'the imjin' magazine Summer 2020 | Seite 6

BRIEF Kisstory A local woman has paid a very personal tribute to Gloucester’s piece of the Berlin Wall – by leaving a lipstick ‘kiss’ on the historic landmark at Imjin Barracks. Ellen Gill recalls helping Berliners chip away pieces of the Wall with pick axes in 1989 when her RAF husband was based in West Germany. Special access was granted to allow her to visit the Wall on her 78th birthday. Baltic Exchange BUSINESS PLAN Supermarket and pub part of new development opposite camp Plans have been revealed for a major new development next to Imjin Barracks – for 1,300 new homes, and a business park with small supermarket, leisure facilities and a pub. The 10-acre site is located on the junction directly opposite the camp entrance, and the proposals include a road linking to a brand-new roundabout onto the A40 connecting Gloucester with Cheltenham. NATO’s most senior soldier, Command Sergeant Major Siim Saliste, has urged troops serving in Gloucester to make the most of being “connected to the largest ‘NCO’ network in world history”. Saliste, the ‘Command Senior Enlisted Leader’ (CSEL) from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium, was speaking during a visit to NATO soldiers based at Imjin Barracks. Addressing a packed room of Headquarters staff, the Estonian soldier praised the ARRC, saying: “NATO needs to be faster, more vigilant, more lethal, and it is NCOs who will make us quicker. “Give every opportunity for your soldiers to learn, and make this place a learning environment.” Sky Views The initial planning documents include designs for ‘the largest single provision of local shopping, leisure and healthcare facilities in the north side of Gloucester’. The outline plans (pictured above) show a nursery, community centre and offices. Alternative uses may also be permitted subject to planning. including a small supermarket, kiosk shop units, public house and other leisure facilities, however it is too early to say who will occupy these units and when.” The centre will provide a small supermarket, public house and leisure facilities. TALKING SHOP Housebuilders Taylor Wimpey will be building all 1,300 new homes on the estate which will be known as ‘Whittle Gardens’. Mike Plimmer from developers Robert Hitchins Ltd told the imjin: “It is hoped that the neighbourhood centre will provide a variety of local services Preliminary infrastructure works for the first phase of housing have commenced, however they have temporarily pulled off site due to the coronavirus. Best shots The ARRC’s chief photographer has been reflecting on some of the best images from his career to date at a special exhibition of his work in London. Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Nesbit’s images from 2012 have been shown at the National Army Museum as part of an event showcasing the past winners of the British Army’s annual photographic competition. Senior officers from the ARRC have toured the Sky News studios in London – to gain a better understanding of the military/media relationship. They met with the news channel’s producers and TV anchors, concluding with a panel discussion with a number of invited defence journalists. 6 SUMMER 2020 the imjin Nesbit said: “It was nice to go back and see them on display.” To view the winning portfolio of images visit the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Facebook site