BFBS Daily Dits

Leuchars Station opened its doors for a day of fairground rides, music, food and activities for it’s annual Families and community day.

Lauren Michell is joined by BFBS Scotland’s Jim Gellatly to find out more about the event...

🎡 In this episode

• The history of Leuchars station
• Fairground rides, ice cream, and a Harrier cockpit!
• Royal Scots Dragoon Guards talk about their history and life at Leuchars
• A pygmy hippo skull, toilet roll Waterloo-era soldiers and Scotland’s school holidays...

📱 WATCH highlights from the Leuchars Family Day

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The Female RAF Officer who Swam the Channel

Squadron Leader Nic MacKay from RAF Honington, Suffolk, has achieved one of the toughest challenges in sport - completing a solo swim of the English Channel in just over 10 hours. Lydia Tester shares this amazing story with Lauren Mitchell.

🏊In this episode:

Find out what motivated Squadron Leader Nic MacKay to take on this epic open water swim.

How she balances service life with elite-level sport.

Discover how swimming can be a powerful way to improve your mental wellbeing.

Plus, why fewer people have swum the Channel than climbed Everest.


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Sun, Sand and Serious Fitness at The Flamingo Throwdown in Cyprus

Ryan Galpin joins Lauren Mitchell to talk about taking on The Flamingo Throwdown beachside workout at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.

🦩In this episode:

The Flamingo Throwdown competitors face a tough mix of strength, endurance and CrossFit-style beach-based physical challenges.

Captain Janet Poon puts Ryan through his paces in the mixed pairs category.

The incredible support from the RAF Akrotiri community.

Plus, the winning team’s tasty post-recovery plan.

📲See more from The Flamingo Throwdown

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Hundreds of performers from around the world have gathered at the Castle Esplanade for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Lauren Mitchell speaks to Mark McKenzie to find out what goes on behind the scenes for one of the biggest events in the military calendar...

🎺 In this episode

• What happens during the frantic final days of rehearsals
• We hear from the Tattoo’s Chief Executive, creative team and RAF Musicians
• Princess Anne pays a visit to rehearsals, the Red Arrows are set to make an appearance, and Mark explains why the tattoo never gets old!

📱 See behind the scenes of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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RAF Valley’s Families Day is the biggest behind-the-scenes look at the people, aircraft and community that keep one of the RAF’s busiest training stations flying. It’s an opportunity for loved ones to explore the UK’s equivalent of Top Gun.

Lauren chats to Jess Bracey whilst she’s on the ground in Anglesey soaking up the atmosphere and finding out why Families Day means so much to those at RAF Valley...

✈️ In this episode

• RAF Valley's role in training the next generation of RAF jet pilots
• The many attractions of Families Day, from flying displays to the Red Arrows hangar
• Formula One crashes the Air Show
• And talk of Typhoons, fun fairs, and cotton candy

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RAF Reservists have been swapping their usual roles for urban warfare training alongside the Army at Ballykinler Training Area in Northern Ireland. Personnel have stepped out of their comfort zones to build the skills and teamwork needed for future operations.

Lauren chats to Rachael Price to hear why training together across the services is becoming more important than ever.

🎖️ In this episode

• RAF Reservists training alongside soldiers from 2 Royal Irish

• Cutting-edge simulation technology that prepares troops for realistic urban operations
• Plus, cam cream, mock villages, and building lifelong military friendships!

📱 Watch the training in action

BFBS Northern Ireland

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Minden Day is one of the British Army's most enduring traditions, but what's the story behind this battle honour and why does it matter today?
Lauren Mitchell is joined by BFBS Germany's Curtis Tyler to explore the military history and significance of Minden Day, commemorated annually in Minden, Germany.

 ⚔️In this episode

·         The fascinating story of The Battle of Minden in 1759, during the Seven Years' War

·         What happens when soldiers accidentally do the opposite of what they were supposed to do... and still win?

·         Major Ryan Ingram of 130 German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion, explores the history, heritage and lasting friendships between British and German military - making Minden Day such a special occasion.

·         Plus, the history lesson you didn’t get at school!

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More than 2,000 people gather in Colchester for the unveiling of a new Airborne Solider statue, celebrating 25 years of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team calling the city home.

Lauren's joined by BFBS Colchester’s Ashley Paul and Peter Johnson to talk about the emotional ceremony, arduous planning and why the statue means so much to the military and local community.

