Young people from all over Gütersloh Garrison enjoyed games, archery and an evening under canvas at a fun packed two day camp-over recently.

A total of 23 children, aged 9-14 participated in the event, which was organised by the Army Welfare Service as part of their Summer Activities Programme.

Senior community development worker, Mo Conway said: “It’s been all about team building, co-operation and fun. The children have had to put their own tents up, we have played lots of games and there are army command tasks, and lots more games and activities still to come.”

Matthew Wiseman who travelled from Münster for the two-day camping trip on PRB airfield said: “Lots of activities back home got cancelled, but this is really great. It is nice to meet new people and it was fun putting the tents up.”

First time camper Kieran Lloyd from Bielefeld added: “This is so much better than watching TV and a lot better than school. I am really looking forward to sleeping in a tent and trying archery tomorrow.”

Many of the children, who came from Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Herford and Münster had never met before, but his did not stop them having fun. Under the guidance of assistant youth workers and summer staff the children soon formed tight teams and gave each other camp-over names.

Half way through day one, ‘tent devils’ were top of the games leader board having thrashed the other teams in the camp-kit race.

‘Green Devil’ Wilf Christie said: “The games have just been so much fun. It’s brilliant!”

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More than 5,000 patients in Gütersloh Garrison will receive better dental treatment thanks to five new surgeries in PRB dental centre.

More than a quarter of a million pounds has been spent on improving the garrison dental facilities as moves are underway to establish Gütersloh as the centre of dental excellence in Germany.

Each treatment room has been upgraded with new equipment, chairs, bespoke cabinets, electric taps and better hygiene controls.

Army dentist Capt Jim Scott said: “The new surgeries mean patients will have a better quality of care and cleanliness. We can provide all the same treatments as before, but the new equipment means we can provide more accurate diagnosis.”

In addition to ensuring superior patient care, the new surgeries are better for staff. Dental nurse Pte Charlee Martin explained: “The surgeries are laid out how we want now which makes our work much easier.”

Despite costing £120,000 per surgery. Head of the dental centre, Lt Col Lesley Sealy-Thompson said: “We are still a long way off meeting Department of Health Guidelines.

“We are still waiting for offices and central sterilisation, but it is much better than what we had before.”

The next stage of the surgery refit is the computerisation. New DVD screens in each treatment room will mean that patients will be able to sit back and enjoy watching their favourite DVD whilst they have their teeth drilled.

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Two fund-raising REME soldiers serving with 7 Regiment, RLC, were presented with Royal British Legion Certificates of Merit by their commanding officer.

Craftsmen Craig Timoney and Martin Forster were handed the framed certificates by Lt Col James Brown for raising more than €2,000 for the Poppy Appeal by completing marathons in Berlin and Salzuflen along with Sgt Lee Murray.

Another presentation made was to Capt Michael Patey, OC 7 Regt, RLC, LAD, for the REME’s 53 years’ support to the Poppy Appeal.

The CO was then surprised in his office with certificates of appreciation for his and the regiment’s services to the RBL by local Poppy Appeal manager Jeff Yates and Eddie Hefferman, vice-president and Poppy Appeal organiser in BFG. The commander also received a lapel badge.

Lt Col Brown said he was more pleased about receiving the certificate for his regiment than the one for himself.

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