Catterick Garrison The Largest Garrison in England

Catterick Garrison, situated in North Yorkshire is the British Armys largest establishment with a population of around 13,000 personnel (military, civilian and their dependants), covering 2,400 acres and 20,000 acres of training land. The Garrison is situated just a few miles from the A1 and it consists of many different groups of buildings spread all over the area. The largest British Army garrison in the world is expected to grow to over 25,000 by 2020, making it the largest population centre in the local area (Europe), according to the plans announced by the Ministry of Defence in November 2005. The siting of the garrison was first recommended by Robert BadenPowell who founded the Scouting movement in 1908 whilst he was based at the army barracksat that time located in Richmond Castle. The area was originally named Richmond Camp before being changed to Catterick Camp in 1915. The Garrison includes a number of barracks, most of which are named after historical British Army battles, many of which took place in Northern France during the First World War. Some of the barracks are: Cambrai Barracks, home to armoured unit ; Bourlon Barracks, home to infantry unit ; Vimy Barracks, (HQ School of Infantry) named after the Battle of Vimy Ridge ; Somme Barracks, named after the Battle of the Somme ; Alma Barracks, named after the Battle of Alma during the Crimean War ; Wathgill Camp (6 miles from the Garrison and operated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation which also operates and manages the 20,000-acre (81 km2) training area and ranges adjacent to the Garrison.

Catterick is the largest of three Infantry Training Centres (ITCs) in the UK. ITC Catterick conducts infantry training combining Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Combat Infantryman's Course. Junior soldiers destined for the infantry continue to receive Phase 1 training at Army Training Regiment at Bassingbourn and at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. In recent years an impressive development to create a vibrant town centre, including modern retail outlets, and, in partnership with Richmondshire District Council, new sports and leisure facilities has been completed. This has enhanced the quality of life of an integrated community. The Garrison gained its first large supermarket, a Tesco store, in 2000; along with a retail park including a McDonalds. The road signs have been changed to read "Town Centre" instead of "Camp Centre" (which is a roundabout). The Richmondshire Walk retail park includes other well-known high street names such as Boots and Poundstretcher. The Garrison also hoasts a Telematic Learning Centre for Darlington College of Technology - the largest of its kind when opened in 1999. The garrison is well-supported with a variety of facilities within the Army Welfare Service community complex including the HIVE, free Internet Facilities (in HIVE), the NSPCC Almond Tree Project, Mother and Toddlers sessions and childrens activities hosted by Community Support. Outside the Army Welfare Service (AWS) complex are other facilities including two well-used Community Centres hosting regular events - the White Rose Club, which houses a ten pin bowling alley, and the Dalesman Community Centre, which adjoins Soldier Sams adventure play centre. There is also a thrift shop, library, leisure centre with three swimming pools and other sporting and recreational facilities including an 18 hole golf course. Substantial new private housing with provision for a primary school and the former Colburn Barracks has been developed as a business park. There are more than 2,000 married quarters and heavy investment has provided modern new barracks and families living quarters of the highest standards. They make a huge contribution in terms of economic activity, including Council Tax, and their own personal interaction in local organisations.