5 minutes on the phone with ... Major (Retired) Terry Cavender, Defence School of Transport

Terry, tell me a bit a bit about you and the DST?
I’m employed as the SO2 Protocol at the Defence School of Transport (DST), Normandy Barracks, Leconfield, which is a staff officer post. DST is the largest residential driver training school in the world. The full scope of training here is very impressive. I’ve been here for some 17 years. DST performs a vital function training personnel from all three Services in a vast range of transport and vehicle operating roles, all of which are crucial to front line activities in such places as Afghanistan.  DST is one of the largest employers in the East Riding of Yorkshire and pumps some £55 million into the local economy annually.
How did DST get involved with Rapid Solicitors?
Rapid Solicitors very kindly sponsored a recent ITV documentary about the DST and that’s how we became ‘known’ to each other. We invited some of your key members up to the base to see what goes on here. Purely by coincidence we’re in the process of restoring a Thorneycroft Mark 3 (‘The Mighty Antar’) which when finished will become what we call a ‘Gate Guardian.’ We’d managed to obtain an Antar which required restoration, but it was in need of a full cosmetic restoration. We were in the process of finding Sponsors to help us and Rapid Solicitors very kindly stepped up to the plate.  Times are very tight and we were extremely fortunate to receive an offer of support. Without it, it is highly unlikely that the project would have gone ahead.
‘The Mighty Antar’
Once the vehicle has been restored to its formal splendour, we’re hoping to have a formal dedication ceremony in February 2012. We’ve managed to get a true VIP to agree to come along and dedicate the vehicle, but we’re keeping his name under our hats for now.
What do you feel about the Restoration Project?
I’m thrilled to bits with it and jumped at the chance to become the Project Officer for this. In a previous life I served for 5 years in what was then West Germany with 617 Tank Transporter Squadron RCT who used these vehicles to great effect, so it’s really nice for me to become involved.
I think that it’s our duty show people some excellent examples of various workhorses that have served the great British nation throughout the years (that’s why I’ve sent you a photo of myself). The Antar will be seen on a daily basis and will serve as a constant reminder that we shouldn’t lose touch with our past and it’s great that Rapid Solicitors has seen fit to give us their vital support.