Ian (serving), Sarah, Hettie, nine and Maximus, six
How long have you been an Army family?
13 years – it’s been quite a journey with seven postings under our belts so far.
How long have you been in the Falklands?
Six months, and we’re here for a two-year posting.
What’s your quarter like?
We live in a four-bedroom bungalow. It’s a great spot because it’s within walking distance of both the school and work, which makes the daily routine much easier.
Are there any employment/training opportunities?
There are a few different paths you can take. Many people here work within the Civil Service, the MOD or at the school. Some spouses even find unique roles as penguin wardens or in tourism. I’m currently working in a gift shop, which has been a lovely way to get involved.
Tell us about the schools and childcare
The school is such a lovely place. It’s very small, but the teaching is exceptional because they can really tailor everything to each individual child. There isn’t a nursery on camp, so some families use the one in Stanley.
For secondary school, most families use CEA and board in the UK, but there is the option for weekly boarding at the secondary school in Stanley.
Where do Army families get together and who supports you?
It’s a small, close-knit community where everyone looks after each other. We have a monthly families’ night in the Mess and usually head there for Sunday dinner too.
There’s also a families’ centre where parents with young children meet. We often get together at the beach to go bodyboarding with the dolphins — it’s a really special way to spend time together.
How do you find the cost of living out there?
Food is more expensive and the selection is a bit smaller than in the UK since most things are shipped from South America. Luckily, military families have access to a small selection of fresh fruit and vegetables flown in from the UK.
What are the best and worst things about living there?
It’s been an amazing experience for our family. Life is much slower here — it feels a bit like stepping back into the 1970s (in a good way!). The children have so much freedom to go out and play.
We’ve had some amazing days out off-roading to see the penguins, taking helicopters to the islands, and seeing elephant seals or swimming with dolphins.
The biggest downside is being so far from home. We only have internet inside the house, and I do really miss being able to buy fresh berries at the supermarket all year round.
Want to share your experiences of Army family life? Get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk