Mouldy Quarters at RAF Brize Norton.
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Or invite every newspaper and the likes of shelter to a house warming party
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BAck on to the thread:
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Finally, complaining bitterly about this - posting on here, confronting clerks and housing officers and the like will only see the SP being hauled in front of the CoC - and counselled on his/her behaviour. Not saying that's right - just warning that it will happen. Edited to add that you will probably have the sympathy and support of the Stn. Cdr who can apply pressure, but doesn't own the problem.
On a related issue, we have lived in a fair few quarters, hirings, SSFA &c over the years in the UK and in a number of overseas locations. I have been surprised by the attitude of some SP who won't lift a finger to fix anything - tighten loose door knobs, replace a fuse, adjust a dripping cistern, for example. None of it is rocket science - and most SP would happily do it in their own houses but seem to think that this is beyond them when they are in SFA!
WP
Quote:
Finally, complaining bitterly about this - posting on here, confronting clerks and housing officers and the like will only see the SP being hauled in front of the CoC - and counselled on his/her behaviour. Not saying that's right - just warning that it will happen. Edited to add that you will probably have the sympathy and support of the Stn. Cdr who can apply pressure, but doesn't own the problem.
So what you are saying is that if there is something wrong with the FQ then the CoC are not able to get involved, but if you dare to make a fuss about it, then they will get involved?
No, I'm not saying that Mutley. What I am saying is don't p*ss off the people who are genuinely trying to help. We are in the situation that the single Services no longer have direct control over housing (subject to a separate Thread it its own right, I might argue) as it is largely vested in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. I am sure that the Stn Cdr (or his staff) is aware of this problem, and many others like it (and probably other welfare issues that are far, far worse) and will address the issue as best he can - to DIO and through them, to MHS. There are other mechanisms if local liaison doesn't work, but I think that going global on this matter may not help the situation.On a related issue, we have lived in a fair few quarters, hirings, SSFA &c over the years in the UK and in a number of overseas locations. I have been surprised by the attitude of some SP who won't lift a finger to fix anything - tighten loose door knobs, replace a fuse, adjust a dripping cistern, for example. None of it is rocket science - and most SP would happily do it in their own houses but seem to think that this is beyond them when they are in SFA!
WP
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I have been surprised by the attitude of some SP who won't lift a finger to fix anything - tighten loose door knobs, replace a fuse, adjust a dripping cistern, for example. None of it is rocket science - and most SP would happily do it in their own houses but seem to think that this is beyond them when they are in SFA!
While I had every sympathy (well a little) I always asked if they would call out Dynarod or whoever in the middle of the night.
Admittedly a home owner will have lots more DIY kit to hand. However one SiL will change kitchen doors and even install a powershower to turn a quarter into a home.
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Ventilation, ventilation and finally ventilation...
Looking at that awful picture I would respectfully suggest there is not a major issue with damp as the plaster is not too bad!! The black mould, fungicide etc is an embarrassment and I would be taking my butler to one side and suggest he fires the current cleaning staff, I would then ensure those he does employ clean those walls immediately!
Dependent on age of the property might I suggest that if there was a major problem with damp then would the plaster be coming away from the wall or the plasterboard falling to pieces?
Have you checked these? (ventilation bricks)
That would be my first port of call particularly if the property is over ten years old... Make sure spiders have not blocked the holes or any other type of creepy crawly, ensure there are no obstructions blocking them or soil built up over the ventilation area.
If they are in a good state of repair then does the double glazing have any type of ventilation slots? I am NOT suggesting you open windows in the middle of winter but all houses need the air to circulate.
My worry would be that you have a gas type fire in that room and inadequate ventilation.. Please note I am NOT saying you have, I am simply saying I would be concerned if you have as that mould indicates poor ventilation and poor ventilation along with gas fires are not conducive to long term living
Looking at that awful picture I would respectfully suggest there is not a major issue with damp as the plaster is not too bad!! The black mould, fungicide etc is an embarrassment and I would be taking my butler to one side and suggest he fires the current cleaning staff, I would then ensure those he does employ clean those walls immediately!
Dependent on age of the property might I suggest that if there was a major problem with damp then would the plaster be coming away from the wall or the plasterboard falling to pieces?
Have you checked these? (ventilation bricks)
That would be my first port of call particularly if the property is over ten years old... Make sure spiders have not blocked the holes or any other type of creepy crawly, ensure there are no obstructions blocking them or soil built up over the ventilation area.
If they are in a good state of repair then does the double glazing have any type of ventilation slots? I am NOT suggesting you open windows in the middle of winter but all houses need the air to circulate.
