaye a tour of the new memorial garden at Dishforth Camp.

Here's what students from North Yorkshire made of the Service Pupils Armed Forces Day in Catterick. Nickie Young speaks to Chris Kaye.

Recovery centres from across the UK have been competing at the Phoenix Summer games in North Yorkshire. Teams from Catterick, Colchester, Plymouth & Tidworth took part in the adaptive sports contest, which included seated volleyball, wheelchair rugby & swimming. Chris Kaye followed the action. #sport #swimming #gym #charity #H4H #charity #Catterick #Army #Navy #RAF

3 Army Education Centre in Catterick have staged a personal development fair in the garrison. The event was a chance to learn about the qualifications you can earn to enhance your career. Even if you didn't do very well at school, there’s nothing to stop you from bettering yourself. As David Allott has proved. The former member of the Royal Corps of Transport (1977 - 1985) has been speaking to Chris Kaye.

School girls in North Yorkshire have taking part in an unusual engineering challenge at RAF Leeming. The pupils had to design & build chairs out of paper that could support the weight of a person. It’s was all part of a workshop to encourage more females into STEM careers. Chris Kaye watched the construction.

The Phoenix Summer Games 2017 are underway in Catterick. Serving personnel & veterans from four Help For Heroes recovery centres are going head to head in a series of mental & physical challenges as part of the week of activities. Hilary Conway is a physical development coach at Phoenix House. She’s been telling Chris Kaye about the idea behind the competition. #BFBS #sport #recovery #HelpForHeroes #Catterick #Army #Navy #RAF

A new £350,000 relaxation suite has been officially opened at Catterick’s northern recovery centre. The wellbeing room will offer a range of mindfulness activities & complementary therapies to wounded, injured & sick personnel and veterans at Phoenix House. Chris Kaye has been at the ceremonial ribbon cutting to hear about the generous donation that made the facility possible. #HelpForHeroes #charity #Army #RAF #Navy #Catterick #BFBS #Yorkshire

3 Army Education Centre are holding a personal development event in Catterick as part of the Festival of Learning. Chris Kaye gets the details from Captain Kerry Millar.

Soldiers from North Yorkshire have been flexing their muscles at an Army Strongman Competition. The infantry took on the artillery in five energy zapping events during the charity contest. Chris Kaye watched the action at Thirsk Truck Gathering.

Town Clerk Michael King reveals how Barnard Castle will mark Armed Forces Day 2017.

The Conservative MP for Richmond (N Yorks), Rishi Sunak has this message for our service personnel as the nation says thank you for their contribution.

Soldiers from the north are preparing to toss kegs, press giant dumbbells & lift huge Atlas Stones this weekend (25th June). Members of 4 SCOTS & 4 Regiment RA will go head to head in a series on demanding physical disciplines at Thirsk Truck Gathering. The second annual Army Strongman Competition is the brainchild of Gemma Magnusson (former World's Strongest Woman competitor) & Jackie Gilbert. They've been talking to Chris Kaye about the reason for setting up the contest & what to expect at the event. #sport #fitness #strength #Army #Thirsk #BFBS #Yorkshire #trucks

School children in North Yorkshire have marked Armed Forces Day in Catterick. The pupils got hands on with kit, climbed inside military vehicles & enjoyed some live music. Listen to Chris Kaye's report from Ypres Lines. #AFD #ArmedForcesDay #AFD17 #Catterick #Army #BFBS #Radio #Forces #Military #1RMP #Yorkshire

The Silver Stars parachute display team dropped into the 4th annual Newcastle Military Show. Chris Kaye spoke to the team once they were firmly back on the ground.

Leaving a lasting legacy for the British Army and the British Muslim Community has earned a senior British Army officer a top accolade in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honour list. Colonel Mike Butterwick did more to advance the integration of Muslims into the forces than any other officer in the North East of England during his time as deputy Commander of 4th Infantry Brigade based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. As a result he has been made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Chris Kaye get reaction to the news at the Newcastle Military Show.

Regular, reserve & cadet units took over the Town Moor for the 4th annual Newcastle Military Show. Highlights included the Silver Stars parachute display team, a combined arms demonstration and a performance from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band. Northumbria Army Cadet Force showcased what they have to offer to young people and they've been speaking to Chris Kaye

Twenty bomb disposal experts are cycling 1,500 miles on the first-ever charity ‘Tour De Troops’. They’re raising money for the Felix Fund – the charity for those affected by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The journey began in Edinburgh and finishes in Bielefeld, Germany. Along the way they are visiting every security-cleared EOD regiment. Chris Kaye spoke to Captain James Wadsworth just before he departed from Piave Lines in Catterick Garrison. It seems he was well looked after in North Yorkshire.

Personnel of 5th Regiment Royal Artillery based in Catterick Garrison have paid a surprise to BFBS. Three members of the unit from Marne Barracks unexpectedly dropped in on Chris Kaye during Forces Breakfast. It was all part of a talent week test set by the RSM. Here's what happened...

Grammy & Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter & producer, Eliot Kennedy has teamed with Leeds vocalist Joanne Heselden-Edwards to create a charity album. Proceeds from the sale of “Hidden Wounds” with benefit Help For Heroes’ psychological well-being programme. The man responsible for some of the biggest hits of Take That, the Spice Girls, & Bryan Adams has been speaking to Chris Kaye on the Forces Breakfast, about how a life changing visit to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan was the catalyst for the project... #charity #forces #Army #RAF #HiddenWounds #RoyalNavy #Catterick #NAAFI #HelpForHeroes #GaryBarlow #TakeThat

You won’t believe what retired Army Major Eric Ingram did to celebrate his 70th birthday! Far from putting his feet up, Eric actually did a wing walking for charity. Eric has been speaking to Chris Kaye on the Forces Breakfast. #charity #ABF #Yorkshire #Catterick #BFBS #Army

Chris Kaye gets an update on the fishing marathon in Hull in aid of ABF - The Soldiers Charity.

As Richmond Operatic Society prepare to bring the Pirates of Penzance to the Georgian Theatre Royal, their chairman John Holliday has his pirate knowledge tested by Chris Kaye on the Forces Breakfast.