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Forces sweethearts

If you have a family member in the Royal Navy, RAF or army, find support from other Mumsnetters here.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

So come on then you lot, who are you, where are you...

331 replies

pinkdolly · 14/06/2007 13:43

It seems i'm the first. So this is me...

I'm 26 and have 3 girls aged 5, nearly 4 and nearly 1.

DH is in the navy and we are currently living on a married patch in redruth, cornwall. Though not for much longer. Due to the serious mining issues on the estate we are having to look for SSAFA (private rented in Redruth.

DH works on the Merlin's (helicopters) at culdrose and is an LAET.

Anybody else out there?

OP posts:
Katiekin · 23/06/2007 23:30

I'm off to bed too, night night all, nice to know you're all out there

jcscot · 24/06/2007 07:57

Tidworth, eh? We lived in Bulford for a year (husband's second posting) and found it a fairly sleppy place. Not much of a social life but good quarters, though!

My husband was posted to a TA battalion when compulsory mobilisation first kicked off and I know how hard it was for the TA guys and their familes; harder in a way than it is for the regulars. We regulars expect the deployments and we're surrounded by people who've been through/are going through the same thing. TA families are more out on a limb and that's why sites like this that can offer support are very useful.

Katie, things will get easier, I promise. The first few weeks are hard, as you adjust to him not being there and the last few weeks are hard too, because you simply count down the hours 'til he comes home. Can you try to shield your son from the news (I know it's hard these days!) to help him feel less anxious. The more your husband writes to him (and to you) perhaps the more reassured your wee boy will be. Maybe you could tell him that Daddy will be missing everything from home and that letters telling him about his day will cheer him up?

I'm no expert at this - my son is only nine months old and my husband hasn't been away since he was born but there is help out there. Your husband's unit Welfare Officer (or the unit Welfare Offcier of the unit he's attached to) may have some contacts that could help - perhaps putting you in touch with other wives and families in your area from your husband's unit who are going through the same thing.

Good luck!

jcscot · 24/06/2007 07:58

Sleepy, not sleppy! (That's what I get for typing so ealy in the morning.)

largeginandtonic · 24/06/2007 12:33

A general meetup sounds fab too. Cant wait, saltire im in Gosport we could meet up before the big meet if you like.

DH home this weekend and next

kirstygem · 24/06/2007 14:24

This message prob going to make me sound like a right loser but ... DH went away yesterday and I have quickly realised that outside of work the 2 of us and DD just live in our own little world. We dont really meet up with other families or have people round. As we both work fulltime we just happy to have family time the 3 of us together at weekends. But now he away I realise how lonely I will be without him here . My family all 7 hours away in scotland

littlelapin · 24/06/2007 16:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

emsieloo · 24/06/2007 19:02

Hello!

Am another Navy wife! Dh is currently an LMEA on course at Sultan until May 09.

I live in MQs in Gosport and have 2 DDs aged 6 and 4 and 1 DS age nearly 9mths

Eve34 · 24/06/2007 19:44

wow you are wonder women 3 kids I need some of your secret tips - My DP was on that course and has just gone to sea - Well he is actually on a beach in Rio til the ship sails on WED alright for some. My little man 9 months has decided that now would be a good time to not sleep GRRRRR.

Eve

sidge · 24/06/2007 22:52

McDreamy - sorry didn't reply earlier had madly busy weekend!

I was at Haslar Jan 93-Nov 99; when were you there? What were you? I was a Doris!

Katiekin · 24/06/2007 23:33

Thanks jcscot
Luckily I have plenty of friends here and good neighbours but no-one round here is in the forces. It is great to find this site.

McDreamy · 25/06/2007 05:03

I was there from October 99 to May 2000 on E7

McDreamy · 25/06/2007 05:19

or was it E6 - I can't remember as I wasn't there long but I loved every minute. I lived next door at FB with the Submariners - had a fab time . They introduced me to that dodgy nightclub in Gosport with the very sticky floor - Emmas? Great nights had by all!

Shoshable · 25/06/2007 06:21

Good morning Mcdreamy how are things in Cyprus.

Does everu Military Base have a 'Sticky Floor'Place our swas called tiffany's although it has closed down now, used to go to one in Salisbury as well when a Tidworth cant remember what that was called tho.

tinytotmummy · 25/06/2007 07:55

Oooh, Emma's, classy place that! Brings back lots of memories..

McDreamy · 25/06/2007 09:34

I think wherever the military are ther is a sticky floor venue - it's a must!

MamaD · 25/06/2007 10:19

There was a sticky carpets type place just outside of Andover when I was in Tidworth, and you know, I don't think I EVER knew its real name. EVERYONE just called it Stickies!! Sods law I can't remember the area either, it was kinda between Salisbury and Andover - took about 20 mins in a taxi?

I remember Flicks in Andover was pretty dire, and also Louis in Catterick. I think it must be the 'Law of the Garrison' that every town near a military base must have one.

(Whereas in Shrewsbury they've got Flares, if it had carpets they'd be sticky but there isn't a squaddie in sight!)

benandalex · 25/06/2007 17:00

mamad the stickies u speak of was in amsebury well it was when we were posted there 4 years ago lol

jocoxy · 25/06/2007 20:26

Evening All. I met My Husband at a renowed Stickys in Rochester, Kent called The Casino I think!!! Growing up near Brompton Barracks in Chatham never wanted to be with a soldier or be seen as just a local girl who got pregnant by a squaddie but here I am and I wouldn't change it for the world!! Well almost!!

kirstygem · 25/06/2007 20:30

I know she can't help it but why has my DD waited til the day after DH goes away to have an extreme teething phase involving screaming all night no matter what I do. Was like a total miserable zombie at work today

Scootergrrrl · 25/06/2007 20:32

They always do. And when they're older, the separation makes them behave like little horrors so you never get to win.

jocoxy · 25/06/2007 20:35

Know how you feel Kirstygem I am currently trying to get my 2 year old back in his own bed as with husband being away couldn't be bothered with lack of sleep so just let him fall asleep on my bed then put him in his. Oh am I paying the price now!!!! Trying to ignore the screaming of "Downstairs" and "Mummys Bed" at the moment!!!

Scootergrrrl · 25/06/2007 20:36

Awwww, it's shit isn't it? When DH went to Afghanistan last year, DD started climbing out of bed and coming back downstrairs. I once put her back 16 times before she gave up.

jocoxy · 25/06/2007 20:39

It Sucks!! Ive got a 5 year old in the next room who is trying to get to sleep so hes got energy for school so I gave him his cd player and headphones to drown out his brother and he thinks its hillarious that Ive put a potty in his room because if he comes out of his room the other starts again!! Bloody Hell!!

Katiekin · 25/06/2007 22:53

I can recommend melatonin, half a tablet and they are asleep in half an hour Not every day of course. I believe Phenergans works too. (lots of doctors live round here!)

twoplusone · 26/06/2007 09:06

Just found this ladies...
hello
I am 31 have two children DD who is 10yrs old, DS is 3years old and Baby (DS2)due in 3weeks..
DH is in the Army and we are based in Germany, at Elmpt.. (the old RAF Buggen)