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SSVC News Archive
View current news
Famous
Five in Afghanistan
Comics bring early Christmas cheer to troops
serving in Afghanistan
Combined Services Entertainment ‘s ‘Comedy Club’ took
stand ups Jim Jeffries, Mark Walker, Phil Butler, Andy Askins and Madame
Galina to Afghanistan in early December to stage two shows at Helmand
Province and two in Kandahar.
The five comics received a warm welcome from the 2000 military personnel
they entertained who hadn’t seen any major entertainment since deploying
there in September.
Iestyn Edwards, who performs as ballet dancing diva Madame Galina and
who has previously been to Iraq with CSE said, ‘The troops out there
are the dogs. They are unbelievably brave and I’m honoured to have
been asked to entertain them.’
Phil Butler agreed and said, ‘It was great to be given the chance
to give the boys a bit of a morale boost - especially as they are so starved
of entertainment.’
3 January 2007
SSVC
assists in refurbishment of RCDM facility
The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine’s Alexandra Wing at Selly
Oak Hospital in Birmingham recently underwent extensive refurbishment.
Funds donated by The Services Sound and Vision Corporation helped to bring
about a real change to the Alexandra Wing, which provides accommodation,
recreational and administrative support for military outpatients and families
visiting relatives admitted to Selly Oak Hospital.
Selly Oak is the hospital that all casualties from operational tours go
to on arrival in the UK, and the Alexandra Wing’s extensive face-lift
has done much to improve patient and visitor conditions.
Air Commodore Tony Batchelor, Commandant of the Royal Centre for Defence
Medicine said, ‘This facility is an important part of the medical
support given to Service personnel and their families. Through generous
contributions from SSVC and AIG we have been able to give the unit a new
lease of life with new carpets, new kitchen and updated bathroom facilities,
among others. Alexandra Wing is now a more welcoming, comfortable and
supportive environment.’
15
December 2006
BFBS
Radio 2 now online 24/7
British Forces Broadcasting Service, BFBS Radio 2 is now available around
the clock at www.bfbs.com/listen.
BFBS Radio 2 can now rebroadcast its daylight service through the night,
which is good news for service personnel who are stagging on and manning
essential services. If you’ve missed your favourite programme just
log on and listen again.
News bulletins will be removed to avoid confusion, but the daytime sequence
of programmes will now go out overnight - starting with Richard Allinson
at 1900 UK time. And at the weekend online listeners will be able to dip
into a selection of re-broadcasts of their favourite shows.
Programme Director Richard Hutchinson said, ‘We have been striving
for some time to come up with a way of running a separate online channel
to broadcast shows when the radio service is relaying BBC Five Live –
and now we have it!’
To listen to BFBS Radio 2 online you’ll need Windows Media Player
and a reasonable dial-up or broadband connection.
BFBS Radio 2 online 24/7 at www.bfbs.com/listen
3
December 2007
Merry
Forces Christmas from BFBS TV
If your loved ones are serving away from home this Christmas, in Iraq
or Afghanistan, Bosnia or the Falklands, Germany or Cyprus, let them know
you’re thinking of them this Christmas.
BFBS TV will be hosting a live Christmas special you can take part in,
full of messages and greetings from around the Forces world, on Saturday
23rd December at 17.25 CET.
And this year, for the very first time, BFBS will be streaming the show
live on the web so that UK Forces family and friends in the UK can join
in, too.
You can start now by sending in Christmas cards, photos, messages, or
even videos to be shown and read out on the night, to Merry Christmas
from BFBS, BFP0 785.
You’ll be able to email, text and phone in live to the show, too,
of course, and all those numbers will be given out on the night itself.
To find out more, and to submit a message online, go to www.bfbs.com/christmas.
It’s a bit like Two-Way Forces Family Favourites, only better, and
on the telly…!
3 December 2006
BFBS
Radio launch the first UK wide digital radio service
for British Forces
From Monday, December 4th, British Forces Broadcasting Service Radio will
be broadcasting on Sky Digital channel 0184. This means that, for the
first time, BFBS is able to reach out to British Forces stationed right
across the UK.
For more than 60 years BFBS Radio has been keeping British Forces and
their families in touch with home through radio stations based wherever
they are around the world, but up until now has been unable to serve them
at home in the UK.
