Interesting life for the wives

The 33-year-old mother of two children says it's thanks to her husband, Andy, being in the Queen Royal Hussars that she has had such an interesting life, travelling far and wide.

She accepts that being an Army wife is not for everyone, but adds that the wives who become involved in the wide range of family activities laid on by the regiment for them can have a great time.

"You always get to know the neighbours because you are supporting one another," said Nicola.

"When we lived in Winchester we never got to know our neighbours because we were not in Army accommodation. While the husbands are away there is plenty of support, with the welfare officers on hand and lots of events taking place.

"At the end of the day it's up to you whether you take part, but you might as well do so and enjoy yourself as opposed to sitting at home feeling miserable. You get out of it what you put into it."

To date, the family, who live in military accommodation in a small town near Athlone Barracks, have spent four years in Germany, one year in Cyprus and four years in various parts of the United Kingdom.

In 1999, the family returned to Worcester - Andy's home town - for two years while he was seconded to the city's Army Careers Office in Foregate Street.

Nicola said that while Army husbands were on tour, their families were entitled to three return flights home, and this enabled her to visit family and friends with five-year-old Daniel and Bethany, aged three.

But, she added, there was always lots to do when the husbands were at the barracks with the family.

"I work part time at one of the schools for the troops' children," she said.

"Because we have our own radio station, television station and entertainment facility, you can remain detached from local people. Or you can go out and meet local people and really get an insight into other country's cultures."

This is Worcester Picture Special