THE Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP officially opened the new build Junior Ranks’ Diner at Larkhill Garrison last week.

This new ‘super diner’, which has seating for over 600 soldiers, has been delivered under the Army Basing Programme (ABP). The diner also includes retail and bar facilities to provide a convenient ‘one-shop-stop’ for Larkhill Service personnel.

Tobias Ellwood said: “I am really delighted to be here, I was only here a couple of months ago and it did not look as if it would be finished, but boy, is it fantastic!”

“It can seat 600 at a time and Larkhill is now going to become the home to the Royal Artillery with five regiments here not only the good old 105’s and AS90, but Watchkeeper and Desert Hawk and they will have superb facilities to look after them.”

General Richard Wardlaw, director of the Army Basing Programme said: “This is a critical asset that we were determined to have ready on time, you can’t have soldiers working at Larkhill and nowhere to feed them. This is the largest facility in the British Army with the capacity to deliver 1200 meals at breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Soldiers using the diner were fulsome in praise of the new facility with the range of food on offer with greater variety and plenty of healthy eating options.

One of the soldiers from 47 Regiment who pilot Watchkeeper said the facility was important to them because some of their missions could be up to five or six hours and to be able to come to the Diner and get freshly prepared, healthy meals was beneficial.

The facility includes a shop, Costa Coffee area and a bar for relaxing in the evenings where soldiers from all five regiments can meet and socialise.

3rd division thank you party

SOME 90 civilian guests from across the region representing local organisations and charities that support the Army on the Plain were at a Reception and Beating retreat held at Tidworth by the General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Division, Major General James Swift to thank them for their support.

They were hosted by officers from the headquarters and General Swift briefed them on the challenges facing the 4,500 soldiers who will be joining the Garrison.

The Royal Welsh Regimental goat, Fusilier Llewelyn, was in attendance and the Retreat was performed by the band of the Parachute Regiment supported by the Pipes and Drums of 19 Regiment, Royal Artillery.