This new service will keep family and friends of service personnel in
touch with those who are away on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the
Balkans or virtually anywhere in the world. It also enables the Territorial
Army, ex-service personnel and all the UK’s reservists to get involved
with their own, bespoke Forces station – BFBS Radio.
Stations in Iraq and Germany are joining with BFBS UK to maintain a 24-hour
a day service with daily, live programmes from the very heart of the operational
areas where troops are based.
BFBS Radio can be contacted any time, day or night with messages for friends
or loved ones serving overseas or in the UK through www.bfbs.com/digital.
27 November 2006
Tony Blair speaks
exclusively to BFBS
Afghanistan: “Whatever the troops want,
we’ll provide.”
On the 5th anniversary of British military operations in Afghanistan,
Prime Minister Tony Blair gave an exclusive interview to BFBS TV and Radio.
Hailing British Forces’ actions as ‘extraordinary’ the
PM also revealed that he has kept in close touch with troops’ first
hand accounts of combat in Afghanistan. He denied the government is trying
to play down the severity of the situation British troops face in Helmand
Province.
As 42 Commando Royal Marines take over from 3 Para in Southern Afghanistan
and concern grows about the tough conditions they face, the PM wanted
to speak directly to the troops on BFBS TV and Radio, the service watched
and listened to on the ground by British Forces and their families the
world over, including the camps in Helmand.
In the wake of the furore about soldiers on NHS waiting lists and David
Cameron’s Conference speech, Mr Blair spoke candidly about the plight
of soldiers injured in battle and promised that whatever troops needed
in theatre, the government would provide.
Speaking to the Editor of ‘BFBS Reports’, Richard Jones, Mr
Blair said that there would be an announcement shortly about improved
terms and conditions for soldiers on operations. This followed hot on
the heels of news of improved daily allowances for troops in hospital
and their families, and David Cameron’s call for tax concessions
for soldiers fighting for their country.
Outside of the interview, Mr Blair was keen to chat to BFBS staff to find
out what the troops on the ground were really feeling and saying.
The full interview was shown on BFBS TV’s flagship news programme,
‘BFBS Reports’ on Friday 6th October, and on BFBS Radio.
9 October 2006
Many Happy Returns
The British Defence Film Library celebrates 10 years’ association with
the Armed Forces at Winterbourne Gunner The annual Army Training Conference
in Winterbourne Gunner recently played host to BDFL’s 10th anniversary.
BDFL is a regular fixture at this event and it proved to be an ideal occasion
for celebrating the library’s 10-year history of providing military training
material, footage, images and sound to the British Armed Forces. Managed
on behalf of the MoD by SSVC, the library also provides archive, copyright
and distribution of footage drawn from over 40 years’ worth of material.
BDFL representatives, Nicky Ness, Director; Robert Dungate, Library Manager
and Neil Elderfield, Duplication and Logistics Manager were joined on
the distinctive BDFL stand by Col Chris Caswell DITrg(A) and Chris Williams,
SO2 Trg Spt DITrg(A) who helped to cut the cake.
2 October 2006
BFBS
DTH TV – What's the Verdict?
BFBS survey shows an overwhelming yes, yes,
yes
A recent survey of Hohne Garrison, implemented by BFBS Television, reveals
that the arrival of BFBS multichannel DTH TV is a resounding success.
Hohne was selected for audience research as the installation programme
there was completed first.
Almost 400 personnel took part in the survey which was conducted by independent
polling organisation Action for Airtime in July 2006. Of the sample, 56%
were watching BFBS TV and 61% subscribed to commercial satellite or cable
services. (We can assume that 17% have both BFBS DTH and Sky.)
So what was the verdict? 75% of those watching TV via BFBS DTH said they
were very or fairly satisfied. And 31% of those with Sky only said they
would consider cancelling their subscription with the arrival of the 6
free channels from BFBS.
BFBS DTH-only viewers questioned resoundingly voted BFBS1 as the channel
they most watched, with BFBS2 and The Hits second and third respectively.
BFBS Reports is watched regularly by 51% of those surveyed, with the figure
rising to 63% among officers. 70% of the show’s military viewers
felt that the BFBS Reports team had got the balance of Army, Navy and
RAF stories “just right”, with reports from operational theatres
creating the most interest. Forces sport, understandably, also scores
highly with 94% of the military audience keen to be in on the sporting
action. 65% of those who watch BFBS Reports said they would certainly
be watching all 3 editions now the programme has increased to three times
a week.
Looking to possibilities in the future, the survey gauged the popularity
of additional channels. Firstly, a channel which showed children’s
programmes until 7pm, and then documentaries in the evenings - 81% said
they would watch such a channel, rising to 100% among dependants. The
idea of a movie channel was a hit with 100% of those surveyed. Of those
who currently only watch Sky, 67% said they’d consider cancelling
their subscription if these two channels were added to the BFBS line-up.
The rollout of multichannel BFBS TV continues across Germany. SSVC has
been contracted to connect up some 20,000 homes and have completed over
16,000 to date. The Gutersloh area will be receiving the new channels
by Christmas.
For more information on BFBS DTH go to www.bfbs.tv/dth
28
September 2006
BFBS
Radio 2 is changing
Recently you’ve been asked what you
want from your favourite radio station…
BFBS Radio 2 listened and from Monday October 2nd, you will hear the best
daily diet of news and Service topics together with a great mix of fabulous
music. BFBS Radio 2 is re-launching with a new look, sound and feel.
As the world wakes, BFBS Radio 2 delivers up to the minute news and analysis
with The Today programme followed by a brand new line-up. First up is
a familiar and much loved BFBS Radio voice, Richard Allinson….
Richard Allinson is live on air every weekday with a programme packed
with the latest and best of the music scene. Between 0900 and 1100 UK
time Richard will share his outstanding knowledge of music and play the
tunes that’ll make you want to stay in the car and listen to ‘just
one more track’.
From 1100 to 1400 UK time, fresh from BFBS Radio 1, Hermina Graham provides
a mixture of chat and celebrity guests with a firm emphasis on fun and
entertainment. From the latest London theatre productions to the best
of TV and Cinema, Hermina will bring the cream of UK entertainment and
familiar music to the middle of the broadcasting day.
The stories that matter to you are a BFBS Radio 2 essential ingredient.
The Glen Mansell Show, with its top team of journalists, analysts and
those in the know, bring you the stories as they happen. Glen will react
to Forces’ news stories with his unique inside perspective and react
to breaking world news from 1400 to 1700 UK time, Monday to Friday.
Dave Windsor and Gold music go hand-in-hand. Dave has long been the expert
when it comes to finding classic and long forgotten music from the extensive
BFBS record library. Join him from 1800 UK time for an hour of music you’ll
love – and love to remember – each weeknight.
Sporting action rounds off the BFBS Radio 2 day from 1900 UK time, courtesy
of Sport On Five, bringing you the best of British sport from the BBC’s
top team of commentators.
BFBS News and Sport will be on the hour, every hour, with an expert team
of journalists keeping you up-to-date with global events, peaking at 1700
UK time with The PM programme.
All the BFBS Radio 2 favourite specialist programmes will be aired - Classic
Rockshow, Raven & The Blues, Rockola, Nigel Rennie Country G3, Multimedia
- at the times you’ve said you’d like to listen to them. Full
listings will be available soon at www.bfbs.com.
BFBS Radio 2 prides itself at being at the cutting edge of technology
and the online service promises to be as complete as possible. BFBS Radio
2’s main day output will be
fed live to the web and the Listen Again service will allow you to listen
to your radio station when you want to. Stagging on will no longer be
accepted as an excuse!
For Archers addicts, commitment to Ambridge continues with the special
Sunday omnibus at 1000 UK time and, for those who can’t go without
their daily fix of the goings on of the Archers, the Grundys et al, the
drama can be caught online via www.bfbs.com each day.
BFBS Radio 2 favourite, Richard Astbury returns to wake you up on Saturday
and Sunday mornings from 0500 UK time with the Classic Weekend Breakfast
show and Nick Bailey continues the Classical theme each Sunday evening
from 1900 UK time.
Monday October 2nd, BFBS Radio 2 is changing. We listened to you –
Why not listen to us!
14
September 2006
BFBS
Radio Canada licence renewed
British Forces Broadcasting Service
Radio will continue to broadcast to the British Army Training Unit Suffield
(BATUS) in Alberta, Canada following the renewal of its licence.
Since August 2000, BFBS Canada
has been broadcasting live and local to their BATUS audience. The Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission recently renewed, and
extended, the BFBS licence, meaning that BFBS Canada will continue to
entertain and inform the Forces in Alberta until at least August 2013.
