SOLDIERS at Bordon's Prince Philip Barracks welcomed a special guest for the official opening of their new shop and bar area. The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, head of the British Royal Navy, was in the town on June 12 to unveil a commerorative plaque outside the new-look off-duty area called The Village. Refurbishment took place after consultation with soldiers to find out what facilities they wanted, with the final result designed to feel like a "home from home". The site was closed for 12 weeks while work took place, at a total cost of £60,000. Three existing bars have been spruced up, with a designated smoking area at the back of the complex. The adjoining Spar shop has been extended to offer an increased range of hot and chilled food. But the most notable improvement is the transformation of a 1950s-style diner into a more relaxed cafe, boasting pool tables, arcade games and plasma-screen televisions. Mike Pugh, retail development manager of The Village, said its facilities could comfortably serve up to 300 people and "brought the high street to the base".
