Tell me about Bulford!

[justhayley]

Hi all,
DP has just found out his first posting after Sandhurst will be to Bulford. He finishes in August then has 6 months training in Wales so the move would be late Feb 2013.
We have an 11 week old baby so have decided I'm def going to stay at home whilst he's in Wales, but not sure what to do after.
We won't be married by that point so wouldn't be starting off living on the base.

Is or has anyone been there? What's it like work wise and for bringing up small children - are there lots of toddler groups etc?

All opinions and stories good and bad welcome :)

Thank you
Hayley xx

congrats on your baby Hayley. Have never been to Bulford myself but know of others who have and they really loved it, even ended up putting DCs in boarding school near there. There are (according to friends) many toddler groups, friendly wives etc. I would ask the HIVE to send you some details if I was you, if you tell them about your little one they will include all the relevant information about the groups suitable for you.

My SIL lives there and there seems to be a really good community there. Lots of coffee mornings, days out and activities for the children and wives.
Also very close to Salisbury which is a really nice city!

I lived in Bulford a few years ago. There's lots to do around the camp but outside if the MQs, it's a pretty small village so rental opportunities are slim. Salisbury isn't too far away for work and you'd have a better chance of renting there.

We didn't have children when we were there so I have no idea of nursery/toddler groups etc but we found it to be a sociable patch with quite a bit going on.

Hi,

My DH was at Bulford, we lived in Perham Down on a patch.

The Bulford camp and area surrounding can look a little depressing, but Tidworth, the nearest town, has become a larger enterprise. Supermarket, playing fields, Hairdressers, Shops etc.

There are always lots of toddler groups etc, as the army are v. good at this sort of organisation. You'll find a choice in Bulford, Tidworth, Shipton Bellinger etc.

Shipton Bellinger is the nicest village in the vicinity, and if you are renting privately or buying I'd recommend. It's a nice mix of civvy and army, and the school is excellent (they have a connected pre-school too!)

Salisbury is ok to visit, it is getting a little run down, but Winchester is also close and lovely.

We used to enjoy nice days out in Marwell Zoo, The Watercress Line, and you aren't far from the lovely coast of Dorset.

Hello,

I currently live in Bulford and I love it! The other wives here are very friendly and welcoming, you'll make some great friend's. There's lots of coffee mornings going on at The Beeches and the sure start centre next to the school is fab.

It's a really lovely area, very pretty. But it's a tad remote, you really need to drive if you want to leave the base.

I'm at Bulford and love it although I don't know anybody after living here a year, but that's because I work an hours commute away so am out 6-6 everyday, but in two weeks job ends and a new one only 15 mins away term time only ( I'm a nanny) so hoping to meet people then