8 September
2006
BFBS
Reports – 50% Bigger
When BFBS Reports returns to the screen
this month it will be 50% bigger. BFBS Television’s flagship programme
has 50% more output, switching from two to three programmes weekly, on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Regular BFBS Reports presenters Emma
Davies, Rosie Laydon, Jon Knighton and Richard Astbury, will be joined
by new faces Rebecca Fleckney and Sports Reporter, Julian Evans in the
new line up.
New features include:
A weekly guest slot to review the defence stories in the papers
BFBS Diary round-up of charity events, fetes, triathlons, wives’
outings, etc
Embedded weather reports with mentions for units in the news
‘From our own correspondent’ feature with the reporter
who’s just come back from Helmand or Basra live in studio giving
a personal view
BFBS Reports recently launched ‘Desert Blogs’ where the members
of the 20th Armoured Brigade showed us around their world in Iraq. It’s
now planned to film ‘Prairie Blogs’ at BATUS in Canada and
that these video ‘day in a life of’ stories will become an
occasional feature of the new series. Video blogs from other units around
the world are also planned for the programme.
There are currently BFBS Reports teams permanently based in the UK, Cyprus,
Falkland Islands, Germany, Gibraltar and Northern Ireland, all of which
are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to cover events and tackle
issues worldwide that matter to Service viewers. And it’s not just
on the box that viewers tune in - BFBS Reports' coverage of ongoing British
operations in Afghanistan is being used as a briefing aid for troops from
1 Signal Brigade who are to deploy to the theatre.
5
September 2006
RAF
Lyneham Open Day
BFBS was at RAF Lyneham's recent
Open Day to record messages for people with loved ones deployed overseas.
Reporter Neil Skinner joined the crowds and gathered dedications for Access
All Areas which is broadcast around the world on Sundays on BFBS.
The Red Arrows opened the event
and an air display featuring Hawks, Hurricanes, Spitfires, Lancasters
and the Eurofighter among others, kicked off from there. In the arena
a whole host of events was lined up for the day and included; terrier
racing, dog handling by the RAF Police, a stunt man, chariot race, a bouncy
castle and lots of other activities to keep the kids amused.
18 August
2006
BFBS
welcomes four new radio presenters
British Forces Broadcasting
Service Radio has added four new presenters to their worldwide broadcasting
network.
Joining BFBS Radio 1 are Jessie
Aru, Jennifer Packham, George Ryland and Anthony Ballard whose combined
expertise will see them traveling around the world broadcasting live and
local to the BFBS entitled audience.
Jessie Aru had a successful
junior athletics career competing for Great Britain. She has since combined
her passion for sport, music, travel and the media to work in a variety
of reporting and presenting jobs for BBC Sport Online, BBC London, Radio
Five Live and BBC 7 among others. Her first posting will be to BFBS Belize.
This is Jennifer's first job
and one she has been preparing for since studying at Royal Holloway University
of London and presenting a regular show on their award winning radio station
Insanity. Her first posting will be to BFBS Canada.
George cut her radio promotion
teeth with Heartbeat in Knebworth, before going on to present shows for
Mercury 96.6 in Watford and 97.6 Chiltern fm before joining BFBS. Her
first six months with the Station will be spent in Gibraltar after which
she'll be moving on to the Falkland Islands.
Anthony, meanwhile, went from
a career in London, and ultimately Thailand, as a graphic designer before
being asked to present a drive time show for Pulse 107 Radio in Bangkok.
One thing led to another and he was soon presenting Bangkok Breakfast
on 95.5 FMX as well as having a regular spot on a TV music channel and
presenting a travel programme on Star TV. Coming back to the UK Anthony
worked for WFM in the West Country, where he eventually became Station
Manager before moving to Star 106.6 in Slough. He took time out last year
to qualify as a hypnotherapist whilst at the same time carrying out consultancy
work for the Radio Academy. Anthony's first posting will be to BFBS Germany.
Kal Sutherland, General Manager
BFBS UK said, ‘We are really fortunate to have four new presenters who
between them have all the necessary experience, enthusiasm and passion
for entertaining and informing our audience.'
9 August 2006
BFBS takes
the bull by the horns
In the first of a series of
collaborative projects, BFBS Radio joined forces with RAF Marham to launch
its AM Radio Station, Blue Bull Radio.