My worry would be that you have a gas type fire in that room and inadequate ventilation.. Please note I am NOT saying you have, I am simply saying I would be concerned if you have as that mould indicates poor ventilation and poor ventilation along with gas fires are not conducive to long term living
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My simple take on it is - that sort of environment is simply not healthy for wives and children. It boders on slum accomodation. Would the PM or any of our 'caring' MPs house the wife and kids in there? Not effing likely. If you tried to house immigrants in there the whole housing issue would be headlines because they would complain!
The bloke who said about moving another stations personel to Brize without a plan was spot on, the MOD cant even look after those based at Brize - its a national disgrace.
The bloke who said about moving another stations personel to Brize without a plan was spot on, the MOD cant even look after those based at Brize - its a national disgrace.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
glojo, we had ventilation in our first quarter. In the loft was a hole perhaps 3 inches in diameter. Outside the first bit of land was America. In the bedroom the plaster had a little bit of gypsum foam and was making advances towards the bed on the other side of the room.
A seagull lived in the kitchen cavity wall and used to watch Mrs PN through the hole.
The exterior of the house had been painted only the painters had neglected to open the windows before painting them. A later occupant solved the ventilation problem by bending the metal frame. We sealed it with a rolled up copy of an entire Sunday Times. The PSA man who came to fix it on the day we marched out was clumsy and broke the glass.
We had mould up the entire stairway but that was due to inadequate ventilation even though the washing machine and tumble drier in the cloakroom was vented through an open window.
It was ever thus.
A seagull lived in the kitchen cavity wall and used to watch Mrs PN through the hole.
The exterior of the house had been painted only the painters had neglected to open the windows before painting them. A later occupant solved the ventilation problem by bending the metal frame. We sealed it with a rolled up copy of an entire Sunday Times. The PSA man who came to fix it on the day we marched out was clumsy and broke the glass.
We had mould up the entire stairway but that was due to inadequate ventilation even though the washing machine and tumble drier in the cloakroom was vented through an open window.
It was ever thus.
DHE haven't existed for almost 10 years, but moving on...
It is difficult to balance a call-out on a weekend. A blocked toilet would meet the criteria, as would the loss of hot water! But as an SDO I received loads of spurious calls for 'works services' after hours or weekends and tried to put myself in their situation. Correct me if I am wrong, but MHS now manages a call centre to handle enquiries directly, generally not involving the OO.
When I worked at Lyneham many moons ago, I had an upstairs office and could see agrieved spouses, generally pushing a pram like a bulldozer across the car park, heading towards my building to complain to the staff about something to do with their quarter. I generally had time to call downstairs to get the kettle on and get the spouse into my office. Yes - they would have complaints about damp/smells/tripping CBs, whatever, but often there were bigger issues - money, hubby away (again), sick kids...you name it. Often they wanted someone to vent off at and also someone to listen to their frustrations. A cup of tea often worked wonders (mainly for me!). In those days I had a budget and staff - and the flexibility as a Flt Lt to do something about it. I could also call across to the SP or his Flt Cdr to have a gentle chat if this was warranted. It was also very satisfying to resolve seemingly complex situations with a little common sense. These weren't halcyon days, but the chain of responsibility was a lot, lot shorter than it is now - and quite clear. My OC SSS at the time - from whom I took a lot of useful lessons - is still in the housing business - as Master of the Royal Houshold, No 1, Mall London.
It is difficult to balance a call-out on a weekend. A blocked toilet would meet the criteria, as would the loss of hot water! But as an SDO I received loads of spurious calls for 'works services' after hours or weekends and tried to put myself in their situation. Correct me if I am wrong, but MHS now manages a call centre to handle enquiries directly, generally not involving the OO.
When I worked at Lyneham many moons ago, I had an upstairs office and could see agrieved spouses, generally pushing a pram like a bulldozer across the car park, heading towards my building to complain to the staff about something to do with their quarter. I generally had time to call downstairs to get the kettle on and get the spouse into my office. Yes - they would have complaints about damp/smells/tripping CBs, whatever, but often there were bigger issues - money, hubby away (again), sick kids...you name it. Often they wanted someone to vent off at and also someone to listen to their frustrations. A cup of tea often worked wonders (mainly for me!). In those days I had a budget and staff - and the flexibility as a Flt Lt to do something about it. I could also call across to the SP or his Flt Cdr to have a gentle chat if this was warranted. It was also very satisfying to resolve seemingly complex situations with a little common sense. These weren't halcyon days, but the chain of responsibility was a lot, lot shorter than it is now - and quite clear. My OC SSS at the time - from whom I took a lot of useful lessons - is still in the housing business - as Master of the Royal Houshold, No 1, Mall London.
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Smoky Boilers
Back in the 60's we had coke stoves in married quarters
Mostly they smoked, no servicing for years and seals had perished
Repeated complaints produced instructions to stop,being silly and no other action, a family found the dog dead in the kitchen one morning. PM showed carbon monoxide poisening.
