BFBS Daily Dits

Daily stories from the British Armed Forces community at home and around the world. Join Lauren Mitchell and the BFBS Radio team as they link up with soldiers, sailors, aircrew and military families across the globe, sharing stories about the issues and real life experiences that matter to you. From life on deployment to life back home, BFBS Daily Dits brings you British military voices, culture and conversation in one place. With over 80 years of serving the forces community, BFBS continues to inform, connect and entertain wherever you are in the world. New episodes every weekday.

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Episodes 66

Edinburgh’s Big August
2d ago · 14:49
August has transformed Edinburgh into a city full of music, comedy, theatre and art – and BFBS Scotland has been right in the middle of it. Lauren Mitchell speaks to Mark McKenzie to look back at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 🎭 In this episode What makes the Edinburgh Fringe such a huge part of life every year in August How Project Comedy is giving veterans a chance to connect, perform and challenge themselves on stage. Mark reveals his highlights from one of the busiest months of the year in Edinburgh 📱 Go behind the scenes The Edinburgh Festival Frin
Art on the Rock
3d ago · 11:49
Gibraltar’s famous Barbary macaques have inspired a new trail of colourful sculptures across the Rock. One of these monkey statues was created by talented young artist Phoebe Noble, a military child. Lauren Mitchell catches up with BFBS Gibraltar’s Greg Burnet. 🎨 In this episode Find out about the new Jump Around Gibraltar trailHow Phoebe’s dad reacted to the sculptures revealAnd how the artists, youth groups and community organisations have all helped bring 10 apes to life📍 See the statues Jump around Gibraltar 🎟️Fancy winning some online shopping vouchers BFBS Survey
The Woman Commanding NATO’s Task Force in the High North
4d ago · 13:48
Commodore Maryla Ingham is one of the Royal Navy’s most senior female leaders. She’s been commanding Standing Nato Maritime Group One, Iceland. The task force provides a visible deterrent guarding vital undersea communications - everything from online banking to booking a holiday. BFBS Forces News’ reporter James Wharton went to meet her aboard the flagship HMCS Ville de Québec, in Reykjavík and tells Lauren Michell all about it. ⚓In this episode Commodore Maryla Ingham shares frank insights on growing Russian naval activity and how Nato forces keep critical sea lines free and open. She is the
Breaking the Silence on Women's Health in Defence
5d ago · 13:08
Breaking the Silence on Women's Health in Defence Lance Bombardier Annie Robertson has turned her personal experiences of Endometriosis and pregnancy loss into advocating for greater awareness and support when it comes to the health of service women. Lauren Mitchell is joined by BFBS UK presenter Lydia Tester to talk about a subject affecting thousands of women. ⚕️In this episode: Meet Lance Bombardier Annie Robertson who’s campaigning for better women’s health support across the British armed forces. Learn of the work of the Defence Endometriosis Support Group. How to break down stigmas aroun
Infantry Battalion Handover in Cyprus
6d ago · 11:48
The Princess Wales’s Royal Regiment is leaving Cyprus after two years on the island, making way for the Welsh Guards to take over as the new infantry battalion in Episkopi. Lydia Tester chats to Anthony Ballard, the BFBS Cyprus Station Manager, to hear all about the handover. 🏝️ In this episode How 1PWRR and the Welsh Guard completed their handoverHow the Welsh Guards are settling inWhat’s in store for the Welsh Guards🏔️ Take part in the BFBS Big Salute Operation Summit
New homes for forces families in Cyprus
9d ago · 11:08
New homes are being built for service families in Cyprus as part of the apollo project. Lydia Tester speaks to BFBS Cyprus reporter Will Hollis to find out what the new homes are like. 🏠 In this episode A look into the brand-new homes in Dhekelia How the homes are being future proofed with seismic complianceWhat’s next for the Apollo Programme🎮 LISTEN to The Lobby Sir Pigasus cleared for Take-Off
Laughter's the Best Medicine: Former Army Medic Takes to Edinburgh Fringe
10d ago · 12:23
Former soldier Rich Bunn is an award-winning stand-up comedian returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. A semi-finalist of the event’s prestigious ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition last year, his military-themed show features storytelling about his time in the British Army. Kam Kelly caught up with the stand-up star and shares his story with Lydia Tester. 🎤In this episode: · Comedian Rich Bunn shares his unique take on life in the military. · Go behind the scenes on crafting a live stage show and producing hilarious social media posts. · Why comedy and having a laugh can be
Meet ‘The Nauti Girls’ Taking on the RNRMC Race Across the UK
11d ago · 12:29