British Forces Broadcasting
Service (BFBS) Radio's Glen Mansell broadcast live from RAF Marham open
day on July 27 th before handing over to the Station Commander, Air Commodore
Greg Bagwell who flew overhead to launch Blue Bull Radio in spectacular
style from the seat of a Tornado.
The Blue Bull Radio studios
are fitted with the most up-to-date equipment and transmit at a frequency
of 1278KHz, giving a range of six kilometres locally.
Outside of their live and local
shows they are going to relay specifically targeted BFBS Radio programmes
via a dedicated satellite link.
RAF Lyneham Radio is another
station that has taken up this bespoke mix of programming and BFBS is
currently helping them build a new autumn schedule.
In addition to receiving programmes
from BFBS Radio, Marham and Lyneham volunteers also benefit from professional
training and ongoing support in radio programming from experienced BFBS
radio staff.
Kal Sutherland, General Manager
BFBS UK said, ‘BFBS is here to serve the Forces community and we are delighted
to be involved in the Marham and Lyneham projects. We would love to explore
similar opportunities with any UK based military installations.'
If you would like to discuss
broadcasting opportunities for your Garrison with BFBS, please contact
Kal on 01494 878711.
1 August
2006
BATSUB
goes Digital
Analogue TV will not be turned off in the UK until 2012, but for the residents
of BATSUB* in Belize the change happened this month.
In another first for British Forces Broadcasting Service Technology, the
single channel analogue BFBS1 transmitter has been replaced with a digital
terrestrial system (DTT) carrying four channels. As well as BFBS1, people
stationed at BATSUB can view BFBS2, Sky News and Sky Sports 1, carried
via BFBS Television. BFBS1 and BFBS2 are delayed to match local time,
but for special occasions, a live feed of BFBS1 can also be transmitted.
Should further channels become available, the system is ready to carry
them with only a minimum of engineering work.
Residents have been provided with ‘Freeview’ type set top
boxes in order to allow them to receive the new service on their existing
TV sets. The transmissions also carry BFBS radio services, providing an
alternative way to catch their favourite programmes.
31
July 2006
Lee
Hurst goes to Iraq for Free
A call from comic Lee Hurst
to Combined Services Entertainment recently saw the former They Think
It’s All Over star going to Iraq to entertain the troops. CSE provides
live entertainment to the Forces throughout the world and usually approaches
celebrities to visit or perform for the troops in exchange for an appearance
fee. In a break from the normal routine, Lee contacted CSE, asked to go
to Iraq and didn’t want any money for going. He said ‘The lads are having
a hard time out there and I’d like to do my bit to try and cheer them
up.’ Within two weeks Lee was en route to Basra and spent five days performing
to over 4,000 troops – even visiting some of what the Army describe as
the ‘livelier areas’ of Iraq. Angie Moore, CSE Entertainment Manager said,
‘Lee absolutely boosted morale where it needed boosting most. He made
a big difference and I’m blown away that someone of Lee’s stature stepped
up and offered himself like this. Hopefully, he’ll be the first of many.’
31 July
2006
BFBS
Radio Presenter awarded CBF (G0C’s) Commendation
BFBS Radio presenter, Hermina
Graham, is celebrating after being awarded a CBF’s (GOC’s) Commendation.
The award is in recognition of Hermina’s work in raising a record Ł35,000
for Wireless For The Blind in the last year, as well as for her work for
the local community in general and comes at the end of her two-year posting
to the Falkland Islands. “I’m grinning like the Cheshire Cat!” said Hermina,
who received the Commendation at a farewell dinner in the Warrant Officers’
and Sergeants’ Mess at Mount Pleasant. “It was a complete surprise and
I’m absolutely delighted to accept it.” In what must be a first for the
military community, Hermina’s husband, WO1 Mark Graham, received the same
award. Hermina had worked in the Falklands for the local radio station,
FIBS, before joining BFBS over seven years ago. She has spent a total
of four-and-a-half years on the islands, during which time she has become
a firm favourite with both the British Forces and local communities. Hermina
said “I started my radio career here after answering a job advert in the
UK - so the Falklands will always be special for me. I’m really going
to miss the place – or, more to the point, the people – who are fantastic.”
After a detachment to Iraq, Hermina will join the BFBS Radio 2 team in
the United Kingdom.