We all threatened to contact the press and local council to have houses condemned
Boilers fixed
Mostly they smoked, no servicing for years and seals had perished
Repeated complaints produced instructions to stop,being silly and no other action, a family found the dog dead in the kitchen one morning. PM showed carbon monoxide poisening.
We all threatened to contact the press and local council to have houses condemned
Boilers fixed
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The problem with Brize is that having taken the base back from the Americans in order to make it the RAF strategic transport base a vast amount of building was needed. Not only Base Hangar and all the rest of the infrastructure but also housing.
In the late 60s pre-fabricated concrete "tilt-up" slabs were the architectural flavour of the month. Couple that with contractors always anxious to make a quid and do the cheapest job possible in the ridiculously short time allowed by MOD and you have a recipe for decades of disaster.
When I went into MQ in the mid 70s the housing had been up for almost 10 years and it was really ready to be bulldozed and something more substantial and appropriate put up in its place. However.....
So, 40 years since they were put up the accommodation has problems...so no surprises there then.
And the VC10s are still there, and Gateway, and Base Hangar...
In the late 60s pre-fabricated concrete "tilt-up" slabs were the architectural flavour of the month. Couple that with contractors always anxious to make a quid and do the cheapest job possible in the ridiculously short time allowed by MOD and you have a recipe for decades of disaster.
When I went into MQ in the mid 70s the housing had been up for almost 10 years and it was really ready to be bulldozed and something more substantial and appropriate put up in its place. However.....
So, 40 years since they were put up the accommodation has problems...so no surprises there then.
And the VC10s are still there, and Gateway, and Base Hangar...
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
There will be an environmental health technician in the medical centre at Brize. Try them first.
WUH, I know but it were MPBW or DOE or PSA or DHE or whatever in my day. I certainly had no criteria whatever to permit a callout. Operational buildings only!
WUH, I know but it were MPBW or DOE or PSA or DHE or whatever in my day. I certainly had no criteria whatever to permit a callout. Operational buildings only!
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Circumvent the whole shooting match and go straight to the HSE.
Pilot gets sick from mould - MTFU and soldiers into work. - Has an Episode on something like short finals and plows in.......
Bad enough? This is the 21st century, and serving forces members and their families have a right not to be housed in squalor, Should singlies have to live in barrack blocks with rats?
I agree you should treat your quarter like you owned it and look after it as best as you can - guess what, thats the same as us tenants in the real world too.
Does the RAF think things like annual gas safety checks are optional?
Do they do regular electrical checks?
I know it is those thieving b*****ds at Annington or whoever stole it from them.
The RAF could make a much bigger fuss and look after their troops - or like most managers they could do a somebody else's problem.
I remember an old lesson - flight safety is EVERYONE's RESPONSIBILITY.
if you don't think flight safety is your job, do the RAF and everyone else a favour and hit the eject button on JPA.
Pilot gets sick from mould - MTFU and soldiers into work. - Has an Episode on something like short finals and plows in.......
Bad enough? This is the 21st century, and serving forces members and their families have a right not to be housed in squalor, Should singlies have to live in barrack blocks with rats?
I agree you should treat your quarter like you owned it and look after it as best as you can - guess what, thats the same as us tenants in the real world too.
Does the RAF think things like annual gas safety checks are optional?
Do they do regular electrical checks?
I know it is those thieving b*****ds at Annington or whoever stole it from them.
The RAF could make a much bigger fuss and look after their troops - or like most managers they could do a somebody else's problem.
I remember an old lesson - flight safety is EVERYONE's RESPONSIBILITY.
if you don't think flight safety is your job, do the RAF and everyone else a favour and hit the eject button on JPA.
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In the late 70's it took them a year to replace the window in my room that was smashed and holed, lower and upper frame were bonded to the glass, finally got it replaced when I put in a gen app for substandard accommodation. Must of cost them a fortune, I worked on the principal if you cannot fix my window, then you can heat it instead, I had a fan heater running 24 / 7 for that year. One of the blocks the "fish bowl" type light shades would fill with water when it rained.. And we were on the ground floor!
I remember at Saints on my course in the 70's some poor kid in quarters running down the stairs tripped and went straight through a glass door at the bottom
requiring major stitches, 
....... It was then the RAF found that the builders had fitted plain glass in them and not toughened..... They were all replaced, but not exactly of use to that poor kid.
I remember at Saints on my course in the 70's some poor kid in quarters running down the stairs tripped and went straight through a glass door at the bottom
requiring major stitches, ....... It was then the RAF found that the builders had fitted plain glass in them and not toughened..... They were all replaced, but not exactly of use to that poor kid.
Last edited by NutLoose; 30th Apr 2012 at 19:02.
WW - I know you are upset for a variety of reasons, but no need yo get offensive about it
.
If SP are planning to complain, it doesn't help their credibility if the spout duff gen, that's all
. If SP are planning to complain, it doesn't help their credibility if the spout duff gen, that's all