Meet ‘The Nauti Girls’ Taking on the RNRMC Race Across the UK The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has launched its ‘Race Across the UK’ fundraising challenge. The mission? Travel from Dartmouth to Inverness in Scotland in just four days, without using a car, flying, or relying on map apps, all while raising vital funds for the Naval community. Lydia Tester is joined by George Wedlake who shares the story of one of the teams – ‘The Nauti Girls’, a truly nautical duo. 🗺️In this episode: What does The RNRMC ‘Race Across the UK’ involve? Meet ‘The Nauti Girls’ AKA serving Royal Navy
Military child competes in the Commonwealth Games
12d ago · 12:52
At just 14 years old, Katie Maddocks has represented Gibraltar in this year’s Commonwealth Games. Lydia caught up with Greg Burnet to hear about Katie’s experience competing in Glasgow. 🏊In this episode: What it was like for Katie to make her Commonwealth Games DebutHow growing up as a military child has helped with resilienceAnd how to balance school with training📻Want to discover new music? Will Parker
The RAF take on the British Superbike Championship
13d ago · 11:12
The British Superbike Championship roared into Thruxton, but alongside the high-speed action was a team using motorsports to change lives of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Lydia Tester is joined by Richard Wyeth to hear about his visit to the track 🏍️ In this episode What the British Superbike Championship is Balancing military life with competitive racing How volunteers, veterans and serving personnel find purpose and support through motorsports 🏆 Join the BFBS Fantasy Premier League Fantasy Football
Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for the BFBS Big Salute
16d ago · 15:45
Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for the BFBS Big Salute Want to help us raise money for forces charities? Get involved with the BFBS Big Salute Op Summit challenge! BFBS’s Richard Hatch will be tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of six small charities supporting the military community. Rich tells Lauren about his plans and the favours he’s pulling from some famous faces. 🧗‍♂️In this episode: How did this this challenge first come about from listeners? Rich gets support from SAS: Who Dares Wins star Billy Billingham and forces fundraiser Sally Orange. Expert advice and tips from Mar
Bringing the Community together at the Leuchars Families Day
17d ago · 12:06
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 stationFairground rides, ice cream, and a Harrier cockpit!Royal Scots Dragoon Guards talk about their history and life at LeucharsA pygmy hippo skull, toilet roll Waterloo-era soldiers and Scotland’s school holidays...📱 WATCH highlights from the Leuchars Family Day BFBS Scotland ➡️ Learn more about the AI Skills for Military
The Female RAF Officer who Swam the Channel
18d ago · 12:33
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. 📻Listen
Sun, Sand and Serious Fitness at The Flamingo Throwdown in Cyprus
19d ago · 10:15
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 BFBS Cyprus on Instagram 🔊Listen to your
Putting the Royal in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
20d ago · 13:49
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 rehearsalsWe hear from the Tattoo’s Chief Executive, creative team and RAF MusiciansPrincess 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 Mi
Talk to Me, Valley
23d ago · 13:04
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 pilotsThe many attractions of Families Day, from flying displays to the Red Arrows hangarFormula One crashes the
Training Beyond The Trade
24d ago · 14:07
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 operationsPlus, cam cream, mock villages, and building lifelong
Battle Honours Commemorated at Minden Day
25d ago · 13:46
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
A Lasting Tribute to the Airborne Assault Brigade
26d ago · 15:21
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 TeamUnpacking the celebrations and community activities, including a new record from the Red DevilsPlus, goosebump moments, and wel
Training for Tomorrow’s Battlefield
27d ago · 10:59
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 BFBS Aldershot 📝 Have your say on BFBS Love BFBS TV, radio and podcasts? Complete the BFBS survey for the chance to win online shopping vouchers.
On the Road to JFC Brunssum
1mo ago · 11:22
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 ElementLauren 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 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of The Lobby Casting Chaos and P
All change at RAF Brize Norton as the current Station Commander says goodbye
1mo ago · 12:28
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 militaryHighlights from Brize Norton over the last year – BRAVO awards, opening of RAFA Kids, remem
Fundraise For Military Charities with the BFBS Big Salute Op Summit Challenge
1mo ago · 15:54
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 charitiesHear about our presenter Melissa Davies in Ca
The Best Day of the School Year?
1mo ago · 11:50
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 calendarHow the event raised over €2500 for the school’s Parent, Teacher, Friends AssociationPlus, colourful memories from Lauren’s time in Brunei and getting stuck in at forces events!📱 Watch Ryan take on the Colour Run BFBS Cyprus
Farnborough Airshow Inspiring Future Generations
1mo ago · 15:41
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