🪂 In this episode

• The new symbol of the bond between Colchester and 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team
• Unpacking the celebrations and community activities, including a new record from the Red Devils
• Plus, goosebump moments, and well-earned holidays!

📱 Watch the statue unveiling and celebrations

BFBS Colchester

🎧 Listen to the Sonny Fodera Music Special

Join Joe Carden as he chats with Sonny Fodera about the world of dance music and his sixth album, Can We Do It All Again?

RAF Aviators and Army soldiers have been put to the test during Exercise Greyhound Thunder at RAF Odiham.  

Lauren caught up with Natasha Reneaux, to hear about seeing the exercise up close. 

🚁 In this episode 

• A rundown on Natasha’s many recent adventures to RAF Odiham 

• The new specialist equipment helping air crews in the training 

• Plus, why RAF bases always have the best activities! 

📱 Watch Exercise Greyhound Thunder in action 

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Lauren Mitchell has visited JFC Brunssum in the Netherlands to discover how King's Camps is helping military children stay active, make friends and create unforgettable summer memories.

Along the way, she finds out what life is like at one of NATO's key operational headquarters.

🏃 In this episode

• A behind-the-scenes look at life at JFC Brunssum and the UK's National Support Element
• Lauren swaps the microphone for an obstacle course 
• Plus, meeting the children taking part in the camp

📱 Watch Lauren take on King's Camps

BFBS Germany

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Casting Chaos and Pro League Suprises

A new chapter is about to begin at RAF Brize Norton. After two years in command, Group Captain Louise Henton’s tenure as Station Commander is complete. Before she left, she sat down with BFBS to reflect on the last two years, what it’s like being responsible for a station that keeps the RAF moving around the world and what makes her proud of the station.

Lauren Mitchell catches up with Gemma-Leigh James about her tenure. 

✈️ In this episode:

• Why is RAF Brize Norton such a significant base for the military
• Highlights from Brize Norton over the last year – BRAVO awards, opening of RAFA Kids, remembrance ceremonies and family's day
• Shout out to the RAF Falcons team for their mammoth summer of events

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The BFBS Big Salute is our annual campaign that raises vital funds for armed forces charities. Each year we invite forces charities to apply for grants to support specific projects for the serving military, families and veterans.

Since it started in 2007 the Big Salute has raised over £1.5 million, and has supported over 54 charities 

Lauren Mitchell catches up with Jess Bracey to find out about this year’s campaign, Op Summit 

⛰️ In this episode:

• Sign up, get sponsored for your virtual or physical mountain climb and raise money for military charities
• Hear about our presenter Melissa Davies in Canada who is taking on The Rockies
• A thank you message from one of this year’s beneficiaries, Elysium - a UK charity that built the first national memorial dedicated to armed forces members and veterans who have died by suicide

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In this week’s episode: Esports, Rocket League... and a very expensive lesson in remembering your cables. Owen "Psycho" Williams, Leyna "Affinity" and special guest Daromas share one of the funniest behind-the-scenes stories from BFBS Esports.

Pupils at Queen Berengaria School in Dhekelia Barracks swapped classrooms for clouds of colourful powder as they took part in the school’s annual Colour Run.

Lauren Mitchell catches up with Ryan Galpin to find out why he couldn’t resist getting involved in the fun.  
 

🌈 In this episode:

• What makes the Queen Berengaria School Colour Run such a highlight in the school calendar
• How the event raised over €2500 for the school’s Parent, Teacher, Friends Association
• Plus, colourful memories from Lauren’s time in Brunei and getting stuck in at forces events!

📱 Watch Ryan take on the Colour Run

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🎧 Listen to the Sonny Fodera Music Special

Join Joe Carden as he talks to Sonny Fodera about the world of dance music and his sixth album, Can We Do It All Again?

Sonny Fodera – Can We Do It All Again?

We are in the middle of airshow season and one event that has got lots of people talking is the Farnborough Airshow. 

Around 1,600 exhibitors, spanning commercial aviation, defence, space, advanced air mobility, manufacturing, AI, and sustainability.

On Friday there was a renewed "Pioneers of Tomorrow" public day, aimed at inspiring future engineers, pilots, and scientists.

Lauren Mitchell chats to Richard Wyeth who was on the ground for BFBS The Forces Station. 
 