28 June
2006
BFBS Live
on Veterans' Day
British Forces Broadcasting
Service broadcast live from the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, London
Tuesday the 27th of June saw the 61st Anniversary of the end of World
War Two: Veterans’ Day. The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS)
were present at VE day celebrations in 1945, and were present on Veterans’
Day 2006 at the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, London. BFBS attended
the organised event, with a live outside broadcast, conducted interviews
and filmed the proceedings. Unlike Memorial Sunday, Veterans’ Day is a
relatively new innovation, designated the 27th June by the Government,
after the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War Two in 2005. Veterans'
Day is a day of celebration and commemoration for those who fought for
our country. A wide range of events throughout the UK were planned for
Veterans' Day, and the charities ‘Combat Stress’, ‘St. Dunstan’s’ and
‘BLESMA’ teamed up to hold the joint display in Harmsworth Park. Overall,
the event was designed to raise awareness of the sacrifices veterans made
for the good of our country, both old and young. The BFBS Radio team were
keen to be involved in this military occasion, and Glen Mansell’s lunchtime
BFBS Radio 2 show went live from the event. Glen interviewed prestigious
members of the military community, including Peter Francis from the War
Graves Commission, the Veterans’ Minister Tom Watson, Veteran Steve Pendleton
and an entourage of visiting schoolchildren! During an interview with
veteran Steve Pendleton, injured in a helicopter crash when a member of
the 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets, Steve stated his views on the event:
“I am delighted to be involved with Veterans' Awareness Day this year
and am attending the event to highlight the support and advice available
to veterans from ex-Service organisations such as St Dunstan’s, BLESMA
and Combat Stress. These organisations provide an invaluable service for
ex-Service men and women across the country.” BFBS Television also conducted
a number of interviews, finding out more about the event while talking
to Veterans’ Minister Tom Watson, Former QMS Jim Wilson and Peter Coggins,
former SGT Royal Artillery. These interviews expressed the importance
of remembrance of Veterans, and commended the newly appointed occasion.
They were broadcast on BFBS’s flagship programme, BFBS reports. The entire
event took place around various marquees displaying children’s drawings,
food displays and information on veterans through time. A display area
in the middle of the park provided a valuable means of entertainment,
with performances from the Band of the Irish Guards, the Royal Navy, the
Army and Royal Air Force Physical Training Display Team. Napoleon’s eminent
phrase “the Army marches on its stomach” was put into use on this year’s
Veterans’ Day, as the Royal Logistics Corps demonstrated military cooking
techniques throughout time. The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI)
also provided refreshments for the general public, giving visitors a taste
of military food. Alongside the entertainment, an education marquee was
set up, with displays explaining the history of the Victoria and George
Cross Medals (the Victoria Cross medal having celebrated its 150th Anniversary
the very same day) and displays informing visitors of veterans through
the ages. The overall atmosphere was that of celebration, commemoration
and thanks. Described as “an enjoyable event for all ages” and “an excellent
and brilliant idea”, Veterans’ Day truly re-instated the general public’s
awareness for victims of war. 29 June 2006
Ex-Everton
Manager Joins BFBS World Cup Team
British Forces Radio has boosted its FIFA World Cup coverage thanks to
former Premiership Manager Mike Walker. Mike will join BFBS Radio shows
in Cyprus, which will be broadcast around the world, giving his expert
opinion on England's World Cup progress.
Mike will contribute reviews for BFBS Radio 1 during and after every England
World Cup game. He'll feature in the extra editions of BFBS Radio 1's
'The Score – World Cup Specials’, programmes that will record
the party atmosphere of Germany 06 - every Saturday as well as during
every England game. Mike will also join BFBS Radio 1 and BFBS Radio 2
presenters in Cyprus ahead of each game with his thoughts and predictions.
Score presenter Adam Gilchrist said "It's a real bonus to have someone
with Mike Walker's calibre and reputation on the programme.... We're over
the moon!"
You can hear BFBS on line at www.bfbs.com/listenlive
8 June
2006
SSVC
Cinema Symposium
The future of British Forces
cinemas was under discussion at the SSVC Cinema Symposium in Herford recently.
Staff from around the world gathered to discuss future plans and ways
of combating falling audience figures. One of the issues highlighted was
the need for cinemas to raise their profile within the Forces community.
With fewer people going to see films year on year, support from the local
community is paramount to the future of these facilities. Nicky Ness,
Director of Entertainment, was present to give an overview of the latest
industry news – particularly digital cinema and the UK Film Council’s
Digital Screen Network, which is currently rolling out digital projectors
across the UK industry. The introduction of digital cinema will give exhibitors
the means to respond more effectively to audience demand. Nicky said,
‘One of the big advantages of digital technology is increased programming
flexibility. Exhibitors, in partnership with distributors, will be able
to respond more effectively to audience demand because the usual need
to return the 35mm print or move it on to another cinema will no longer
exist. D-Cinema is the future, and with sensible financial planning we
may see the move away from 35mm in Forces cinemas over the next 5-10 years.’
Although Forces cinemas are managed by military units, SSVC selects the
films and provides full marketing and publicity support, scheduling to
individual unit requirements, freight, engineering support, complete financial
management and distribution of revenue. SSVC Forces Cinemas has been providing
and operating cinemas to HM Forces for over 50 years. There are currently
twenty static cinemas in Cyprus, Germany, the Falkland Islands, the UK
and Northern Ireland, with a state-of-the-art mobile cinema (the Movie
Machine) in the Balkans. SSVC brings the very latest box office movies
to British Forces, through this worldwide cinema network, within weeks
of their UK release.
8 June
2006
Chico
Takes Time to Visit British Forces Germany
Wives and families of troops
currently based in Iraq had a Mother's Day surprise when X-Factor's Chico
dropped into Fallingbostel, Germany this Sunday.
The families of the Royal Scots
Dragoon Guards and the First Battalion, The Highlanders had a mad day
with Chico as he signed autographs, posed for pictures and made sure that
every lady received a kiss and a hand-tied rose to celebrate Mother's
Day.
Lorna Alexander, whose husband
Cpl Billy Alexander is with HQ Company Scots Dragoon Guards in Al Amarah
said, ‘This was something to really look forward to. He's very handsome
in real life! Just look at everyone's faces. That sums up how happy we
are to see him.'
This was Chico's first trip
with the Forces entertainment specialists CSE, and he received a rapturous
reception from the ‘yummy mummies', as he dubbed them. The X-Factor star
recently made history by becoming the first Moroccan to hit the top of
the UK singles chart - knocking Madonna off the number one spot in the
process.
Chico said, ‘This was a perfect
end to four months of X-Factor madness. Showbiz feeds the ego, but days
like today feed the soul – and that's what's important. I was honoured
to be able to support these ladies and spread a smile at a time when the
families are separated.'
With their loved ones six months
into a second tour of Iraq, Chico's visit was a great morale booster and
marked his final engagement before taking a two-week holiday.
BFBS Radio 1's regular programme
‘ Access All Areas' linked live from Germany to Iraq during
Chico's visit so that the units could share the fun with their loved ones.
CSE's Director of Entertainment,
Nicky Ness, said ‘Chico was a perfect choice for this visit, which was
very different from our usual activity involving the front-line of military
operations. We are rarely involved with the families left behind but these
two units looked after us so well during our Comedy Club visit to Iraq
in January that we really wanted to return the favour.'
19 June
2006
BDFL
Sponsors Bob Dylan Programme Award
No Direction Home ,
the BBC Arena programme featuring Bob Dylan's first interview for 20 years,
recently won a prestigious FOCAL award sponsored by the British Defence
Film Library.
The programme, directed by Martin
Scorsese (Gangs of New York, The Aviator), used an archive of never before
seen footage showing Dylan's childhood and previously unreleased interviews.
The use of archive footage was judged to be the best in its category,
Best Use of Footage in an Entertainment, Arts or Drama Production
, at the FOCAL International Awards 2006.
Held at the Savoy Hotel in London,
the FOCAL awards offer recognition of the growing significance of the
footage industry and attracted submissions from 19 countries around the
world including Europe, USA, Australia, the Middle East and Canada. The
evening was introduced by legendary film producer Lord Puttnam CBE and
Greg Dyke, former Director-General, BBC.
Award sponsor, The British Defence
Film Library, manages, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the copyright
and distribution of over 35 years worth of military footage, images and
sound. BDFL Director, Nicky Ness, said,
‘ As resource managers for the
MoD, the importance of the preservation of archive material is something
very close to our hearts. We really appreciate the work being done by
FOCAL and are keen to support their initiative to raise the profile of
archive libraries and researchers. We were pleased to be able to sponsor
this award and delighted that this particular programme was the winner.'
23 May
2006
BFBS
Lisburn Live On-Air
British Forces Broadcasting Service launches
its first-ever permanent FM radio service in the UK
May 8th 2006, 10.06am, Lisburn, Northern Ireland - BFBS Lisburn 100.6
fm was officially launched by the GOC (General Officer Commanding) Northern
Ireland, General Sir Reddy Watt.
Two younger members of the Lisburn community, 6 year-old Megan Dunlop
and 10 year-old Kerry McNelly whose voices were the first ones heard over
the FM airwaves, ably assisted General Watt.
British troops, their families in Lisburn, the civilians who work alongside
them and the local Lisburn community are now listening to BFBS Radio in
FM stereo, enjoying local programmes plus live links to personnel deployed
across the world on operations in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, The
Falkland Islands and the Balkans.
The launch comes after over fourteen years of successful broadcasting
on AM across Northern Ireland and is seen as a significant step towards
the Forces integrating more closely with the local community.
BFBS Radio is the only Forces radio network with fully staffed radio stations
on the ground alongside Britain’s operational forces. This exciting
new service even further enhances the vital link with home that BFBS provides.
Listen to BFBS Lisburn live online at www.bfbs.com/radio then follow the
listen online link.
8
May 2006
The
da Vinci Code
SSVC
CINEMAS SPECIAL - CYPRUS Screening
of the Hoy Grail of Movies
SSVC Cinemas has cracked it with Sony Pictures Releasing by bringing a
closely guarded copy of The Da Vinci Code for special screenings at all
three Cyprus SSVC Cinemas the same weekend the epic opens in the UK. The
key to the special Code screenings is to initially launch the massive
refurbishment of the Key Cinema at Dhekelia.
This is such a rare event that SSVC Cinema personnel have been instructed
never to let the reels of film out of their sight.
SSVC Cinema Co-Ordinator, Lois Bichenor, complete with film, departs the
UK via red-eye on 18th May, drives straight to Akrotiri where the provided
20 minute chunks of film will be made up into two reels for projection,
then up to the Key Cinema at Dhekelia in time for the first screening
on Friday evening, back to Akrotiri for Saturday night’s screening
at the Astra then on to the Mercury at Ayios Nikolaos for a Sunday night
showing. Lois and film then depart Cyprus on the Sunday red-eye.
Starring two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean
Reno, Sir Ian McKellan, Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany, and directed by
Ron Howard, the Da Vinci Code is set to be a global phenomenon and is
the biggest release in Sony Pictures’ history. The Da Vinci Code
begins with a spectacular murder in the Louvre Museum. All clues point
to a covert religious organisation that will stop at nothing to protect
an ancient secret, remained hidden for 2000 years, that threatens to change
the course of history.
Details of the special screenings in Cyprus are as follows:
SSVC CINEMA DOORS OPEN FILM BEGINS
Key, Dhekelia 1730 1800
Astra. Akrotiri 1800 1830
Mercury, Ayios Nikolaos 1730 1800
Given a 12A certificate, The Da Vinci Code contains flagellation and other
moderate violence.
Listen to BFBS Radio for the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to each
special screening of The Da Vinci Code.
4 May 2006
Forces
Radio appoints new PD
BFBS Radio 1 has appointed Lee Randell as Programme Director to lead its
network programming from the UK. Lee, who previously worked as Station
Manager at BFBS in Northern Ireland, joined the company as a presenter
six years ago.
“BFBS Radio 1 is moving towards major changes in our network programming
this year,” said BFBS Controller, Charles Foster. “Lee will
bring fresh, innovative and interactive programming to our audience.”
13 January 2006
BFBS Radio
- 60 Glorious Years
BFBS Radio
is 60 years old and we have made a 60 minute special of our history.
Narrated by Richard Astbury
and with recordings from Algiers in 1943 to Baghdad in 2003 this is a
magnificent reminder of our glorious past. Click
here to listen to Real Media Audio file.
Press
& PR
For further Press & Media information
BFBS Forces Radio
& TV
Combined Services Entertainment
(CSE)
SSVC Retail
SSVC Forces Cinemas
British Defence Film Library
(BDFL)
Please
contact:
Sarah Dornford-May
Tel:
+44 (0) 1494 878 614
Mobile: +44 (0) 7802 455081
Email: sarah.dornford-may@ssvc.com
PR & Marketing Office
Services Sound & Vision Corporation
Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane
Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8TN |
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