Seasonal messages from local people in the Forces

Dec 24 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Able Seaman Tiffany Ridge, from Bradley, sent a message from sea. She is 22 and has been in the Royal Navy for more than three years. She is on HMS Northumberland, a Type 23 frigate specialising in electronic warfare. She said: “We are deployed until next spring. We have been fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden and escorting humanitarian shipping from the World Wide Food Programme off the east coast of Somalia.”

Before joining the Royal Navy she worked at Whiteley’s Garden Centre and Bradley Park Golf Club. She went to Mirfield Free Grammar School and Huddersfield Technical College. Her Christmas message to family and friends is: “I wish you all a very merry Christmas, health and happiness for 2009.”See you there.”

Pte Paul Stacey, is serving in the 4 Yorkshire Regiment and used to work as a labourer. His message to family, friends and girlfriend Aleisha in Huddersfield is: “Hey to everyone back home. Wish I was home for Christmas and new year, but unfortunately I won’t. But looking forward to seeing everyone in February.”

Lance Cpl Damien Eyre, 37, is married with two children. He serves in the same unit and his “civvy” job was as an HGV driver. His festive message for family and friends in Huddersfield is: “Merry Xmas and a happy new year. Hope to see you all soon.”