🎧 In this episode:

• We hear from Farnborough International Airshow CEO Gareth Rogers about the success of the event and inspiring the next generation
• Military aviation galore hearing about the Typhoon, F35 and the British Army’s Red Devils, plus memories of sitting in an Osprey helicopter in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan
• How do you actually pronounce Chinook?
• We launch the BFBS Big Salute 2026 Campaign, Op Summit, inviting you to take part it our latest fundraising challenge 

✈️ LISTEN to our dedicated Military Aviation Podcast ‘MavGeeks: A Military Aircraft Obsession’ with Gini Carlin

🖊 SIGN UP for this year’s BFBS Big Salute Fundraising event Op Summit, where we are asking you to raise a mountain of cash by physically or virtually climbing a mountain in aid of military charities.

The Armed Forces have been showcasing themselves at Europe's biggest agricultural event, The Royal Welsh Show.

Lauren Mitchell catches up with BFBS Social Media's Toby Pickard to find out more about the day.

🌾 In this episode
Why the Armed Forces are at the Royal Welsh Show
What visitors can see and get involved with
How the Army is engaging with young people and local communities
Toby's highlights from one of Wales' biggest annual events

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Two instructors from the Cyprus Army Cadet Force have walked 87 miles across Cyprus in the middles of a heatwave to raise money for charity. 

Lauren Mitchell catches up with BFBS Cyprus Hal Stewart to hear how the epic challenge unfolded – from unexpected detours to blistered feet and soaring temperatures. 

🥾 In this episode 

• Why two Army Cadet Force instructors walked from Episkopi to Dhekelia 

• The unexpected five-mile detour around one of Cyprus' biggest power stations 

• How 32°C heat, blistered feet and new trainers tested their determination 

• Plus, the charities they're supporting, why they'd never do this walk again... and Hal and Lauren reminisce about Christmas in the Cyprus snow before heading to the beach! 

📱 Support the challenge 

Search Cyprus Army Cadets on JustGiving to donate. 

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The RAF Benevolent Fund is one of the charities supporting serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families when they face financial hardship or need extra help.

When former RAF serviceman Matt Neve faced financial uncertainty, following injury and major life changes, the RAF Benevolent Fund provided vital support, helping to ease pressures and enabling him to rebuild his life. 
Lauren Mitchell chats to Gemma-Leigh James about the amazing service the RAF Benevolent Fund provide and how they have helped one veteran in particular.  

🎧 In this episode

• How a tour of Op TELIC, loading repatriated service people, led to Matt’s medical discharge and PTSD
• The moment the Invictus Games made him realise he needed further care
• When the RAF Benevolent Fund stepped in to help with rent following an accident at work
• Why people who fundraise for charities make such a difference to beneficiaries like Matt; most recently an RAF serviceman climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the RAF Benevolent Fund 

💙 READ more about the help available from military charities on the BFBS Audience Support Hub

📱 CHECK OUT photos from AS1 Rowan’s mammoth Mount Kilimanjaro climb in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund on the BFBS Brize Norton Facebook Page

Soldiers from First Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment have been putting on their gas masks as they complete Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) training before returning to the UK.  
Lauren Mitchell catches up with BFBS Cyprus reporter Will Hollis to find out why the training is so important and what life has been like for the battalion during their two-year deployment on the island. 

 ☣️ In this episode 

• Why 1PWRR are preparing for CBRN duties 

• What it’s like training in protective equipment under the Cyprus Sun 

• How the unit respond to chemical threats 

• Saying goodbye to Cyprus and heading home to Woolwich! 

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The final of the 2026 World Cup took place last night with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. With military personnel watching the matches across the forces world, how did they get involved? 
 
Lauren Mitchell and Jade Callaway share their experiences of following the fixtures in Germany 
 

⚽ In this episode 

• Group chats go international as the forces world entered their own sweepstakes for the world cup 

• How Sennelager hosted an open-air cinema night for the final 

• We hear from the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant who helped BFBS put on the event 

• Plus, bucket hats, bean bags and a big cup of coffee the morning after! 
   

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University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) cadets from the UK have visited Augustdorf in Germany, for a unique opportunity to learn from the Bundeswehr, the German army. 
 
Lauren Mitchell and Curtis Tyler followed them on their exercise 
 
🫡In this episode 

• WO2 Jans Vander of the Bundeswehr outlines how the trip’s fostered interoperability and international partnership between the UK and German military  

• Students get up close to military tech including demos and displays of kit, vehicles and simulators   

• Cadets don camo cream, weaponry for rural and urban training exercises in the field  

• Plus, berets, boots and breads rolls! 
   

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